Josephine

On Thursday night Dani, Chelsea, Tammy, Carrie, Beatrice, and I all led six different small groups. I had the amazing opportunity to meet Josephine. She from the start was all smiles. During the small group I shared my testimony with them and then gave them the chance to talk about their own testimony. Josephine was the first girl to raise her hand to speak. She talked about how a couple years ago she became very ill. When she was sick she told her parents that she did not believe in God and her parents then brought her to the church to get help. She said that at the church she got to talk to the pastor about how powerful God's love is and in that moment she gave her life to God.

Later on in the evening I got the opportunity to talk to Josephine and Joyce (her best friend) about their families and lives. They told me that both their families believe in God and a witch doctor put a spell on them saying that they will not get married and have kids or be prosperous in life (in Uganda many believe in witch doctors). After that I was able to pray that God protects them from the evil and they keep their faith in the Lord.

On the last day of the camp I got to sit by Josephine during the final game. We talked about many things such as her family and her boyfriend. It was sad to hear talk about her boyfriend because they have been together for three years but he lives in Soroti and she lives Katikwi which are an hour away from each other. She told me that he does not treat her right and she only sees him if she comes to Soroti for soccer and that does not happen often. When she calls him, he does not want to talk to her.  She also said he did not believe in God and she did not think he was a very good guy.  I asked her if she will marry him and she said yes. I then asked why would you marry him if he does not treat you right and she just said because I love him. It was hard to explain how a man should treat a woman because in Uganda a man will marry one woman but have three or four other mistresses. Josephine put it as a man will love up to four or five women. It breaks my heart to know that her future is following this culturally accepted life style.

Josephine showed her amazing personality through everything. In soccer she always worked her hardest no matter what. She encouraged others and made sure to include them in everything. Her beautiful character made an impression on my heart.

Also on the last day of the camp the TCON team got the chance to play soccer against the coaches and after the game I decided to give Josephine my cleats. She has never had her own and she plays in bare feet. When I gave her the cleats she was overjoyed. It was amazing to be able to give her her first pair of cleats. I thank God that I was able to meet this wonderful girl, she has changed my life forever.

- Cora