After the Iceberg
“Auntie, have you heard about the Titanic?” Margaret asked as she perched by the edge of the pool.
“Tell me about it,” I said, shielding my eyes from the hot June sun.
“It was a huge boat that everyone thought was safe until it sank,” she said. “Some of the passengers survived, but most of them died. Why would God allow that?”
Margaret’s question caught me off guard. The rest of the children from our Kampala safehouse splashed and played in the cool water. But this 11-year-old contemplated deeper matters – sinking ships and God’s purpose in suffering.
Her question carried weight. Having survived horrific abuse by someone who should have been her protector and later learning she was HIV positive, Margaret had every reason to feel like she was drowning in an ocean of despair.
(The photo above was taken few weeks prior by our counselor, Jane, who captured this moment shortly after telling Margaret she was HIV positive.)
But this is a story of hope.
“He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemies…. He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.” Psalm 18: 16 – 19
At our safe house, Margaret found more than shelter – she discovered a community of mentors, caregivers, and counselors prepared to love and support her throughout her healing journey.
Jane, our psychologist, addressed her concerns about HIV and helped her understand she could still live a long and happy life.
She also helped Margaret overcome the nightmares and other PTSD symptoms resulting from her abuse.
(Here’s Margaret rebuilding her world during a sand-tray therapy session with Jane.)
Behind the scenes, our Community Action Team worked together to prepare her case for court. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, Margaret’s case was successfully committed to the High Court of Uganda.
Meanwhile, our social workers began preparing for her next chapter – reuniting her with an auntie who can provide Margaret with a safe and loving family and home.
A few weeks ago, just six months after our poolside conversation, I watched in awe as Margaret confidently led a devotion on the prodigal son for the children, staff, and visitors at the safe house.
“This story shows us that we have a good father who loves us unconditionally,” she declared.
The transformation was profound. The girl who once questioned God’s decisions now speaks of His unfailing love.
I was so encouraged to see how far Margaret had come. She’s safe, healthy (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), and ready to embrace her future.
None of this would be possible without the support of friends like you.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can transform stories of tragedy into testimonies of hope.
With deep gratitude,
Sarah Lambie
President & Co-Founder,
Rescue One More
