Dream come true!

I grew up learning to be independent. My father had many wives and never took it seriously to provide for or care for his children, so we struggled through life, fending for ourselves.

When I reached Senior Four in high school, I managed to pass, but I was soon taken away by peer pressure and challenges. My mother could no longer afford my school fees, so I stayed home for a year. During that year, anger filled my heart, and I was led into a group where I learned harmful habits like drinking alcohol and using drugs. In that situation, I was deceived by a boy who made me feel loved and needed, but in reality he meant nothing good for me. I ended up pregnant, and that’s when I saw his true side.

When my mother found out, she tried to convince me to have an abortion, but somehow I found the strength to stand up to her and refused. Life grew harder every morning I woke up, because my mother was angry at me for getting pregnant at 17, in the middle of our already difficult life. She begged me to change my mind. I had no support to keep my baby, and I was so needy even for the most basic things, yet a child was on the way. I felt distressed—until I came to The Fortress. Oh, how thankful I am for The Fortress!

My life turned around. At The Fortress I found peace, care, unconditional love, counseling, fun, food, and medical support. Most of all, I found God. I came to understand Jesus in that place, and I received a miracle when God answered my prayer to give birth without pain or difficulty—because that is exactly what happened.

At The Fortress I also learned handcraft skills, which helped me to leave with some money to start life with my child. I named my baby Shalom, which means "peace," because I had found peace there. I was given baby clothes, a Mama Kit for safe delivery, and all the care and support I desperately needed.

After some months, The Fortress reunited me with my family through counseling. Life was still hard, but I survived and faced society’s humiliation with strength, because I had been well prepared. I cared for my child for a year, and eventually my mother regretted pushing me toward abortion. After seeing my innocent baby boy, she was overjoyed and even gave him the name Raymond. But when my father found out that I had become a born-again Christian, he disowned me and broke all ties with me. Still, this was the turning point when I resolved to change my life and become a woman of purpose, as Mama Fortress—Josephine—always encouraged us to be.

Today, with the help of The Fortress and another organization, I am at university studying Nursing, my dream career! My son is also in school, living with my mother. I love the Lord and serve in my church as an usher, which I enjoy deeply.

All of this has been possible because of the love and empowerment I received from The Fortress. I want to thank the staff and sponsors—your giving has given me a future! I look forward to helping many people when I graduate as a nurse and earn a good living. Long live The Fortress—more girls like me need you.