Stories of Transformation: Meet Mary

Mary, a recent graduate from our Transformation Training class for women with disabilities in Kamakwie, Sierra Leone, had a life-changing experience. Due to her disability, Mary had always been considered an outcast - not someone who would be sought out for knowledge or assistance. But that all changed in one night.

“At about midnight, I heard wailing from my neighbor’s house. I rushed over to see what the problem was, knowing that their son had been very sick, I figured he must have died. However, he was not dead, just unconscious because of the severe vomiting and diarrhea from the sickness. I knew that without help he would soon die. Without wasting time, I mixed up the ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) that we had learned about in class that very day. I spooned this solution into the boy’s mouth for about 30 minutes. To my surprise, he opened his eyes! He was still very weak, so I continued giving him the ORS until daybreak. In the morning, the family had hope that he would live and took him to the clinic. He is now recovered from the sickness and completely well.” - Mary

Hope and healing took place in the lives of both Mary and her community through this experience. A former outcast became the village heroine through the empowerment of knowledge and simple skills. Mary gives all glory to God for giving her the ability to save the life of her neighbor’s son.

Support women like Mary, and make Hope accessible.