“I have become a better version of myself. My children are so happy, and there is life in the house.”
As the warm glow of dusk settles over a small rural town in Western Kenya, inside one modest home, the air fills with rich aromas as a mother finishes preparing dinner.
Outside, playful shouts and the pitter-patter of feet can be heard. Mercy calls to her three children, and they come rushing in with wide smiles, eager to eat.
It wasn’t long ago that life looked very different for this family. Mercy’s youngest child suffered from a painful foot deformity. In a community where disability is seen as a curse, her family faced rejection, and Mercy carried the weight of shame and guilt.
Thanks to your support and Mercy’s resilience, everything changed. Her son is now walking for the first time, and Mercy has found freedom through her faith in Jesus Christ.
A heartbreaking choice
When baby Prince was born, Mercy and her husband celebrated his arrival with great pride. But soon, Mercy noticed his right foot was not growing correctly. Sadly, her husband blamed her for the disability.
Mercy suffered emotional abuse from her husband and her in-laws, and her marriage began to fall apart. Eventually, she made the hard decision to leave, taking her children with her, even though she had no family to lean on.
Hope awakened
Mercy managed to secure a low-paid job in a hair salon, earning just enough to support herself and the children.
One day, she confided in a customer about her son’s condition. The lady told her that Dreamland Mission Hospital could treat young Prince. Mercy was overjoyed by the news and booked an appointment straight away.
Life-changing surgery
During the consultation, the doctor confirmed that corrective surgery could realign her son’s foot.
Your support and our partner’s incredible work has meant that Prince can now stand without pain and is learning to walk. Mercy is ecstatic, and crucially, has learned that Prince’s health condition was not her fault.
She shared: “I’m at a loss for words to express how grateful I am. My son can walk, and you helped remove the shame I carried. Thank you.”
Getting her Spark
Following her son’s successful treatment, Mercy was invited to participate in our Spark programme, which equips vulnerable families to start their own businesses.
Having gained experience as a salon assistant, Mercy decided to open her own salon. With your Spark investment, Mercy purchased styling tools and products and found a shop to rent.
Over the last year, Mercy’s business has flourished, and the income enables her to provide for her children. She no longer has to skip meals.
Spreading hope
Mercy was so inspired by the help she received from Dreamland that she now actively gives back to others. She trains young women in her salon, acts as an ambassador for the hospital, and mentors other parents in the Spark programme.
Thanks to your support and Mercy’s resilience, she is now spreading hope in her community and helping other families to thrive.
She said, “I have become a better version of myself. My children are so happy, and there is life in the house.”