Last week we were able to sit down with Lea Cox and ask her a few questions about her time in Uganda. Last year, Lea moved from Cypress, TX to Wakisi, Uganda, to the Mashah Village. In her year there, she was able to mother, alongside two Ugandan women, the children of Mashah. We are so blessed to have someone with such a heart, working with and loving the kids at Mashah.
Why did you choose to work at Mashah this past year, rather than any other organization?
I was very clear about God’s leading me to go to Africa, I was just not sure how or where. I looked into some non-profits that worked in Africa, but I never felt settled about any of them. So, I began asking a pastor at Metropolitan Baptist Church if he knew of anywhere that I could go and serve for at least a year. I was then directed to Eleváre. I talked with Loren Hill, heard more about what they were doing, and could feel that God was saying yes.
What was your biggest fear in moving to a new country, leaving your home, being far from family and friends?
I really wasn’t scared, I was very excited! God had been leading, and I was perfectly sure of that.
What has been the best experience you have had this past year?
I have loved learning from the people of Uganda. They have so much faith. We, in America, are surrounded by everything we could ever need, yet we do not trust God. The people I have met have nothing, yet they trust with all that they are. They have little, but their spirituality and trust in God is greater than ours will ever be. They also care for each other. Everyone is willing to lend a hand to family and friends. When one is in need the other will give them their last five dollars, because they know, in turn, that the same will be done for them when they are in need.
I have also seen many elderly women give the last coin in their pocket to the church. They know that God will take care of them if they give all they have. They trust completely.
How much is Mashah helping the children who live there?
It is a much better situation for them. They are guaranteed an education, they receive three meals a day, they have good clothing, and they are, most importantly, loved. Many of the kids in the surrounding village, Wakisi, do not have these simple things. They are unsure of the food they will receive each day, the do not go to school, they do not have good clothing, and they are neglected due to circumstances.
I recently saw a 3 year old little girl going to the well by herself. The well is a good distance from most of the homes and she was carrying two small cans filled with water. It was heart breaking to watch her walk a few feet with the cans, then sit down and cry due to being overwhelmed. She did this on and off for quite awhile. It was heartbreaking.
Many of these children are left to fend for themselves. 7 and 8 year old siblings are raising their younger siblings. Young children are being left at home, and at times tied up to ensure their safety, and it is all due to desperation. The parents have no choice. Work must be done in order to feed the many mouths and children are not allowed at work.
The children at Mashah receive so much. Mostly, they receive attention and love. They are succeeding due to the support they are receiving. Which is invaluable.
How do you think the recent fundraiser will affect the Mashah and Wakisi children?
I think the Mashah children will really enjoy this process. The buying and giving of second-hand clothes to the Wakisi children will bring great perspective. The Mashah children will enjoy the gift of giving and the Wakisi kids will experience care and love from us in a very sweet way. I am excited to see!
What can we do here in America?
There are a few things you can do.
First, give. If more financial support is given then more children can be helped. Mashah has plenty of room for more children but there are not enough funds to welcome them in.
Second, pray:
- Please pray for the children’s education. Many of the children are going to school for the first time. They are behind and are in need of extra help and, of course, our support.
- Please pray for their futures. Our goal as mothers and as an organization is to help raise these children into successful adults.
- Please pray that we will be able to help more children, for the families of the children at Mashah, and for the future children who will join the Mashah family.
We are extremely excited to announce that Lea will be returning to Mashah for an indefinite amount of time! She knows that God has called her to continue to serve and we, along with the Mashah family, could not be more pleased!!
Keep a lookout for posts from Lea as she continues to love the children at Mashah!
The post MASHAH INTERVIEW: Lea Cox appeared first on Eleváre International.
