Winnie

Dear Otino Waa friends,

My name is Amanda and I have the privilege of working on this blog each week and sharing stories about children whose lives are changing. I've also had the opportunity to visit the children at Otino Waa twice over the past two years. As a photographer I loved capturing their giggles, their games and also handing the camera over to them and switching places. During my first trip I was placed in Mama Janet's house with her eight girls and young son. One of the girls I got to meet was Winnie. I remember the first time we said hello, her huge smile lit up her shy face. She is sweet, funny and vibrant. Just seeing her photo you'd never guess all that she's been through. I hope her story helps you see a glimpse into how God's redemptive work is alive at Otino Waa.

Winnie Aceng

Amanda with Winnie and her family.

Winnie Aceng was born on 1/4/1996, has two siblings and speaks Luo and some English.

 When she was seven she lost her dad to AIDS.  She remembers the date because it was Christmas Day of that year.  She remembers watching her mom take her dad out to be buried on that very day. 

After a long struggle with AIDS her mom also died the following year.  This time the children were the ones to carry her out to be buried next to their dad.  They lived in a very rural area and were on their own for a short time before a family came.  

This was a difficult time for the kids as they now had to be divided up and sent to various family members who would accept them.  Winnie’s brother, who unfortunately is mentally retarded, found a home with his grandmother who struggled to survive in another rural village.  The other sister found a home with an aunt who lived many miles away.  Winnie has not seen her siblings since the breakup.  Winnie went to live with an elderly grandfather. 

Life at this point did not become easier.  Hunger, ragged clothes and lack of education were always present.  Winnie had multiple bouts with malaria and no medical help.  

The grandfather learned of Otino Waa and made arrangements for an interview in 2006 and in late 2007 Winnie was admitted.  She now enjoys a new family, home, health and school.  She will be catching up in grade levels for some time, but wishes to be a doctor.  She is grateful to you, as her sponsor for your prayers and help in her life.  She would like to meet you.