Ñ The late Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
In the past three months, three great women have died. The adage that "things happen in 3s" remains to be true in this instance. Shocking news of Princess Diana's death spanned the globe, even reaching my remote village. Then, Mother Teresa, the Living Saint, died days later. Millions mourned over the deaths of these influential women.
One week before Princess Diana's tragic death, another great woman quietly died in the bush of Uganda, East Africa. She was unknown to the world and carried no titles. She lived a humble and respectable life based on Christian values. The locally-admitted woman is Joyce Kiiza, my best friend/colleague who died of AIDS at 40 years old.
I do not have the words to fully or to accurately describe Joyce. How can one explain a person who lit up a room with her smile and put others at ease with her hearty laugh? Strangers were warmly welcomed and never left her house with an empty stomach.
Instead of attempting to describe Joyce and selling her short, I will simply inform you about her accomplishments in her short lifetime. Joyce was a loving (widowed) mother of two, a friend to everyone, a mid-wife, a druggist, a guardian of five orphans, a community leader, and the chairperson of Uganda Women's efforts to Save Orphans (UWESO).
She gave relentlessly, never expecting anything in return. From her family, friends, and community she earned admiration, respect and love. She was one of the most honest people I know. Repeatedly, I told others I would trust her with my life and would further comment ... what a wonderful world it would be if we had two Joyces!
When I came to Kiboga three years ago, Joyce was introduced to me as my colleague with UWESO. The day I arrived she took me under her wing as an orphan. She provided me with potatoes from her garden, words of wisdom about the culture, and a love-filled friendship.
Joyce worked tirelessly for the women of Kiboga without recognition for her volunteerism. She was a natural leader and the women looked to her for guidance and encouragement. Through Joyce's efforts, women's groups were formed, the groups were trained in business skills, and the women were able to care for their orphans.
Despite her accomplishments, Joyce did not feel satisfied she had helped the women enough. It was not until June 1996, when 15 UWESO Women received loans to begin income-generating projects, did she feel some satisfaction.
Joyce was also one of the founders of the UWESO Primary School. She understood the importance of education and was an avid supporter of the school. Together, Joyce and I wrote a project proposal to the U.S. Ambassador's Fund requesting for funding to build four classrooms. The community needed to contribute to the project, as well. She worked endlessly on the project until a few months before her death.
Her dream was to see the classroom block completed. Unfortunately, she passed away before the project was finished.
Thanks to various patrons of the Brainerd lakes area, the school will be officially opened in November by the First Lady of Uganda and the United States Ambassador to Uganda.
My contract with the Peace Corps is terminating in December. Before Joyce's death, I marked two goals before my department: 1) to hold UWESO elections, 2) to open the new school.
Now, I have added a third goal. In lieu of Joyce's spirit of educating children, I am looking for sponsors to help fund the education of Joyce's two children.
They are being looked after by her sisters; however, the sisters are unable to provide school fees. The children are bright, honest and hardworking.
Her son, Reagan, is completing the tenth grade. He will need $600 per year to cover his school fees and living expenses.
The Christmas Season is coming soon ... what about giving the greatest gift of all Ñ an education for two needy orphans?
Then, the legend of this great woman will continue through her children and for generations to come.
If interested in sponsoring Joyce's children, please contact my parents or myself at the following address:
Jackie Bye, 1276 Mission Road, Nisswa, MN 56468. Tel/fax: (218) 963-4943.
Ruth Muyinza Bulyera, a 4-year-old from Uganda, East Africa, is now living with family after her mother recently died of AIDS. Jackie Bye of Nisswa is ending her mission with the Peace Corps in Uganda next month and is hoping to find sponsorship for Ruth and her brother before she returns home.
Photo courtesy of Jackie Bye
Her daughter, Ruth, is four years old and will be starting Kindergarten in January. She will need $300 per year to cover school fees and living expenses (her school fees are cheaper because she is younger). Ruth has been attending preschool and informs people, "I speak English like Jackie."
Once again, I am writing to ask for your help. Many people and organizations look for charities to sponsor.