Anna & Jean Bosco in Matara this summer

As I sat under the pavilion laced with vines and beautifully tied flowers blowing in the cool wind, I thought “what a celebration!” For me, a celebration of being blessed to have known my sweet Batwa friends for two years; for the Batwa, a celebration of 3 years of life on the mountain of love. The place where God has been working alongside them creating opportunities, one after another.

For Jean Bosco it was a day of celebrating freedom. As he stood before his Texas friends his face beamed with glory for the accomplishments he has made in his life. Sharply dressed, in his best, he told a story of when he made 50 cents a month – a story of not knowing how he would end up, a story of slavery and abandonment. A story of sadness changed to a story of growth into a world of prosperity and happiness. Jean Bosco went on to tell us that every month, with his 50 cents, he would walk to buy soap so his master would not complain of his odor. But now, look at him now! He smiled and laughed as he said obviously his appearance alone was worth much more than a mere half dollar.

At that time, I saw a man with a heart worth much more than any monetary value could possess. I saw a heart filled with Jesus, pride, love and excitement for what the future may bring. A heart that gives all of us hope and peace in knowing that alongside God, we can do anything!

We can be anything and that no matter who we are, Batwa or Texans, God will never forget us. We are his people and we will not be forgotten.

— Guest post by Anna Womac