Lillian shows us her house

We have been learning a lot about our new friend Lillian. She is a totally selfless woman, with a heart of gold. She's had a really rough life that we hear about in bits and pieces: she's been abandoned by nearly everyone she has loved in this life.

From ever since she was a young girl, she's tried to trust and love those around her and has been hurt time and time again. Abused and raped, time and time again, starting from as young as age twelve, by those who were supposed to love her, she had almost given up on her own life by the time she was a young adult. She bravely tells about how she nearly killed herself with insect poison. And then about how she found the Bible, about how she met her mentor Anthony, about how she's been able to forgive those who have hurt her and to devote her life to helping children - so that they won't have to endure the hard times that she has.

We are so inspired by this amazing woman - by how much she has seen, and by who she is today. She tears up almost every time that she shares her past with us - and understandably. We can't even imagine the pain and suffering. And yet she's come out of it. She is strong today. Miraculously, she hasn't been infected by HIV. She was able to learn skills and get a job. She made decent money working in an office until a health problem forced her to reduce the hours she was able to work. She makes enough money to take care of herself... and what's more even more admirable: she's taken in twelve children. Twelve. Three of these children are in boarding school, paid for by Lillian, the rest of them are still living with her.

On our way home from a night out in Kampala, in the wee hours of the morning, Lillian tells us she'd love for us to see where she lives - to meet her boys. And so, we pile out of a taxi in the middle of the night to see her home. It is small, just two rooms - the largest room houses six boys in two bunks, and Lillian's room is in the back. She shares it with the remaining three.

The boys, aged about eight years old to seventeen, wake up confused, rubbing their eyes and say hello, big smiles abound. They're surprised, but excited, to see a group of seven or so of us taking a middle of the night tour of their home with their "mother". And Lillian is so proud to show us the home that she has made for herself, and her family of misfits. She is truly an outstanding human being, and we all feel honored to be here with her.