In Her Shoes: Chantal

Every heart holds a story. It’s through sharing these stories that we learn, relate, and know that we are not alone. Today we are honored to bring you a story from Chantal. She is an amazing woman and caretaker from Rwanda. Fix yourself a cup of tea, open up your heart, and let Chantal tell you what it is like to be IN HER SHOES…

…

I have been raising children since I was nine years old. My parents died in the Genocide in 1994, and left the five of us kids alone. I am the oldest, so it fell on me to care for everyone.

We fled with other refugees to the country of Burundi, then later we came back to Rwanda and went to an orphanage in the capital city of Kigali because our parents were gone. I sent letters in envelopes searching for other family members who might have survived, but we couldn’t find anyone.

 I asked myself if my siblings would have to grow up without a chance at a good life, so I tried my best to give them a good life. My younger siblings went to school, and we had a free house to live in. Then one of my siblings was traumatized and could not go to school.

 An old woman took us into her house and helped my sibling who was struggling, and they went back to school, too.

 I thank God that my brothers and sisters are all grown up now. I am pregnant and live with my husband and three children. My biggest HOPE is that my kids can go to school and have a good life.

…

*Story told to Ginger Lobdell and translated by Eva Mugisha

**Friendly reminder that all of the women we photograph and share their stories have given their permission.

A big MURAKOZE (Thank you) to Chantal) for sharing her story with us today. We are working on expanding job training in Rwanda so Chantal and others can make a living and provide for their families. If you would like to spread HOPE around the world, CLICK HERE to purchase a handmade bag from Rwanda for your very own, or CLICK HERE to donate today!

Every heart holds a story. If you have a story from your life that you would like to share, please email Ginger@SheHopes.org or contact us HERE.