By Juli McGowan Boit | Published: August 23, 2013
Mary Nafula
Born: 1994
Guest at Living Room: July 20, 2011 – April 16, 2012
On July 20th, 2011, a 16 year-old girl named Mary was carried through the doors of Kimbilio Hospice. Her story includes unimaginable abuse and neglect. Locked in a home and left to die, Mary was rescued by “Good Samaritans” and through a friend of a friend of a friend, she was brought from over 50 miles away to the refuge of Kimbilio Hospice. Mary was barely conscious on the day she arrived, fearful of everyone and everything, with bedsores scattered across her body. She was malnourished, weak, and unable to walk or even speak. We do not pretend to understand why this sort of suffering was allowed, but we believe, with all of our hearts, that God had not forgotten about her. Day by day, as the Living Room team provided loving care, we witnessed glimpses of life returning to Mary. She gained strength and slowly began to trust again.
On September 23rd, two months after Mary’s arrival to Kimbilio, we witnessed the unforgettable. Much commotion brought all to the hallway as Living Room caregivers Lilian and Flora, while supporting her on either side, were encouraging Mary to take a step—helping her to learn to walk again. Though she was still quite fearful, the encouraging and loving words of our team enabled her to gain courage and take her first steps. Oh what joy filled all of our hearts, including Mary’s! The smile on her face was priceless.
Slow
ly but surely, Mary came out of her shell the months following her first steps. She walked with the support of caregivers for some time, later transitioning to a walker. Then Mary would hold on to the wall or chairs until finally she gained enough confidence to walk completely on her own. Our team was always deeply moved to watch her during devotion and worship time as she joyfully joined in singing praises to God. As she sang and clapped her hands, the light that filled her eyes was stunning and unmistakably holy.
Ten months after Mary was carried through the doors of Kimbilio Hospice, she walked on her own back out of them, full of smiles and joy. As the Living Room team gathered around her to pray for her and send her off with blessings, we were reminded again of why Living Room exists.
Mary is worth running for
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