She will probably kill me if she finds out I've written about her, but I just think she's way cool. She is university-educated, bright, energetic, fun and tireless in the ways that she reaches out to others.
Having studied business in university, Harriet is keenly interested in corporate social responsibility and has dreams of starting her own business that funnels funds to a parallel non-profit organization addressing women's issues.
She is a leader in her church, particularly with the youth, and she has just finished an annual conference that she initiated three years ago named Treasures that seeks to improve girls' self-esteem and help them see themselves as "women of rare beauty" in God's eyes.
Harriet loves rock music. Hillsong, the popular Christian group, is her favorite band, and she loves attending concerts and worship nights in the city. She never fails to indulge with me in the joys of ice cream and puts me to shame with her impeccable fashion sense.
She works with me at Refuge & Hope and has been a constant source of wisdom and motivation to me in the work. Every time I have a question about Ugandan culture - no matter how silly - I never hesitate to ask Harriet, because she is unfailingly open and understanding about my curiosity (though that doesn't keep her from laughing at me...in a good-natured way, of course!).
Harriet is my closest Ugandan friend here, and I could not have enjoyed my time here this past year nearly as much without her help and genuine friendship. Her admirable character, intellect and convictions make me excited and hopeful about the future generation of leaders in Uganda. I just can't wait to see what she'll do. So here's to you, Harriet!
No comments:
Post a Comment