The unsung gem

Jajja Florence & her home

We arrived at this modest home hardly any minute after noon and a fleeting look was sufficient to give one a portrait of things. I mean, what with little kids frisking about!

My acquaintances and I set out for a charity activity as is our custom every so often and this time round singled out Kira; a suburb in the outskirts of the city.  It was the Easter break; precisely Good Friday and what souped up way to spend it than putting a smile on the faces of a few innocent souls! 

The home in the picture belongs to an exceptional elderly lady commonly known as Jajja Florence; who driven by her compassion, embarked on a journey to provide for needy kids in her vicinity. Children namely the orphaned and abandoned constitute the 17 ranging from 3-17yrs dwelling in the little house with Jajja; they so dotingly address her. *Jajja loosely translated means grandma*

We were saluted with little hugs and kisses from the overly joyous and astonishingly well kempt little ones. Why astonishingly you may ask; see, the exterior state of the house is awfully deceptive. We were under the impression that the brood would be just as dishevelled. 

However, it is evident that Jajja Florence is doing a commendable job so much so that by the time she came to usher us in; we were by now settled in the living room. Her “babies” (as she so dotingly refers to them) had made sure we were comfy. 

Finally meeting the lady was a breath-taking experience for she exudes such delightfulness that we put our feet up guaranteed that our presence was indeed appreciated. 

Well, she intimated on how it all started; saying a single mother at the verge of death was apprehensive about what would become of her two children when she eventually passed on. This made an impression on Jajja Florence so much so that she pledged to take them in. This was to be the impetus for the bang up job she was to embark on.  She since then has bent over backwards to look out for deprived vulnerable children in her neighbourhood.

Asked how she ekes out an existence; she intimates after a brief but deep silence that “things are not easy” given that she does it singlehandedly. 

Back when she had a clean bill of health, she used to grow the food they needed. However, “lately am unable because of high blood pressure and diabetes” she said. Nevertheless, she soldiers on in a bid to endow the group with basic necessities. This was tear-jerking!

“At uncommon occasions, good Samaritans like you my children (so she addressed us through our visit) chance upon us and chip in” she continued. 

Watching how the young ones drew together around her for a cuddle was enough to evince how much she cares for them. The love in her eyes, boy oh boy, invaluable! *Almost certainly the one thing that keeps them good looking even when they survive on just one meal per day*

This brings me to the crux of this article; recognizing and applauding Jajja Florence. You are simply special. I was and still am greatly enthused. I celebrated you this Mother’s day and you’ll still be my extraordinary person for 2015. 

PS: What is charity? 

The dictionary offers various definitions notably; 

"Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering"

See, oftentimes I invite my colleagues and people I interact with from various walks of life to have a go at reaching out to the needy and shockingly almost always get the “I’m not rich” card. However, one doesn't need to have a lot to chip in. Matter of fact, it's hardly about money.

Case in point is Jajja Florence; a weekend or just a few hours with the kids, edifying them on a few life lessons or just helping out with chores would mean the world to them. It is really a walk in the park making a difference in a child’s life seeing as they possess a variety of needs and hence are quite easy to aid. Be that as it may, whenever you can, share some of the blessings God has bestowed upon you with the less fortunate. You'll latch onto the fact that it is emotionally rewarding!

When all's said and done, huge kudos Jajja Florence! You are a priceless pearl!