My name is Ymmacule, and I have lived in Cazale all my life. I grew up here, by the river, and even now the sound of the water running through our town still feels like a blessing. There are so many people that have to walk long distances to find water.

I work washing the clothes, cloth diapers, sheets, and blankets for the children in the Rescue Center. I do this work along with two other ladies, and together we make sure the children always have something clean and fresh. It is not easy work, but I like it. This job helps me take care of my own four children. We live together in a small two-room house that I rent, and every bit of income helps us live.

Every morning I walk to the center and collect the laundry for the day. We sort everything into big metal washing basins, balance them on our heads, and carry them to the yard not far from the center. We pick up the laundry soap for the day and get to work washing everything by hand. It is hard on the arms and the back, but I am grateful for it.

There is a good place in the yard to hang the clothes to dry. I am thankful for that—especially after what happened once. I remember washing a whole morning’s worth of clothes and hanging them neatly on the line. Then suddenly the line broke, and everything fell into the mud. I had to rewash every single piece. I was so tired that day! Now, every week, the laundry lines are inspected and replaced if they look worn out. That small change saves us so much trouble.

After washing, we clean the yard and go home for a little while. In the late afternoon, we come back to take the clothes down, fold them, and carry them back in the metal basins to the center. Everything is separated and put into the right bins so the children can have what they need. We do this four days each week, and every day we work, I pray that God gives me strength.

Life has not been easy lately. Two months ago, my son was killed. My heart has been heavy, and I carry a lot of sadness and stress. But I keep going—for my other children, for the children at the Rescue Center, and because I know God sees me.

On Sundays, I go to the Catholic church here in the village. My faith helps carry me through the grief. If you think of me, please pray for my family. Pray that God gives us peace and helps us heal.

I am thankful for my work, for the river that blesses our town, and for the people who care about the children we serve. Even with everything I’ve been through, I still believe there is hope.