Published in Living Hope Newsletter, January 2012
Even without a pair of ears, Jenifer Aol, a 35-year old mother of 6 children is a busy, hard working war survivor. She is full of life and vigour as she goes about her daily chores.
At the height of the LRA insurgency in northern Uganda, Jenifer was captured by a group of rebels from her home, along with other women and children in the neighbourhood.
As they moved on, the rebels asked for the women's husbands and when they refused to disclose their whereabouts, they were beaten up. The rebels then began cutting off the women's lips, ears and some, their heads to 'teach them a lesson'.
Fortunately, the rebels were intercepted by government soldiers, saving many more women and children from further injury. But Jenifer had already lost her ears. She received treatment for her wounds from a local hospital and went to settle in a remote village over 60km from Gulu town.
Jenifer earns a living by tilling her small gardens to feed her children and sometimes, they can’t go to school because she cannot afford their school fees.
Towards the end of 2011, Jenifer was identified by Living Hope for reconstructive surgery. She has already undergone trauma counselling, discipleship training and assessment for a possible ear operation. She is now awaiting her appointment for surgery.
And as she waits, her face is brightened by smiles and joy. She’s already happy with the developments so far.
She says, “Ever since I came into contact with Living Hope, my life has changed for the better. I received start-up capital and personal effects from Living Hope. We were also taught how to save and invest our income. I’m now working hard to provide for my family and also looking forward to the surgery.”
