This photo was taken in 2005, shortly after Ann joined the group at Upendo Village making African jewelry. When I visited Upendo this March (2007), I didn't see her. Sister Florence took me to Ann's home, and on the way I learned more of her story.
Ann was a streetwalker--a prostitute. Two years ago business was slow & Ann saw the women's group taking a break from work & eating lunch in the courtyard at Upendo. (They are served a high-protein porridge.) She was hungry and a bit nosey, so she investigated. She stayed to eat and make jewelry.
Here Sister Florence stopped the story--we'd arrived at Ann's home and she welcomed us in.
Because of her retraining and "career shift" Ann now has her own business. She sells clothing to people in Naivasha & jewelry to tourists. She accompanies Sister Florence to pull young girls in from the streets & deter them from a short (if profitable) life of prostitution.
Sister Florence leaned over and looked me square in the eyes: "Keen, never underestimate the power of the simple work you are doing."
I burst into tears. I am crying as I write this. It is YOU--our donors--who allow me to do what I do. Thank you.