by Janet Welch, Cote D'Ivoire
11 August 2006
The women are the most beautiful part of my work in the Maison Dorcas Sewing Project in Abidjan. As God changes their lives, they become examples of His love in their relationships with others. Awa is a living portrayal of God's grace. The love she has shown for her son is an example of the compassion and mercy that God shows each of us.

Flunking Out?!

When Awa came to work with us, Emmanuel was living in the village with his grandmother. However, that soon changed. Emmanuel's teacher called Awa and said that her child didn't know anything, that he hadn't been to class for two weeks, and that he was going to throw the boy out. He reminded her that Emmanuel had already flunked two grades and was "nothing but trouble."

Awa was beside herself. She knew the importance of schooling for Emmanuel's future, so she decided to bring him to Abidjan and put him in a private school there. After making the financial sacrifice to pay his tuition, she made plans to threaten him within an inch of his life if he didn't do his school work.

Welcome Home Party

But in the end, she planned something different. Awa threw a party! She asked Emmanuel what he wanted to eat (spaghetti, bread, and cake), and invited the children from their neighborhood. All day before the party, Emmanuel kept going to the fridge, looking in, and asking, "Mama, is all this really for me?"

Awa answered, "Yes, I'm so glad you have come to stay with me, so we are having a party."

Awa called all the children and told each one to shake Emmanuel's hand and tell him "Welcome" and "I hope you do well in school." He was so proud! No one had ever given him a party before. When the children came and ate and had cake, he was delighted!

The day school started, he was up early. He told his mother he was going to work hard and make her proud. Now, Emmanuel loves school, is near the top of his class, and is ready every day on time. Why? Because his mother showed him God's love, and he knows she is glad he is living with her.