Dear friends
Our long-standing mother Harriet passed away this week at the age of 53. She was an exemplary mother. Her smile was infectious, her heart was big, and she would have walked through fire for her ten children.
The head of the Ugandan social services also visited us this week. She asked Kids of Africa to take on guardianship for additional babies. The cycles of life.
Rest in Peace, Mummy Kamara Harriet (1973 â 2926)
This week, many people from Kids of Africa came together. Together, we honoured and said goodbye to Mummy Harriet. She was a wonderful woman, mother and leader.
Born into modest circumstances in 1973, her education was limited, even though her primary school grades were good. Her adult life was unspectacular. As a foster mother of ten, she was on duty around the clock â especially when her children were small. Unlike her, many of her children were able to enjoy higher education.
But they did not learn the real lessons of life at school, but from Mother Harriet. “Everything depends on God’s blessing” and “No pain, no gain” were her principles, which she upheld not with severity, but with a smile. Her children are all well on their way to their own futures.
But outside (and sometimes even within) the family, many mothers receive little appreciation for their valuable work. Not so with Mummy Harriet. She was a regular and popular guest in her church community. When her children went to sporting events, she brought along homemade baked goods. She was universally loved. And so her children also learned that the way to the heart is often through the stomach. No wonder so many people came to her farewell party.
I said a few words at the funeral. I am attaching them in full.
Dear friends, relatives and family of our beloved Mummy Harriet
What do we leave behind us when we pass? Is it love, respect, generosity, a sense of belonging?
Mummy Harriet had it all. And there wasnât a day when she wouldnât share it with others. With her kids, friends, family and anyone whoâd pass by. Harriet was like a shining light. A woman loved by many – because she, herself, loved life and loved sharing.
When she laughed, it was infectious. When she worked, she was serious. When she helped, she wouldnât give up.
As we remember her, let us carry the torch she lifted and live the values she selflessly stood for: love, respect, generosity and a sense of belonging.
Sheâll be pleased by that.
I remember first meeting Mother Harriet some twenty years ago. She was beautiful, a bit shy, with a heart of gold. Since then, sheâs raised a family to be proud of. Without her, Kids of Africa would have been lesser. During those twenty years and until today, Mother remains to me what she always was: beautiful, caring and with a heart of gold.
May you rest in peace, dear Harriet. Iâll always love you.
Yours ever, Burkhard
