From Solitude to Hope: Annonciate’s journey of forgiveness

“I have forgiven him. I forgave them. No more holding grudges, no more bitterness.”

The rain tried to drown out her testimony that day—but God.

It was mid-September, a season of unpredictable downpours. We had visitors in Burundi, guests who had come to see our work firsthand. Together, we left the VHB office for Ruziba, heading to Annonciate’s home. Annonciate is the mother of one of VHB’s very first sponsored children and the leader of the Ruziba VSLA (Village Saving and Loan Association), a group of ten women.

“I am so happy. I cannot describe my happiness. I feel like jumping up to the roof.”

We were happy with her. And we were curious, too. When we arrived, the rain was so heavy we stayed in the car for a while. Inside her small house, the downpour pounded against the metal roof so fiercely that even shouting would not get a message across the room. But slowly, the rain softened—and with it came the story behind Annonciate’s joy.

Loss and Isolation

“My life was full of shame and solitude. I had no friends.”

It was hard to imagine. The compound she lives in is tiny, the small houses pressed tightly together, neighbors within arm’s reach. Yet she had lived there in deep loneliness.

“My husband left me in 2022. He took everything except our three children—our clothes, cooking pots, everything. To cook I had to borrow pots from neighbors”

She had begun her testimony smiling, but now the weight of those memories dimmed her expression.

“During those two years, I turned to my family, but they abandoned me too. I stayed at my parents’ home for two months, only to face insults and mistreatment. I would cook for my children and me, and my brothers would throw the food into the compost. Finally, I decided to rent again. I worked on construction sites as a daily helper, carrying loads to feed my family.”

The darkness of that season showed on her face. The rain started to pound again. Tears glistened in her eyes.

“After two years, he came back. He asked me to live together again. I told him the wound was too deep to heal. Impossible. But he approached my family and my brothers kept pressuring me to welcome him. Reluctantly, I accepted. After one year, he left again—and this time, he left me pregnant.”

When she shared this testimony, Annonciate was seven months pregnant.

“This time I sank into depression. How was I going to provide for four children on my own? I got sick. I lost weight. Neighbors spread rumors that I had AIDS or had aborted. My solitude deepened. It was during this time that I heard about an organization looking for children to support. I met Gina, but my wounded heart struggled to believe it was real. They asked me to find other women in situations like mine. We gathered and formed a VSLA. I was no longer alone.”

Her face began to brighten again.

Rebuilding, One Step at a Time

“In August, they gave our children a complete school kit and uniforms. Gina kept meeting with us—listening, encouraging us, teaching us to forgive. At first, forgiveness felt impossible. But she did not give up on us.”

“Now I am happy to say that I have completely forgiven my husband and my family for all the hurt they caused me. My heart is light.”

The freedom she spoke of was visible in her gestures, her smile, her voice and her eyes.

“With the other women, we began saving and taking small loans. Now I sell food items. With the profits, I provide for my family and save a little each week. I have hope for the future. I will give birth to this child—and he will live.”

Hope in motion is a beautiful sight to behold.