by Kathleen Wegner
In 2018, I first met Grace, who arrived to the U.S. on a student visa but could no longer afford university tuition. She was also expecting a child with her boyfriend. Grace reached out to Gabriel Network for help at St. Ignatius for help. Grace is a native from Burkina Faso and spoke French. Two of us from St. Ignatius spoke French went on a first visit to meet her. Grace lived in a modest townhouse with little furniture. We provided her diapers, supplies, and groceries. Grace found healthcare through St Agnes Hospital and gave birth to a beautiful son, whom she named Sam. I continue to visit Grace, bringing fresh vegetables from First Fruits Farms and other necessities. I have many wonderful experiences working with Grace. With time and effort, Grace has improved her English. And when Sam was about three months old, she brought him to St. Ignatius for baptism; I was so honored to be his godmother! Shortly after Sam’s baptism, when I visited Grace, she excitedly showed me her modest wedding ring! She and her boyfriend married and now have a growing family.
Through generous donations from St Ignatius, Gabriel Network offers clothing and other necessities, like a used laptop. Gabriel Network and St. Ignatius are part of this story. Another wonderful community is The Caroline Center. Grace was accepted and earned her credentials to work as a nurse assistant. Grace remembers Toni Moore Duggan, a St Ignatius parishioner, as was her favorite mentor and teacher. Finally, and I believe this is the very best news: Sam was accepted into The Loyola School’s pre-K program.
All these memories are gifts. I have videos of Sam, who is today not quite 4 years old, reading a book I had given him. Just Imagine this young boy reading English at three years of age, attending TLS preschool, and parents’ love. This leads to this young boy’s healthy human development and growth! This year since graduating pre-K, Sam begins kindergarten. And his dear little sister, Inaya, starts the 2-year old pre-K program. I feel so hopeful for this beautiful family. Thank you to St Ignatius Catholic Community for supporting this incredible life-changing mission work here in Baltimore.
