Thriving Through Trials

Yesterday, I said goodbye to someone incredibly special, a mother figure, a family member, though we share no DNA. She was the first person to visit me and my family since we escaped from Malawi, and her presence meant more than words could express. In 2007, during one of her regular trips to Malawi with a group of volunteers from Baltimore, I met Cricket Barrazotto, the founder of God’s Economy. It was Bishop Henry Joseph, a Mississippi-born pastor at Capital City Baptist Church in Lilongwe, who first introduced us.

From that initial meeting, I felt a connection with Cricket, but past experiences had made me cautious. For years, I had encountered well-intentioned American volunteers who, after hearing my story, promised to help. But once the emotional shock faded, they disappeared, leaving me disillusioned. So, while our meeting felt promising, I had learned to manage my expectations.

After our introduction, I emailed Cricket to discuss how we might formalize a partnership. When my emails went unanswered, I assumed that would be the end of it and let go of any expectations.

But to my surprise, the following year, Cricket returned to Malawi. Despite my initial hesitation, I made efforts to meet her again. What happened next was both unexpected and profoundly moving. She sincerely and humbly apologized. I had never experienced such a heartfelt apology, particularly from someone in a position of donor to a refugee seeking help. Her apology was filled with genuine remorse, which completely disarmed me.

What started as a work-related connection grew into a family bond over the years. While God’s Economy continues to support There Is Hope and Inua Advocacy, our relationship is no longer defined by financial assistance. We have built something more, a friendship rooted in mutual respect, love, and care. We don’t always agree, but the foundation of our relationship is unshakeable reflecting something deeper, something rooted in our shared values and purpose.

Cricket has become a mother figure to me in every sense of the word, despite not being the woman who gave me life. She has filled a deep void in my heart, providing the love, guidance, and nurturing that I didn’t have growing up. Her visit to Italy felt like a moment of profound healing for me, a homecoming of sorts—not to a place, but to a relationship that restores and uplifts.

Although her husband, Papa John, couldn’t join her on this trip, both of them have played an indispensable role in my life. They understand my journey in ways few others do, standing by me through my struggles with unwavering support.

Reflecting on this relationship, I have learned a few key lessons. First, God often uses the most unexpected relationships to bring about the deepest healing and nurturing, the kind we didn’t even realize we needed. Second, family is not always defined by blood. Sometimes, it is formed through love, trust, and shared purpose. Third, partnership is more than just working on a shared project; it’s a shared journey, where hearts connect and lives are transformed. Finally, healing often comes from those who see your struggles behind the scenes and walk with you through them.