Rose's Journey

Walking.  30 miles.  Dallas, TX.  October 2012.

"In 1989, as a young girl, Rose Nanyonga was forced to leave her family’s village in Uganda.  She was alone and, as a female in Uganda without family protection, she had little hope. At the root of her forced departure was a conflict between Rose’s practicing of the Christian faith and her family’s desire for her to take part in witchcraft. Witchcraft, which can include the abhorrent practice of child sacrifice, is practiced in parts of Uganda and had driven a wedge between Rose and her family.

Upon leaving her village Rose began a 52 kilometer journey that would take her from her home village of Bamunanika to Kiwoko.  Amidst the hopelessness of this journey she found Ian and Robbie Clarke, Irish citizens working to establish better medical care in Uganda.  This encounter with the Clarke’s would forever alter the direction of Rose’s life.  Under their care, Rose would once again be part of a family.  She also began a career in nursing which would lead to her working as Director of Clinical Operations at International Hospital Kampala (IHK) in Uganda.  Today Rose balances responsibilities with IHK, a Ph.D program at Yale University, and assistance to numerous organizations including Narrow Road, where she serves as a board member.  On July 11, 2009, with the support and company of individuals from 5 different countries, Rose walked the same 52 kilometers from Bamunanika to Kiwoko.  This journey, 20 years after her initial footsteps on this path, was the beginning of a new pursuit that took place in Uganda again on July 9, 2011. "

(taken from the narrow road website) 

Rose is one of those people that you meet that leaves a lasting impression on you.  She has an incredible story which clearly reflects God's hand in her life. What is most impactful to me is the way she has allowed her journey to shape who she is as a person.  She is a true ambassador for children who can not stand up for themselves.  She is one of the most genuine people I know and I wish I could introduce everyone to her.  

Breck friends together in Dallas before the walk. 

Mark walking, roughly mile 10. 

Rose's Journey meets Texas!

New and Old Friends.

What an honor it was to walk alongside Rose this October...to physically feel just a portion of the  journey she so courageously embarked upon so many years ago...to think about what she might have been thinking during her first walk...to ponder the incredible faith she must have...to join together with so many others in support of Rose...and to walk in honor of Hope Ward and children everywhere who are enduring child sacrifice.  

If you would like to know more about Rose, her journey, or Narrow Road (the non-profit who sponsored the walk) please visit the Narrow Road Website.