This morning I awoke to two text messages from Francis on the right about Mary-Lilly on the left:
3AM: Emily can you believe Lilly's boy Benjamin got lost yesterday and they are sleeping without him in the house!
6AM: Emily can you believe Lilly's kid is dead, he fell in water
There are no words for the loss I feel for her, and the community this affects. Mary-Lilly is a close friend and worker with Stepping Stones. Francis and her are both dear friends who helped me with Santina. Her spirit is contagious, and she is a survivor of many many hurdles. This will be her hardest one. Her husband, Magnus, interviewed to work with me and works in the office next to Stepping Stones and is a partner to Concern. He is good friends to all staff at Concern.
As word spread, more people have gathered at their house. I shifted to Kampala and am cursing myself. I couldn't feel further away at this moment. I keep getting feedback from staff members, ones who are helping with the body at post-mortem, others went to get a coffin made, and others are assisting the police. Some are watching Lilly as she can't be left alone, she keeps running towards the water.
According to all reports, the boy, 2 years old and adorable, was strangled and left in a pit latrine. These are two people who stay peacefully in town, and have no suspects. The boy went missing at around 4pm yesterday. I thought I would awake to news of Kenya, as yesterday was a humbling day as news came in about the attack at the mall--humbling as I spent the whole day shopping at Kampala's mall. But instead, there is nothing. NOTHING that could have ever prepared me for this news.
Please, offer a prayer for them, their friends, and the small town of Moroto. People are very very scared. And for me? I just don't know how to act or what to do. It hasn't sunk in yet.
Lilly and Francis dance with Santina
Magnus delivers brief introduction at Cormac's goodbye party
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