Hummingbird, Why Am I Here? Maggy's Children

By Judith Debetencourt Hoskins

Who is this woman, Maggy? What kind of African woman would build a cinema in the heart of darkness, in the heat of violence during a twelve year war? What belief in self, in man or in God enabled her to educate, feed, serve over ten thousand children? In order to appreciate the incredible work accomplished by Maggy, it is impossible to tell her story without looking at the children she met at her doorstep the nights and days after opening her door to the first twenty-five orphans who survived the massacre of their parents. It is only in looking at their plight, their struggles, the darkness these children went through that Maggy's energy and kindness can be honestly evaluated.So, yes, this novel mostly about Maggy's children elicits events that are unpleasant; and, yes, Maggy asked me to focus on the children's present day successes which are wonderful.Pascasie is a social worker at Rema Hospital. "I love my job. It makes me happy to talk with people and help them. Maggy's first words to me were, "'Take it easy. Sing and dance.'"Lysette is now studying international law in Canada. Her lifetime goal is to spread the message of love and forgiveness that was shown to all at Maison Shalom.Amonalie is a teacher. When she came to Maggy her parents and brothers were killed. "Maggy took me close to her, educated me. She made my wedding day as special as my own parents would have done. I don't even realize I'm an orphan. I'm super happy."But, to focus only on the tale's endings seems to leave out the core - the motivation which led Maggy to build her clinic, her hospital, her school.In the month of October 1993 more than 50,000 men, women and children died in Burundi. Hutus killed Tutsis. Tutsis killed Hutus. Hatred and revenge were rife in the heart of Africa. This is a novel inspired by the actions of one woman, Maggy Barankitse. The events occurred in Burundi, a country about the size of Maryland, sandwiched between the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda in the center of the African continent. The violence went on for twelve years. Nelson Mandela brokered the peace. Maggy Barankitse, born on Nyamutobo Hill, watched the massacre of seventy-two of her friends, and saved twenty-five of their children. Her faith in humanity and in God enabled her to protect, save, help 50,000 orphans over these past almost twenty years. Her passion for life, love and forgiveness has led to a new generation of Burundians. This is a story of Maggy's achievements along with the strong men and women around her. Her entrepreneurial talents are evident and a key to the accomplishments during fifteen years of struggle. Although some horrific incidents are related in the story, the main events have to do with the philosophical and physical changes Maggy has wrought. Maggy has received awards alongside Kofi Annan, the Dalai Lama, Rigoberta Menchu, Pere Shoufani. She has been honored for her work by countries all over the world: the USA, China, Spain, Italy, Belgium, etc. The children she has saved are now taking on her efforts for forgiveness and love in the country.Part One of this novel deals mostly with each child. Part Two concentrates more on Maggy and the explosion of energy which enabled her to create a happy life for the children of the country she loves, Burundi.All profits from the sale of this book go to Maggy's organisation, Maison Shalom.Judith Debetencourt HoskinsBrussels, Belgium

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1470124408
• ISBN13: 9781470124403
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 170 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.4" x 5.3"