My name is Melissa.* I am originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I worked as a nurse and cared for my children and family.
When violence began spreading through our community, everything changed. My husband disappeared one day after leaving for work, and despite searching hospitals, police stations, and prisons, I could not find him.
Not long afterward, soldiers came to my home. I thought they might have news about my husband, but instead, they took me away. I was detained, interrogated, and tortured because of my work at the hospital. Eventually, I was released, but the violence continued. Our village was attacked, our home was burned, and members of my family were killed. I knew I had to leave to protect myself and my children.
I escaped to Uganda and arrived in a refugee settlement. Although I had reached a place of relative safety, I was still carrying so much fear and pain.
I couldn't sleep. I was afraid to be around people, and even the smallest things would make me angry. My family had been through so much, and we were all struggling in different ways.
Through a community group, I learned about Tutapona and had the opportunity to participate in their trauma recovery program.
“I never wanted to be around people, they made me so afraid. I couldn't sleep, but now with Tutapona I sleep, I sleep so well.”
During the program, I learned about overcoming life's challenges and began to understand that I was not alone in what I had experienced.
Hearing the stories of others helped me realize that even after terrible things happen, healing is possible. One of the most powerful lessons for me was about forgiveness.
During an activity, we were tied together with ropes and challenged to move without letting go. It showed us how holding on to unforgiveness can keep us connected to the people who have hurt us.
“I learned that if I didn't forgive I would carry the burden of that person around with me forever. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life attached to the people who had hurt me.”
That lesson changed something in me.
Before Tutapona, I never would have imagined being able to share my story. Now I can speak about what happened to me. I can sleep peacefully, connect with others, and look toward my future with hope.
My family is rebuilding our lives, too. We have started small businesses, selling frozen juice, making bricks, braiding hair, and taking photographs. We saved enough money to buy land and begin building a home of our own!
“Since Tutapona there is a very big change in our lives. I would never have even wanted to share my story, but through Tutapona I can really speak it and narrate the whole story.”
I have learned that what happened to me does not have to control the rest of my life. I can move forward, and I can heal.
“I'm seeing another life in front of me. In my whole family, this work has made such a big difference.”
And when I think about forgiveness and how far I have come, I can say something I never thought possible:
“I know I have forgiven because I can see the change in me. I am really free!”
- Melissa, Uganda
Because of the generosity of people like you, women like Melissa are finding emotional healing, rebuilding their lives, and discovering hope for their futures. But there are thousands of people affected by war and displacement whose stories are still unfolding. Help Tutapona bring hope and healing by donating today.
*Name has been changed to protect the individual and her family.