Fine art print on 1.5” gallery wrap canvas, black border edges.

Sandrine’s story:

Some stories seem almost impossible to believe. I sat translating Sandrine’s story during one of our therapy sessions in Congo, and at one point, I found myself unable to speak.

Imagine, for a moment, finding yourself in any one of these circumstances: orphaned as a child, separated from your siblings, used as a house slave, abused, forced into marriage, suffering a stillborn child, fleeing an abusive home, and forced into prostitution.

After all she had endured before the age of 30, Sandrine returned to Congo where she reconnected with her mentally-ill sister. Sandrine took in her sister’s three children and raised them alongside her own daughter. Today, Mwana cares for three more of Sandrine’s nieces and nephews and supports Sandrine as she continues to nurture a close and loving bond with them. Her sister has since passed away.

In all my life, I have never witnessed such resilience, bravery, selflessness or perseverance. As Sandrine recounted the events of her young life, she kept returning to one unexpected emotion: gratitude. She does not take lightly the privilege of raising these children. In fact, it has become her source of perseverance. It is what gives her grit. After everything she has endured, she has chosen not simply to survive, but to pour her life into the children entrusted to her.

There is something profoundly humbling about that kind of strength.