‘More than she could ever imagine’ is a series where we will learn the story of an African Christian hero called Adhiambo. The story is about her life of service and how she found peace and joy in her Christian walk with God. Enjoy and learn as you read through this series.

Part 1

Nothing’s right! "Can’t you do anything right!” Adhiambo’s stepmother yelled as she reached for the switch.

"The ugali (posho) is not cooked well once again. You never do anything right. You are an embarrassment to this family! Who would want to marry someone like you?”

Adhiambo hurried to clean up the kitchen, grateful she had escaped another beating. It was not easy to make ugali. No one helped her learn new things.

If only she could visit her real mother and ask her questions about cooking or ask her if the things her stepmother said were true.

Adhiambo lived in Kenya in East Africa, right at the equator. In her city of Mombassa there are many beaches with little craft shops and ships that come from many countries.

In spite of the many difficulties at home, seven year old Adhiambo had time at school to play kati (fun ball game) or blada (jumping over an inner tube) with other children.

As a young girl, living in the home of her father and two stepmothers, Adhiambo’s life was difficult and very challenging.

Her dad was always away leaving her in the care of others. Her own mother stayed behind in her tribal village when the rest of the family moved to Mombassa. This sometimes happens when a father marries other wives.

Outside under a bright moon and stars Adhiambo sat on a rock looking into the sky. Big tears wet her face. She sniffed, wiped her nose with her shirt and tried not to think about the stifling heat and her unhappy life.

Tomorrow she must be up at dawn to cook breakfast for the family, sweep the floors and walk to school. There too she is often whipped for no reason. To be continued……

Adapted from Teach Kids.