Elizabeth was 6 years old when she lost both her parents. They both died as a result of HIV. She doesn’t remember her parents face. No one from her mother’s family volunteered to take care of her.

Elizabeth (Ruth) joined the Orphan Shade Pangeti family in 2023

She went to live with an uncle and aunt on her father’s side. The uncle struggled to supply food for the family. The aunt was very unfriendly to her. Ruth was not permitted to go to school. The aunt made her take care of all the household chores. Subsequently the uncle abandoned her. She then went to live with another family temporarily. She slept in the goat pen (house of goat) to stay warm.

A local church member heard that the Orphan Shade Pangeti family had an opening. She brought Elizabeth to the family and she was accepted immediately.

Ruth is a joy to be around and is good friends with Dora

Elizabeth asked for a new name as there was already an Elizabeth in the family. Mama Stacey named her, Ruth. She was thrilled with her new name.

Ruth did not know what it is like to have parents and siblings. But she is now very thankful to the donors of Orphan Shade for giving her a new family, a relationship with Jesus, a new identiy, a place to sleep, go to school and an awesome new life.

Finally, Ruth has a praying family in the U.S. through our Kulera Mwana (Adopt a Child) programs. They pray regularly for her past present and future.