Imagine being a fifteen year old girl in a war torn nation whose father was savagely taken from her and the only home she knew burned to the ground. That was the beginning of a long journey for Jennifer Anyayo a native of Uganda, who was a beneficiary of both the medical expertise and kindness of Americans.

Just before Tuesday’s sunset in Philadelphia, Jennifer Anyayo boarded a jet and ended 15 magical months.
Her life’s next phase began after the sun rose Thursday over her Acholi homeland in Uganda, where war and the wounds the 16-year-old suffered in it are shaping her life in unexpected ways.

I met Jennifer Anyayo on a December 2004 trip to report on a war in northern Uganda that has brutalized children for 21 years.

The combatants are the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army, or LRA, and the government of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The LRA, led by Joseph Kony, fills its ranks by kidnapping tens of thousands of children. Boys become soldiers. Girls become sex slaves.

About 1.3 million northern Ugandans remain displaced; countless civilians have died.

Then, there are youngsters like Jennifer. She and her father were at home about seven years ago when LRA rebels attacked. They shot him dead and set the hut on fire with her inside.

Jennifer was rescued after suffering severe burns on her face and left hand. The episode was so horrific, all she can remember are screaming and hearing the rebels laughing outside.

How proud I am to be American and reside in a country which gives so much of its time, experience, dollars and love to a virtually unknown individual, so she may live a relatively normal life as she returns home to reunite with her Mom and siblings. We sure may have our faults in this good old USA, but we also have many with God given talents who perform miracles like this every day. Good luck Jennifer, I am sure those who had the pleasure of knowing you will never forget this experience.