Amina

 

I'm Amina, an ND graduate who wants to pursue an HND though delayed by financial constraints. My sick mother, my rock, has been selling charcoal in the market to feed us since my father's death when I was five. My role is to assist her with the charcoal orders and delivery. “I love fashion-design, but I have no money for tools”. I sew with scraps of fabric and an old machine, and sketch my designs on paper. I dream of making them come true.

My faith is my strength. I serve God diligently, working in the technical department of the church. Every Sunday, I borrow the church’s camera and take pictures of the congregation. I capture their joy, faith, and gratitude as they worship God. I feel a connection with them, and with Him, through the lens. I also take pictures of my fashion work and designs and post them online with captivating captions.

Balancing all these activities is overwhelming. I help my mother with her charcoal-business, while learning my fashion-design, I work as a photographer in the church, aspiring to win gigs online by posting my works and also dealing with my struggles.

At night, when everyone is asleep I curl up in my bed and let the tears fall. I don’t know how to pay the bills, how to survive. I feel hopeless and helpless, and I pray for a miracle.

About 2-weeks ago, my mother’s ulcer flared-up, I took her to the hospital where the doctor charged approximately #100,000 for treatment! Where will I get this money? I wrote to my boss, the church and my friends, and one of them told me about the Geegpay Writing Challenge. They ask me to write a 300-words story based on a prompt, the prompt description is my story. The church promised to cover the healthcare bill for my mother, my boss promised to help me maintain my parent's charcoal-business, and now I await Geegpay's response. Regardless of what happens I still hope for a miracle.