For most of her life, Mary K never knew the truth about her health. Raised by her grandparents in a remote Zambian village, she only knew that she was “always sick,” taking medicine daily and making frequent trips to the hospital. It wasn’t until January 2024—at age 14—that she finally learned the truth: Mary is living with HIV.
Mary’s early years were shaped by loss and rejection. Her father died when she was very young, and her mother remarried a man who refused to accept Mary as his own. In Zambia, this is sadly common—stepfathers often see children from previous relationships as a burden. So Mary was sent to live with her grandmother, a kind and faithful woman who took her in despite having very little.
“My grandparents are very good people, but they don’t have much money. They raised vegetables to survive. We only had one meal a day. But they loved me.”
Life changed dramatically when Mary came to WellSpring Rescue Village in January 2023. For the first time, she experienced stability: a warm bed, regular meals, quality education, and medical care that didn’t come with shame or confusion.
“Now I know I have HIV. But I also know I have hope. Miss Clara helped me understand my condition. I take my medicine and I feel strong.”
Mary is thriving. She is now in Grade 7 and dreams of becoming a journalist—someone who tells the stories the world doesn’t see.
“I want to tell the stories of girls like me. The struggles we face. The things no one talks about. I want people to understand our world.”
She is inspired by Miss Clara, whom she calls her role model and protector, and she treasures the feeling of being treated with dignity and equality at WellSpring.
“We live as one family. No one is above the other. I feel safe. I feel loved. My smile comes from the joy I feel every day.”
Mary speaks boldly about God’s role in her journey:
“God is the one who brought me to WellSpring. He used the donors and the people who made this home for me. This is my refuge.”
To girls who are still struggling, Mary offers this message of hope:
“Don’t believe the enemy’s lies. God wants to bring light into your darkness. My story is proof that He can.”
When asked what it would mean if someone gave her a hug and said, “I believe in you,” Mary’s voice lit up:
“It would mean that I’m worth it. That I deserve this chance. That I’m not wasting it—and that I’m truly loved.”
