Friends Who Become Family

At Amani ya Juu, friendship often becomes family.

For Anna, Vestina, and Alice, that has been true in the most beautiful way. Their friendship has grown over years of shared work, shared faith, and walking through life together within the Amani community. This year, we have the opportunity to share their story.

Alice and Anna have been friends for over 15 years. Anna recalls how teachers at Amani encouraged each woman to find a trusted confidante—someone who could share burdens, pray alongside them, and offer support. Over time, that encouragement grew into a deep and lasting friendship.

Alice remembers Anna visiting her at home while she was pregnant, bringing her special bread, calling to check in, and offering encouragement during difficult seasons. “Up to today, she has become part of my family,” Alice shares.

Anna describes Alice as “full of joy and generous too.” The two eventually worked together in the Watoto department, making children’s products side by side—helping one another learn new skills and enjoying the simple gift of companionship as they worked.

When Vestina joined Amani, Anna welcomed her warmly, even calling her “my daughter.” Over the years, Vestina sought Anna’s guidance, including asking for her advice and blessing when she was considering marriage.

Vestina recalls how both Anna and Alice received her with open arms—speaking to her with kindness, teaching her what she needed to know at work, and offering support during times of financial hardship.

For Anna, maintaining friendship means accepting one another’s weaknesses, appreciating each other’s strengths, and giving grace when differences arise.

When conflict comes, Alice explains, “We remember where we have come from and how far we have come in our friendship… this enables us not to hold onto grudges. We forgive each other and move on.”

“Anytime I come to Amani, I don’t feel alone,” Vestina says. “I feel like I am coming to see my big sisters, small sisters, and my moms. This gives me so much peace and makes me feel like I belong. Family can be anyone you choose—and who chooses you too.”

Alice echoes that truth:“Family is all about love and understanding each other. It does not have to be blood ties.”

Reflecting on their friendship, Anna shares, “God has given us the gift of friendship and friends who become our family… I love that the Lord added to my family through this friendship.”