Meet Alice
Alice’s home stands proudly on the island, a simple yet powerful symbol of resilience and grace. Sitting in her living room, she reflects on the remarkable journey that brought her to this point—a journey intertwined with an organization called Gethsemane, which she fondly calls her “Garden of Hope.”
Life was not always this way for Alice. Before Gethsemane entered her world, she lived a life she describes as “pathetic” and filled with uncertainty. “I didn’t know where to start,” she recalls. But through the intervention of Gethsemane, an NGO that worked within the island community, hope blossomed where there was once only despair. The organization not only provided Alice with employment but also connected her with generous donors who helped her build the home she now proudly inhabits.
In 2008, Alice began working for Gethsemane. It was more than just a job; it was a lifeline. The program ran until 2014, and during those years, Alice’s life underwent a profound transformation. “Without Gethsemane, without God’s intervention through Gethsemane, I would not have reached this far,” she says with deep gratitude.
Her voice brightens when she speaks of her children, many of whom have been shaped by the same program that changed her life. Some are alumni, and others, continue to pursue their education with the organization’s support. Each child’s success is a testament to the hope and opportunity Gethsemane has provided.
When asked if she ever imagined her life would turn out this way, Alice shakes her head softly. “I live to God,” she says, quoting Psalms 124: “If not for the love of God, I would have been swept away.” Her faith is a steady anchor, guiding her through the storms of life and sustaining her dreams for her children’s future. She prays fervently that God will continue to open doors for them once their education is complete.
Alice’s gratitude extends beyond her own family. She marvels at the kindness of strangers from across the ocean—supporters of Gethsemane in America. “They are not our relatives, yet their love has touched so many lives,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. She prays for these generous benefactors, asking that their hearts remain open to helping others in need. “Because of them, even the most desperate families have hope.”
The impact of Gethsemane on the island is undeniable. “Nearly every home has a story to tell,” Alice explains. Where there were once grass-thatched huts, sturdy houses now stand. Children who once faced an uncertain future are now students with dreams. And at the heart of this transformation was the late director, Naftali Mata. Alice speaks of him with reverence, remembering his tireless efforts to uplift the community. “Naftali did not separate people. He loved everyone,” she says, recalling how he personally visited families, ensuring that no one was left behind.
Her memories of Naftali are intertwined with some of the most difficult moments of her life. She recounts the day she interviewed for her job at Gethsemane. She had walked a long distance, uncertain and alone. After two days of interviews, she received heartbreaking news—her third-born child had passed away. Despite her grief, Gethsemane stood by her side, allowing her time to bury her child before welcoming her back to work. It was a gesture of compassion that Alice will never forget.
Even as her family faced rejection from their own relatives, Gethsemane became a sanctuary. Alice’s son, Finidi, was initially met with skepticism during the student selection process due to his Tanzanian roots. Yet, thanks to the advocacy of a committee member who vouched for her citizenship, he was accepted. This act of kindness opened the door not only for Finidi but also for his siblings to receive an education and a future filled with possibility.
As the interview draws to a close, Alice expresses her unyielding gratitude. “Without the love of God, nothing can be good,” she says. She remains committed to praying for Gethsemane and all who support its mission. For her, the organization is more than a charity—it is a beacon of hope that has transformed not only her life but the entire island community.
Outside, the sun casts warm light over Alice’s home. It is a home built not just with materials but with faith, kindness, and the enduring belief that no life is beyond redemption. As the conversation ends and photographs are taken, Alice’s smile reflects a heart overflowing with thankfulness—a living testament to the power of compassion and the difference it can make in the world.
