I know I already posted today, but I have a big prayer request- this may be a little disturbing but this girl really needs prayer.

There is a P6 student at AAH who is an albino. Albinism isn't any more common here than it is in the US, but quite a bit more obvious here. We saw her at the 4th of July program, she had an amazing voice, and she is a great student. However, albinism is greatly misunderstood here. It is believed to have something to do with witchcraft.

Today, Emily (who works at AAH) came down and said she was having convulsions and really just freaking out at school. The teachers, though, were convinced that it was the work of spirits and that she needed no medical help. After much debate and talking, they were able to bring her down to the clinic. Dr. Abeso from Mbale was here and was able to give her a shot to calm her and then evaluate her.

As all of this was happening, Emily gave me a background story on this girl that left me speechless. Because of the stigmas about albinism in this society, someone has put a price on her head. They are willing to pay 20 million shillings for her neighbor to behead her. That's the equivalent of 10 million dollars. So far there have been 2 attempts. Dr. Abeso thinks that she has a convulsion disorder that is brought on because of the emotional, physical, psychological fear and stress in her life at this moment.

But the teachers, Ugandan community, and even her family believe that this person who is trying to kill her has sent the evil spirits into her to drive her mad so that she will run away and then they can capture her. As unbelievable as that sounds to me, they strongly believe this. Some of the teachers came down to the clinic to try to explain this to the doctor. One of her brothers came down to tell us when this started happening and family history. She has one normal brother and one albino brother who is also having these convulsions. I asked Emily if they had a spiritual cure for her, since they believe this is work of spirits. She said they can only pray for her.

She rested here this afternoon, I was able to check on her often and give her a granola bar and water when she was hungry. She was precious. Right before closing time, she started screaming and yelling again. It was heartbreaking. I don't know how to describe it other than she was freaking out. She was convulsing, lost control of her bladder, and was just sobbing and sobbing. All I wanted to do was hold her hand. They are moving her into the headmaster of the school's house where she is with people who know her and where she feels she is safe.

All I know to do is pray for this girl. Please pray for her physical safety and for her family. Pray for all the teachers and doctors involved that they will work together and figure out what is best for this girl. Pray that she has less attacks, that she begins to feel safe, and for her emotional/psychological state. Pray that she has peace and no fear.