Day 9

Three months later . . .

Beatrice couldn’t believe how different her mother was. Leah had opened a small shop to sell vegetables, eggs, bread, and other items she was growing and baking. Many members of the village—neighboring women, the local pastor, and even the village chief—saw the changes in her life and family and now asked her many questions. Leah used these opportunities to teach her community about different projects and business ideas. Beatrice felt proud to be her daughter.

One of Mom’s new friends, Ruth, brought immense encouragement to both Leah and Beatrice. Ruth was once famous for the alcohol she produced. But she left that lifestyle after learning from ELI how to start successful businesses. Now she too spent much of her time educating women about new ways to support their families instead of brewing illegally.

Beatrice was inspired by Ruth’s strength, her confidence, and how she stood firm in what she believed. Lord, help me to be like Ruth when I grow up, Beatrice prayed. She could see her mother becoming more and more like Ruth too as Ruth was mentoring her.