Hello, everyone. My name is Linda Olive Kanyere, and I want to share my story with you—a journey filled with love, pain, and resilience that ultimately led to the creation of the Paradox Foundation. 

I grew up in Goma, Congo, surrounded by the beauty of my homeland, but that beauty was overshadowed by the dark shadows of war. Every day, people lived in fear; conflict tore families apart, and violence invaded our lives, particularly for women like me. Ndio, ni vigumu sana. I witnessed horrors—rape and sexual violence became the norm, a weapon of war that targeted our bodies and souls. In the midst of this chaos, I had two precious children: my son, Peter, who I affectionately call Jean-Pierre Paradox, and my daughter, Meda Kavira.

Things became unbearable. I tried to start businesses, to create a future for my children, but my efforts always ended in failure. It felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders, crushing my spirit. I was alone and terrified, and as much as I wanted to protect my children, I knew I had to make a choice. 

The hardest decision was leaving my oldest daughter behind, knowing she would be raised away from me. Nilihisi huzuni sana. I felt torn apart, but I held onto hope. I believed that by leaving Goma and seeking a better life in America, I could eventually bring my children together again. So, with my two little ones and a heart full of dreams, I took the leap.

When I arrived in the United States, I thought I had finally found the safety and opportunity I longed for. But the reality hit me hard. I didn’t speak English, and the cultural barriers were daunting. Every day felt like climbing a mountain. I was losing weight, overwhelmed with stress, trying to navigate paperwork, jobs, and school while ensuring that Peter and Meda felt secure. 

Peter began to act out in school; he missed the warmth of his home. Meda, sweet and innocent, wore sadness in her eyes. Each time I looked at them, my heart ached, knowing I was pregnant with another daughter. I wanted to be strong for them, but at times, I felt utterly lost, playing both mom and dad in a world that felt so foreign. Nilijisikia mwili wangu ukizidi kutetemeka.

Every month, I sent money back home to those who were supposed to care for my oldest daughter, hoping she was safe and well. I prayed constantly, asking God for strength and guidance. Mungu aliniokoa. Through the kindness of strangers and local organizations, I found help. People reached out, mentors and volunteers who saw the struggle and offered their support. With their help, I began learning English and adapting to my new life. 

I realized then that I couldn’t do this alone. Bokiloshi, we all need community. And that’s when the idea for Paradox Foundation began to take shape in my heart. I wanted to create a space where others like me could find comfort and help, a refuge for families facing their own battles.

At Paradox Transitional Home, we offer safe housing, guidance with paperwork, and language assistance. It’s a place where laughter and hope fill the air, where families can come together to restart their lives. Through our PAFO ASBL project, we also support orphans, homeless children, and mothers in need. Each individual who walks through our doors carries a story—just like mine—and I want everyone to know they are not alone.

I want to emphasize how much we need your support. We rely on the kindness of donors and volunteers who understand the importance of lending a helping hand. Your contributions can change lives, transforming fear into hope and uncertainty into opportunity. Every gift—big or small—has the power to uplift families.

Reflecting on my journey, I see the strength that comes from community and compassion. Pamoja, tunaweza! 

I invite you to join me on this journey, to help build a community that empowers each other and celebrates the unbreakable human spirit. Thank you for being part of our story and believing in the power of love and resilience. Together, let’s sow the seeds of hope for those struggling to find their way home.