Glory's Smile

Glory Naiso, pictured here with Ubora President Dave Burgess, in Karansi, Tanzania.

Through Ubora’s work in the rural village of Karansi, Tanzania, we have witnessed many stories of faith, hope and transformation. Read on to learn more about Glory’ story, our friend and daughter-in-Christ…

Glory had a tragic accident as a child.  She fell into a cooking fire in her family’s home and was burned on one side of her face.  Some of her facial nerves were also damaged, leaving her face forever transformed with a slight droop in one eye, visible scarring from the burns, and a crooked smile.

Embodied with a strength of character many of us can only dream of, she was accepted into Siha Leadership School (SLS).  Glory quickly became a star student and excelled in her studies, particularly in math.

As she grew older, she became aware of her appearance that was different from her classmates, particularly her smile.  During this time, she shared that she didn’t like her crooked smile.  So she stopped smiling.  

But Jesus had another plan for her life.

As her faith grew, she felt the joy of the Lord swelling up in her heart…radiating out into the world in the form of a smile. She couldn’t keep it inside anymore.  Glory’s smile was back!

She graduated from SLS and went on to secondary school and university, graduating with a degree in accounting.  She was accepted with the first class of interns at SLS and served in many roles, excelling in each area.

Upon completion of the internship program, she had a job opportunity and interviewed for an accounting position with a hospitality company.  She interviewed well, but did not get the job.  She was heartbroken as jobs are precious and few in Tanzania, particularly in her field and around the village of Karansi.

She served an extended internship at SLS, where she continued to develop her skills as an accountant, working in that area for the school.  She continued to wait and to be faithful to the Lord.

Then, a sudden illness struck Glory earlier this year.  Inflammation and partial paralysis impacted her face—the side that was damaged by the burn so many years ago.  

Glory was unable to smile.  

But she continued to show up for work at the school and to persevere.  She continued to sing in the Victory Choir at PEFA Church.  And with time, contributions from the Ubora family, and much prayer, she got better.

We are happy to report that Glory’s smile has returned once again!  As she shared with our team, she is about 90% better.  Bwana asifiwe—praise the Lord!

She also has been hired as an accountant, “her dream” in her words, with the Karansi Coffee Community Collaborative.  

Watch the video below to learn more about Glory’s new job and celebrate with us knowing that a job in Karansi is a very big deal!

To give to Ubora Tanzania to support stories of hope and transformation like Glory’s: click here.