AGAINST ALL ODDS

A Triumphant Journey of:

Sister Rabec

By:

 Andrew Pentoh.

Acknowledgements

The journey of chronicling the life of Sister Rabec has been deeply enriching and enlightening, and I am profoundly grateful to Sister Rabec for unveiling her story to me and bringing it to life.

First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sister Rabec herself, whose courage, faith, and resilience have been the cornerstone of this narrative. Her willingness to share her experiences and insights has been invaluable.

My appreciation also goes to Mother Berolina Tada, for her unwavering support and dedication as a mother and mission worker. Her strength and perseverance have greatly shaped Sister Rabec's journey.

Special thanks to the St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International Mission and its constituents for providing a nurturing and supportive environment that has enabled Sister Rabec to thrive. In particular, I am grateful to Priest Galavan Lodec for his guidance and mentorship, which have been instrumental in Sister Rabec's development as a teacher and leader.

I am also indebted to the Dream Girls group and other well-wishers, whose generosity and support have played a crucial role in Sister Rabec's education and personal growth. Their acts of kindness serve as a testament to the power of community and compassion.

Lastly, I extend my gratitude to all those who have contributed their time and support in various ways. Your contributions have enriched this narrative and highlighted the collective strength and faith that underpin Sister Rabec's remarkable journey.

Thank you all for your unwavering faith, support, and belief in the power of sharing stories that inspire and uplift.

Dedication

This story is dedicated to all those who walk the path of faith and resilience, who find strength in adversity, and who shine their light in the darkest of times.

To Sister Grace Rabec, whose unwavering dedication to serving the less fortunate and whose boundless spirit of perseverance inspire us all. Your journey of faith and courage is a beacon of hope for many.

To Mother Berolina Tada, whose steadfast love and sacrifice as a mother have laid the foundation for this remarkable story. Your strength and determination have been a guiding force.

To the St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International Mission and its entire community, whose support and nurturing environment have been pivotal in shaping the lives of many, including Sister Rabec. Your commitment to faith and service is deeply appreciated.

To the Royal Saint, Apostle Darlan Rukih, whose generosity and compassion have opened doors and provided opportunities where there seemed to be none. Your kindness has made a lasting impact.

And to all those who face life's challenges with hope and determination, may this story remind you that with faith, support, and an unwavering spirit, anything is possible.

Introduction

This is a tale of a young woman whose unwavering faith, her relentless pursuit of education, and her dedication to the service of others has made her to be what she is today.

In the heart of Kenya, amidst the vibrant and tumultuous landscapes of Nairobi and the serene yet challenging environments of Siaya and Homabay Counties, unfolds the inspiring true-life story of Sister Grace Rabec. Her life began with uncertainties and hardships that would shape her into a beacon of faith, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Raised by her single mother, Berolina Tada—Sister Rabec navigated a childhood marked by instability and financial challenges, moving from one place to another in pursuit of education and stability.

Despite the trials and tribulations, her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative impact of community and faith. From the bustling streets of Nairobi to the mission grounds of St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International, Sister Rabec's path is one of profound spiritual growth and dedication to serving the less fortunate. Her story, interwoven with the challenges of an uncertain childhood and the unwavering support of a mission community, highlights the strength of the human spirit and the boundless potential of faith-driven service.

As we delve into the life of Sister Grace Rabec, we uncover a narrative of hope, determination, and the relentless pursuit of a higher calling, offering a poignant reminder of the extraordinary resilience that lies within us all.

Prologue

In a world where adversity often seems insurmountable and the path to a brighter future obscured by shadows of uncertainty, there emerge stories that ignite hope and illustrate the resilience of the human spirit. This is one such story—the life journey of Sister Grace Rabec.

Born at the edge of a century, into a life cloaked in mystery and hardship, Sister Rabec's beginnings were marked by the absence of a known father and the unyielding struggles of a single mother, Roseline Awino, known in her spiritual calling as Berolina Tada. Berolina’s life was a testament to perseverance amidst the turbulence of unstable marriages and financial hardship. Yet, through these trials, she imparted to her children the virtues of faith and endurance.

From the bustling, chaotic streets of Nairobi to the serene but challenging mission grounds of Siaya and Homabay Counties, Sister Rabec’s early years were a journey through educational instability and societal challenges. But within this chaos, a seed of unwavering faith was planted, nurtured by the mission community of St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International.

Her story unfolds against the backdrop of an ever-changing educational landscape, marred by financial difficulties that often kept her from the classroom. Despite these hurdles, Sister Rabec’s determination and the support of benevolent strangers and mission leaders helped her traverse these tumultuous waters. Her journey from student to teacher, and eventually to the esteemed role of Dean of Studies, is a narrative rich with lessons of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of community and faith.

In 2021, her dedication was solidified as she took her vows as a Celibate Sister, embracing a life devoted to service and education. Her challenges, far from deterring her, became the crucible that forged her strength and deepened her commitment to the mission of St. Darlan Rukih Academy. Under her guidance, the academy flourished, becoming a beacon of hope for the less fortunate.

As you embark on this journey through the life of Sister Grace Rabec, you will witness a story not merely of survival but of thriving against all odds. Her life is a testament to the belief that with faith, community, and an unyielding spirit, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and illuminate the path for those who follow.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Andrew Pentoh

I. Shrouded in Mystery

Upon the ages of light, the best of the seasons; a woman-Roseline Awino, brings fourth her third born child in 1999. In the epoch of belief, a bouncing baby girl is unveiled to the promising environs of Kenya, Grace Rabec she was named. Moments of joy preceded her journey into the world as the community did their routined merry moments to welcome the new born. But her joyous beginning was just but the mark of tumultuous journey towards a hidden realm.

Sister Rabec's life begins with an enigma that would shape her journey. Raised by a single mother, Roseline Awino—who also goes by Berolina Tada, her celibate name—Sister Rabec's early years are marked by hardship and resilience. Her father remains an unknown figure, a ghostly presence that cast a shadow over her childhood. Berolina faces numerous challenges, moving from one unstable marriage to another, struggling to provide a stable home for her children. This tumultuous environment became the crucible in which Sister Rabec's character is forged.

Her earliest memories trace back to the bustling streets of Baba Dogo in Nairobi, where she attended a nursery school at an academy whose name eludes her. Born into a family of three, she was later joined by two more siblings. All the siblings but the youngest, have grown and embarked on their own paths. Her mother, now a mission mother at St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International Mission in Siaya County, remains a steadfast figure in her life.

II. A New Chapter 

At the tender age of five, Sister Rabec moved from Nairobi to Siaya, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Living with her mother and a foster father, she joined Ramba Primary School as a first grader. However, her education journey was anything but linear. In 2010, she transferred to Rae Primary School in Mamboleo Estate, Kisumu City, under the care of a guardian who was also affiliated with St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International. This transition marked the beginning of a nomadic educational experience that would test her resilience and adaptability.

III. Transitions

In 2012, she moved once again, this time to Kibos Prison School, also in Kisumu. Her stay was brief, and in 2013, she found herself at St. Georgina Opapo Academy in Rongo, Homabay County. It was here that she completed her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2014. The following year, she embarked on her secondary education at St. Triza Girls, commonly known as Kibuye Girls High School in Kisumu City.

IV. The Road Less Traveled 

Financial constraints marred her high school years. With school fees amounting to over Ksh. 18,000 in arrears, she often stayed home, unable to attend classes regularly. Despite these setbacks, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Dream Girls, a group of well-wishers who settled her outstanding fees. This act of kindness allowed her to complete her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2018 and the results were measurable. However, the financial struggle continued to haunt her, as she was unable to collect her KCSE certificate due to the unpaid balance for a ream of paper required by the school.

Determined to pursue higher education, Sister Rabec was filled with hope when the Dream Girls group promised continued support. However, her aspirations were dashed when the well-wishers could no longer fulfill their commitment. Realizing she had no other options, she moved to St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International Mission in Miranga, Homabay County, where her mother had relocated earlier. 

V. New Purpose 

In 2019, St. Darlan Rukih Academy was established to educate the less fortunate in the mission and the surrounding community. Sister Rabec began working there as a teacher of mathematics and science, offering her services free of charge. Her dedication to helping the less fortunate became her life's mission. Recognizing her hard work and passion for teaching, the School Director, Priest Galavan Lodec, appointed her as the Dean of Studies.

VI. Rising Through Ranks

Despite not being a trained teacher, Sister Rabec faced the challenges of her new role with determination and willingness to learn. With the support of the director, she rose to the occasion, managing academic issues and overseeing the progress of the academy. Her mother left the mission in 2020 to serve at another St. Darlan Rukih mission in Siaya, leaving Sister Rabec to carry on the work in Miranga.

VII. Transformation 

Through perseverance and continuous improvement, Sister Rabec has achieved standardized teaching and management skills, enabling her to teach others as well. Dedicated to serving as a sister, she yearned for higher education if a helping hand came her way. Sister Rabec was an adored member of the staff at St. Darlan Rukih Academy, a beacon of hope and dedication, committed to helping the less fortunate in her community.

VIII. Legacy 

Sister Rabec's life is a testament to unwavering faith and resilience. Despite the adversities she faced, her journey is one of profound spiritual growth and dedication. Her story, intertwined with the teachings and support of St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International, reflects a life committed to service, faith, and the pursuit of inner peace. It is a narrative that speaks to the power of faith, the strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact of support from members of St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International Mission. As she continues her work, Sister Rabec remains a guiding light for many, living out the values of compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith.

As a celibate sister at St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International, Sister Rabec's life is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her journey from the streets of Nairobi to the serene mission grounds in Miranga is a story of transformation and redemption. It is a narrative that addresses faith, strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact of community support.

At the mission, Sister Rabec continues her life's work. She is a guiding light for many, a living embodiment of the teachings of compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her story, still unfolding, is a testament to the enduring power of love and the relentless pursuit of a higher calling.

Thus, the life journey of Sister Grace Rabec, marked by trials and triumphs, stands as a powerful narrative of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of grace. Her story is a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, with faith and support, we can rise above and find our true path. It also advocates that a determined spirit always thrives.

Author's Remarks

Sister Rabec's story is a profound testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith and community. From her tumultuous beginnings to her rise as a dedicated member of the St. Darlan Rukih Ministries International, her journey encapsulates resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to helping others.

Her early life, marked by instability and financial hardship, could have easily led her down a path of despair. Yet, through the unwavering support of her mother and the mission community, Sister Rabec found a sanctuary where she could grow and serve. The numerous moves and educational challenges she faced only strengthened her resolve and adaptability.

Her decision to work as a teacher at St. Darlan Rukih Academy, despite not having formal training, showcases her selflessness and commitment to education. Her ability to overcome initial obstacles and rise to the position of Dean of Studies highlights her dedication and passion for helping others, particularly the less fortunate.

Sister Rabec's journey is also a powerful reminder of the impact that community support and acts of kindness can have on an individual's life. The intervention of the Dream Girls group, who helped her with school fees, and the continuous guidance of mission leaders like Priest Galavan Lodec, played crucial roles in her development and success.

Her story is not just one of personal triumph but also of the positive ripple effects that one individual's dedication can have on a community. As a respected member of the St. Darlan Rukih Academy, she continues to inspire and educate, embodying the values of compassion, service, and perseverance.

Sister Grace Rabec's life is a beacon of hope and an enduring example of how faith, resilience, and community support can lead to profound personal and communal transformation. Her journey encourages us to look beyond our challenges, find strength in our faith, and dedicate ourselves to the betterment of others.

About the Author

The author, Andrew Pentoh, is a Kenyan, born in Suba, Homabay County. He vibrantly accomplished his primary and secondary education and joined Kisii University in 2020 where he persued a bachelor's degree in Education and Human Resource Development. He specialized in Teaching English and Literature Course. He also undertook anthology series study alongside education. Pentoh is a one time complete anthologist and writes various documentaries designed to inspire his readers. Through his work, he continues to share stories that uplift and motivate, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit.