An Unlikely Champion – Target Giftcard Giveaway

Disney’s QUEEN OF KATWE is based on the inspiring true story of Robert Katende and Phiona Mutesi. Phiona was a young girl living in the slums of Katwe, Uganda. One day, she stumbled upon Katende and a group of children playing chess in a makeshift church. Through the guidance of Katende and the game of chess, Phiona was encouraged to believe in herself. Eventually, she found herself not only competing in local chess matches, but winning in international competitions. Robert and Phiona’s story celebrates the notion that champions can come from the most unlikely places.

Champions are often hard to find, but I don’t have to look far for one in my life.  My cousin, Loren, is a champion for disadvantaged children.  When her life took a turn and she found herself single and teaching at an alternative school, she decided to become a foster parent.  She took the necessary classes and began to mentally prepare herself to take in a child who needed love.  Before she knew it, the State asked her to care for an 18 month old boy who needed to be removed from an unsafe setting.  Loren formally adopted J.B. as soon as she could and she was on the road to supermomdom.  Over the past 17 years, Loren has taken in, and adopted, 12 children, all of whom have overcome battles of their own (Read about one here).  Loren’s eldest child is 20 years old, and the youngest is still a baby.  She devotes all of her time to caring for these children and she does it with grace and patience.

Loren and some of her children

When I begin to feel busy and overwhelmed in my life with four kids, I often think of Loren and wonder how she does it, day in and day out.  When I see her in action, as a strong, single mom of so many kids, who all know she adores them, I am in awe.  She is definitely a champion for her kids and a role model for moms everywhere.

In honor of the September 30, nationwide release of QUEEN OF KATWE, I have two $25 Target giftcards to give away.  I’m going to send one to Loren and you can enter to win the other one by commenting on this post.  Tell me about an unlikely champion in your life. You can earn a second entry by “Liking” Deployment Diatribes on Facebook and leaving a comment on the link to this post.

I will select a winner for the Target Giftcard on Wednesday, October 5.