It was a typical Tuesday morning, and I was hustling through the well-rehearsed choreography of preparing breakfast for my two girls, Flora (4) and Josie (1). I snuck sips of lukewarm coffee, immersed in the usual morning soundtrack of the toaster ejecting bread, a knife clattering into the sink, and the brassy tones of the Bluey theme song floating in from the living room. 

I placed their plates of Nutella-covered toast on the coffee table, neatly cut into pieces according to each child’s preference (for Flora, triangles and for Josie, tiny squares). Immediately, and still half-asleep, Flora began to protest that Josie had “more breakfast” than her, although we both knew that: 1) she hardly eats breakfast most days, so the toast was more of an obligatory offering than anything and 2) factually, they both had an identical amount of toast. 🤦🏻‍♀️🍞

As Josie joyfully dove into her plate with the relish of a baby discovering the rich world of solid foods, I tried to calmly explain to Flora that it only looked like Josie had more toast because it was cut into smaller pieces.  

You can imagine how effective that conversation was. And you know what? Like so many mothers who are adept at picking their battles, I took her toast back into the kitchen and returned with it chopped up into bits, which she gratefully accepted. Mom saves breakfast from the brink of catastrophe, yet again.  

Later, I was sitting at my desk reading over some of the stories and anecdotes our incredible communications officers had been collecting from the mothers we serve around the world. One struck me in particular, and sounded eerily familiar– 

Keh Ibrahim Ismael, a mother from Ethiopia, was recalling some examples of her own children playing together and their typical sibling squabbles, and she said the following: 

“Absolutely yes, my children play together all the time. Some days, it’s heartwarming to see them laughing, creating their own games, but sometimes they argue on who gets a toy or bigger piece of halawa, a traditional sweet.”  

Half a world away, it was the Nutella toast all over again.  

I felt something in my heart click into place as I thought of this mother who I’ve never met and will probably never meet. In that moment, I knew that if we were to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea together, we would have PLENTY to talk about. To laugh about. To cry about.  

This is the universal experience of motherhood—those traits, beliefs, and moments that bind mothers together as we navigate the formidable and rich task of mothering. It’s incredible that, no matter where they are in the world, mothers’ unconditional love for their children—a love that only they can give—is an unspoken truth that we all agree is as fundamental as breath. A love that somehow defies definition, but feels as familiar as stepping through your own front door.  

This Mother’s Day, I wanted to celebrate the mothers in the Medical Teams community by curating a collection of their voices sharing stories, lessons, truths, and anecdotes. Although the mothers who contributed to this piece come from counties thousands of miles apart, you will notice the many threads of similarity that flow through their reflections and stories. It’s truly beautiful to witness.  

As I finished reading through Keh’s testimonial, she ended by saying “Watching [my children] grow, learn, and build a bond that will last a lifetime makes me so proud.” 

Same, Keh. Same. As long as there’s plenty of Nutella and Halawa to go around.  

I hope you enjoy hearing from these beautiful mothers, and we wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Medical Teams!  

What makes you most proud as a mother?   

“Being a mother is one of the greatest blessings in life. It’s a journey filled with love, challenges and moments that makes heart flow with joy. Above all, what makes me proud is seeing the kind of person my child is becoming and having the privilege of guiding them.”  (Selamawit H., Medical Teams Pharmacy Technician, Ethiopia) 

“Being a first-time mom and raising a tiny human into the most wonderful person has made me incredibly proud. The first time my daughter called me ‘mummy’ I was like, wow, I’m really a mother! That simple word melted my heart. Watching her play around me is the most precious thing in my life.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda) 

“My daughters are my greatest pride. Seeing them as professionals, even though they’re not practicing due to migration, makes me happy and proud that they’ve achieved that goal. On the other hand, I feel proud of their work as mothers because they’re both excellent mothers, and that way I see that my work as a mother has been good, and that makes me feel happy and proud.” (Amanda González, Colombia) 

“Working hard to provide a better life and good education for my children. I’ve managed to send 2 of them to college, and 2 of my daughters are now married. People often ask me why I’ve worked for so many years without making a big investment—but to me, my children are my greatest investment.” (Nadia Abdallah, Medical Teams Nutrition Assistant, Sudan) 

What is something you feel like you’ve told your child a million times? 

“You are beautiful, valuable, intelligent, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” (Laura Orta, Community Health Volunteer, Colombia) 

“I feel like I’ve told my children a million times to focus on their education and to be respectful, especially by not disturbing me and their father. I always remind them about education because I know how much it will shape their future and respecting people in life is really crucial.”  (Keh Ibrahim Ismael, Ethiopia)

“I always tell my daughter that I love her so much. I sing to her every single day, calling her my sunshine—because truly, there’s no one who can take my sunshine away. I remind her that she is beautiful and that I want her to grow up into a great person. But above all, I constantly tell her just how deeply she is loved.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda)

“Don’t leave your things scattered in the hallway.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine)

If you have multiple children, do they play together well?  

“They play together all the time. They run, they laugh, they argue, and they always find a way to entertain themselves. Every night, they cuddle up together before falling asleep. Watching them play and grow together makes me forget my own hardships, and I find myself smiling at their innocence.”  (Wubeya Asresa, Ethiopia) 

“Yes, especially when they were younger. At that time, many kids in our community weren’t attending school, so I made sure my children stayed close and spent time together as much as possible.” (Nadia Abdallah, Medical Teams Nutrition Assistant, Sudan) 

“Yes, my child plays well with other children. I encourage her to share, be kind, and cooperate during playtime.” (Mutuzo Annet, Medical Teams Midwife. Uganda) 

“She is shy yet persistent. She hesitates to approach and introduce herself first, but once she does, she insists on playing the games she enjoys. If others disagree, she starts showing her little tantrums.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine) 

What is your greatest challenge with parenting?  

“Parenting demands time. As a full-time working mother, I often struggle to find enough quality time with my child. That means sometimes I have to rely on our house manager for support. It’s a constant balancing act.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda) 

“Raising my daughters during their teenage years—it was incredibly challenging. They were often demanding and would compare themselves to their peers, which made things even more difficult.” (Nadia Abdallah, Medical Teams Nutrition Assistant, Sudan) 

“When my children become ill, I find myself feeling incredibly stressed and anxious. It’s hard to see them unwell, and my mind filled with worry about their health and comfort. Their illness makes me reflect on my responsibilities as a mother and increases my concern about their well-being. During these times, I try my best to care for them, but the emotional change can be very strong.” (Fatuma Hassen Illu, Ethiopia) 

“My biggest challenge as a mother was raising my daughters without their father. I separated when my youngest daughter was one month old, and he never took care of my daughters. I thank God that my parents were helpful and supportive during that time.” (Amanda González, Colombia)

What is something your child does that makes you laugh?  

“He has a very broad vocabulary, always surprising me with sophisticated words that I don’t know where he heard them, but he incorporates them into his vocabulary and even explains their meaning to me, so that I can understand him.” (Laura Patiño, HSS Coordinator, Colombia) 

“She says adult-like things without fully understanding them. For example, she’ll sigh and say, ‘That’s life.’ Or when she imitates me—if I refuse her something, she starts taking deep breaths (just like the breathing exercises I use) and then slowly says, ‘Let me explain again… I want this.’ It’s hilarious!” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine) 

“There’s something so hilarious and sweet about singing to and having deep ‘conversations’ with a newborn. Her reactions, even if she doesn’t understand, bring so much laughter and joy.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda)

“When Rewena giggles unexpectedly in the middle of the night, it’s pure magic. Even when I’m exhausted, her laughter makes me laugh too. It’s those tiny moments that keep my heart light.” (Zeynab Ahmed, Ethiopia)

“My youngest son forgets a lot of things, but he never forgets that it’s time to eat.” (Luz Fanny Velez, Community Health Volunteer, Colombia) 

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is about to become a mother?  

“Don’t lose yourself in motherhood. Don’t rush time—every child develops at their own pace. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; no one taught us how to be parents, we learn as we go. And don’t strive to be the ‘perfect’ mom.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine) 

“I would advise new mothers to respect their husbands and be mindful of the company they keep. Avoiding negative peer influences is crucial because they can lead to distractions from family responsibilities.” (Mutuzo Annet, Medical Teams Midwife. Uganda) 

“My advice would be to embrace the journey of motherhood with love and patience, while remembering that caring for the whole family—including her husband will lead to a stronger, happier household. It’s about creating a partnership that thrives on mutual support and love.” (Fatuma Hassen Illu, Ethiopia) 

“Be strong and patient. Motherhood is not easy, especially in difficult situations, but your love and resilience will carry you through. Take care of your health so you can care for your children, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others in the community. Every child is a blessing, even when times are tough.” (Lemlem Kahsay, Ethiopia)

What do you think the role of mothers is in your culture?   

“In my culture, a mother is expected to take full responsibility for her family, not just in terms of physical care but in shaping the values and well-being of everyone around her. She’s the one who ensures that her children grow up with respect, compassion, and a sense of community. Being a mother here isn’t just about raising children; it’s about being the glue that holds the family together.”  (Keh Ibrahim Ismael, Ethiopia)  

“Mothers are the foundation of our communities. They teach the young generation essential values like behavior, respect, and responsibility.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda) 

“In our culture, mothers have a caring and protective role; we are a source of love and emotional support, and a source of values. I believe we face the challenge of changing gender stereotypes through parenting that contributes to equality and the elimination of gender-based violence.” (Maria Consuelo Alvarez, Community Health Volunteer, Colombia) 

“A mother is a source of advice, support, and unconditional love. She is respected and valued. The absence of a strong maternal figure impacts a person’s life for years to come.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine)

What can mothers do that no one else can do?  

“There are certain things that only mothers can do—most notably, experiencing pregnancy and breastfeeding. These unique abilities create an unbreakable bond between mother and child. The physical connection during pregnancy allows mothers to nurture their babies even before they enter the world. Breastfeeding further enhances this bond, providing nourishment while fostering emotional closeness.” (Zeynab Ahmed, Ethiopia) 

“Be a safe space for their children and keep their secrets with love and understanding.” (Nadia Abdallah, Medical Teams Nutrition Assistant, Sudan) 

“Sacrifice. Patience. Unconditional love. These are gifts that only a mother can offer so purely.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda) 

“Have an all-encompassing heart. Accept their child with all their flaws. Protect them with superpowers.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine)

“A mother has a unique ability to juggle the responsibilities of housework while also raising children, something that can be incredibly challenging but rewarding at the same time. It’s not just about keeping the house in order or making sure the kids are well cared for, it’s about being the emotional center of the home, ensuring that everyone feels loved, supported, and at ease. No one else can quite balance all of these things in the same way a mother can.” (Keh Ibrahim Ismael, Ethiopia)

“Having the power to recognize your child’s cry among many children.” (Laura Patiño, HSS Coordinator, Colombia) 

What is the most important thing you learned from your mother?   

“From my mother, I learned the value of respect, both for elders and for my husband. This lesson has shaped how I interact with others, ensuring I build relationships based on understanding.” (Mutuzo Annet, Medical Teams Midwife, Uganda)  

 

“My mother abandoned us when we were little, but my stepmother raised me with all the love she could, and I am infinitely grateful for that, and that’s why I give my children the best love.” (Maria Virginia Oviedo, Colombia)  

“The most important thing I learned from my mother is resilience. She always told me, ‘No matter how hard life gets, keep going.’ She raised me through difficult times, and now, I find myself doing the same for my children. She taught me to be strong for them.” (Wubeya Asresa, Ethiopia) 

“My mother taught me to forgive—including her—and I am deeply grateful for that.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine)

What is one of your funniest mothering moments?  

“When my oldest was 4, she came up to me while I was working and said ‘Thanks mommy, I love you’ and give me 6 pennies. I think she was tipping me? It’s the only money I’ve ever made from being mom and the memory still makes me laugh.”  (Courtney Christenson, Brand Manager, HQ) 

“My most fun times are spending time with the 3 of us. For example, with my oldest son, who has long hair, I like to style his hair and give him hair products. I love it when the 4 of us are together, because together we make the perfect team.” (Ditraiza del Valle Ramirez, Community Health Volunteer, Colombia) 

“My daughter’s extreme sensitivity sometimes makes me laugh (as strange as that sounds). When she watched The Lion King for the first time and saw Scar push Mufasa off the cliff, she had a full meltdown. My husband and I couldn’t calm her down for over half an hour—she was crying hysterically. That was the end of the movie for that day. We tried to reassure her that everything would be okay, but the intensity of her reaction caught us off guard, and in hindsight, it was both touching and funny.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine)

“I can’t remember a specific moment yet, In general there are many funniest mothering moments especially while taking care of my first child during his newborn periods. During that time, I was still learning, trying to figure out what worked and what didn’t. I did so many silly things just to get him to stop crying or eat. Looking back, I must have looked absolutely ridiculous.” (Selamawit H., Medical Teams Pharmacy Technician, Ethiopia) 

“My son told me he’d told his school teacher that I’d said at home that she was ‘a real nuisance.’ From that day on, I realized I had to be careful with my words when my son was around.” (Laura Patiño, HSS Coordinator, Colombia)

Do you have a nickname for your child/children? What is it and how did you come up with it?  

“I call the oldest one ‘Gulli’, after the comic Guilliver’s Travels, because he’s super big, about 190 cm tall. I call the second one ‘Flaco de mi vida’ (Flaco of my life), because he’s the thinnest of the 3; in fact, he’s the only thin one. And I call the third one ‘Mi corroncho’ (My little corroncho).” (Ditraiza del Valle Ramirez, Community Health Volunteer, Colombia)  

“’Bun,’ ‘Bead,’ or ‘Mommy’s Little Pastry’ because she always smells like the most delicious French bakery.” (Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker, Ukraine) 

“Yes, her nickname is Joy. I always dreamed of having a baby girl and told God that if He blessed me, I would call her Joy. After she arrived, I later learned that her late grandmother’s name was also Joy. It felt like a beautiful coincidence. We named her Gianna, which means ‘The Lord has answered my prayers,’ but Joy still rings the sweetest in my soul.” (Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse, Uganda) 

“Yes, ‘Honeyina’ since she is very small and needs special love and care.” (Ayisha Mohammed, Ethiopia) 

“I call my son ‘Coco’ because he doesn’t like to style his hair often, and when he grows an afro, his hair looks like coconut husk.” (Laura Patiño, HSS Coordinator, Colombia)

A very special thanks to ALL of the mothers who contributed their thoughts to this blog, as well as our dedicated Communications Officers for helping to gather these important stories from our community:  

Nadia Abdallah, Medical Teams Nutrition Assistant (Sudan), Hindya Ali (Sudan), Yana Barabash, Medical Teams Mental Health Worker (Ukraine), Mutuzo Annet, Medical Teams Midwife (Uganda), Immaculate Nuwagaba, Medical Teams Nurse (Uganda), Fatuma Hassen Illu, (Ethiopia), Halima Gaas (Ethiopia), Ayisha Mohammed (Ethiopia), Wubeya Asresa (Ethiopia), Neymat Abdurrahman (Ethiopia), Zeynab Ahmed (Ethiopia), Keh Ibrahim Ismael (Ethiopia), Selamawit H., Medical Teams Pharmacy Technician (Ethiopia), Lemlem Kahsay (Ethiopia), Maria Consuelo Alvarez, Community Health Volunteer (Colombia), Laura Patiño, HSS Coordinator (Colombia), Amanda González (Colombia), Ditraiza del Valle Ramirez, Community Health Volunteer (Colombia), Luz Fanny Velez, Community Health Volunteer (Colombia), Maria Virginia Oviedo (Colombia), Laura Orta, Community Health Volunteer (Colombia), Anitha Uwineza (Tanzania), Courtney Christenson, Brand Manager (HQ)

Amanda Wilkinson | Copywriter & Brand Specialist

Amanda joined Medical Teams at the very end of 2024 and loves being part of the creative engine of the Marketing and Development Team. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University and a BA and English and Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University. She is the recipient of the Gertrude Claytor Prize in Poetry from the Academy of American Poets, and her poetry collection Little Human Relics was published in 2016.  

In addition to her writing work, Amanda is passionate about maternal health and is a certified Perinatal Mental Health Peer Support Specialist as well as a Certified Lactation Specialist. She is a fierce advocate for maternal mental health, infertility, and birth trauma, and enjoys working with mamas to provide support and resources as they walk along their journey of motherhood.