In a chaotic, problem-filled world — compounded by a lingering recession — it is easy to feel helpless and frustrated. However, it is also possible to make a difference in a surprisingly big way, as my wife and I found out during a yearlong sponsorship of a young woman in sub-Saharan Africa. To protect the woman’s privacy, I will refer to her simply as Eshe.

Too many women find themselves in Eshe’s situation — struggling for safety and security after terrifying, almost mind-boggling calamities. They have seemingly suffered it all: war, displacement, fear, oppression, sickness, the loss of family members to violence, hunger and poverty. No wonder they feel bewildered.

Equipped with only a modicum of primary education, Eshe — a refugee and mother of six living children — had trouble imagining a life beyond her tiny hut (with no electricity or running water). Jobs were scarce in her community, and she possessed neither the skills nor the resources to attempt a fresh start. In addition, there was the issue of child care. Still, she had hope.

Last year, the solution finally came as we extended a helping hand through a reputable non-governmental organization and touched Eshe’s. We found the sponsorship particularly appealing because it was uncomplicated and provided assistance directly to her, with meaningful and constructive results.

One immediate benefit was the gradual stabilization of Eshe’s situation. She applied our support to a project designed to generate income; her choice was poultry farming. In addition, she pursued vocational training and leadership education for the duration of our sponsorship. Finally, my wife and Eshe exchanged multiple letters. We provided motivation. She allowed us a window into a private life we otherwise would not have known, as well as the chance to share in her challenges and successes.

Time passed faster than we ever anticipated. At one point, we received a letter from Eshe telling us how she had spent a special holiday. Through the detailed descriptions, we were able to visualize her every step: rising early, sweeping the hut, fetching water from a stream, attending religious services, preparing rice and a chicken stew for the midday meal, observing a neighborhood soccer game and cooking a cassava-based soup for dinner.

But the most exciting news arrived as Eshe’s program was ending. During an exit interview, in virtually every category, she indicated her life had improved. Her poultry-farming enterprise was going well. Indeed, she expressed plans to join a cooperative so she might expand her business and income. She also highlighted her new skills, enhanced economic circumstances, happier family environment, greater community involvement and elevated self-confidence.

In short, Eshe — no longer a victim — was well on her way to reasserting control over her life. She had also become, through hard work and initiative, an inspiration for her family and community, as well as an example of how we can fix our chaotic, problem-filled world one person at a time.