Kennewick woman thankful after surviving Uganda attack

Pamela Harvey survived a brutal attack while working as a Peace Corps volunteer in Uganda. But, instead of being bitter, she’s using Thanksgiving to show how much she appreciates the help she received while in the east African country and since she left.

Harvey, 23, of Kennewick, has been back in the Tri-Cities since early November, recovering from the stab wound she suffered early in the morning on Sept. 28.

She does not like to talk about her condition, because she doesn’t want to be portrayed as a victim, but said she is healing well.

Her list of people she is thankful for includes many in the Peace Corps, including officials in Uganda, Washington, D.C., and South Africa, where Harvey was flown for treatment.

“Not only did they save my life, but they gave me my dream job,” Harvey said. “They gave me an opportunity I wouldn’t have had without the program.”

She is grateful for the support of Karina Menezes, her roommate, who also was attacked by two men in the home they shared. They spent time together recovering in South Africa.

“I don’t know how I would have gotten through it without her,” Harvey said. “It’s nice to have somebody who was there for me. She’s an incredible person. She has an infectious smile. She’s a great friend and a hard worker. I’m just happy she’s in my life.”

Harvey praises her entire group of about 45 Peace Corps cohorts who served with her. Harvey is particularly thankful to Robert, a friend who helped rescue her and Menezes.

“I’ve never had a friend who is so protective and loving,” said Harvey, a 2010 Kamiakin High School graduate. “He really pulled through for both of us at a time when we needed someone the most.”

Other cohorts who will be in her life forever include Anna, Becca and Shreya, Harvey said. They all sent cards and encouragement after Harvey and Menezes were hospitalized.

Harvey served in the little village of Ogur, where she was accepted in the Longi tribe and given the name Akello Pamela. She grew to love her host family, as well as her co-workers at the health center where she volunteered.

The women in the village showed her how to cook and carry water on her head, Harvey said. The men helped protect her.

She appreciated the people at the health center who allowed her to shadow them on their job.

“If I was still there, I would be starting my own program,” she said. “My major goal was to make the Ugandans in my community a little happier and healthier any way that I could.”

She praises Dr. James Okullo, who served at the health center and in the village, and helped stabilize her chest after the stabbing.

“He helped begin my medical journey,” Harvey said. “As soon as he came in, I knew I was going to be OK.”

The entire Peace Corps medical staff was great, Harvey said.

“They were able to get us where we needed to go very quickly,” she said. “I definitely know I wouldn’t be here without them.”

She even got a get-well video from the residents of Gulu, a Ugandan city where Harvey volunteered in 2014 with Spokane-based Krochet Kids International. Her experience there made her want to continue working in Uganda as part of the Peace Corps.

Back in the states, Harvey has been moved by the support she’s received from old Kamiakin friends and others in the Tri-Cities.

And then there is Harvey’s family. Her parents, Gary and Jackie, rushed to South Africa to be with her. Her sister, Richelle, has been a role model to her.

Pamela Harvey wants to return to Uganda once she is recovered, and finish up her two- to three-year stint in the Peace Corps. She hopes to go back in January or February, but it’s a long process because the Peace Corps wants to make sure she is healthy, she said.

Harvey misses the food, dancing and, especially, the people of Uganda.

“I love their culture,” she said. “It’s about quality relationships, it’s about love, it’s about being with people. They are the hardest-working group of people. Every day, I learned I have to step up my game.”

Harvey has no resentment toward Uganda, despite the attack.

“I have seven scars on my body, and six of them are from people saving my life,” she said. “How can I be angry at that? How can I be in a bad mood or have a bad attitude when hundreds of people saved my life?”

Harvey looks forward to spending the holidays with her family, though she misses her friends in Uganda. But she has a different perspective — the experience taught her the importance of doing what you love and valuing your loved ones.

“Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to let people know that you love them and that you’re happy they’re in your life,” she said. “It’s not a happy thought, but I find comfort in the fact that, if I passed away, I did so doing exactly what I wanted to do.”

This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 7:45 PM with the headline "Kennewick woman thankful after surviving Uganda attack."