Blessings and Frustrations…
I started the day feeling so blessed to enjoy this view of the sea from my doctors waiting room. I only ever have to wait a max of few mins but they always are so relaxing with this view.
I end my day wrestling with so much frustration and deep reflection having encountered a young mum of two from Ethiopia who came into our Church & SOS Chai offices this afternoon. She shared how she had been forced to spend a night on the streets recently with her 3 year old and 5 year old and how her son is asthmatic and had coughed through the night. Huge tears rolled down her cheeks as she said, ok for me but not for my children.
As a team we listened and shed tears with her, maybe the only healthy response for such deep pain. We swapped telephone numbers and said we’re here for you to help however we can. We managed to set up a rdv tomorrow with an office who might just be able to help 🙏. #
As we told her to keep in touch she hugged us hard and I felt so deeply moved again by the simple act of coming along side another. As a mum I can’t imagine her fear & pain as she seeks to be everything her two precious little ones need. Maybe my contrasting moment of peace & joy looking out of the doctors waiting room window at beauty this morning helped me find strength for this evenings’ frustration and heaviness over the circumstances that this sweet & brave woman finds herself in.
I’m so glad she messaged me to let me know they have beds tonight but I’m struggling being home in my comfortable bed thinking of her and wondering what will happen to them . But I’m also struck again at how powerful it is to empathize, to weep with those that weep, and how in that moment of coming along side theres so much strength in saying you’re not alone. We’re here and I’m just so sorry, it’s so wrong. She messaged to thank me for our kindness, but her gift to us was letting us in on her story and her pain.
Praying tonight our new friend knows there are just a few more people championing her to find a new life and get papers so she can begin again. But even more to know she’s beautiful and brave and loved.
