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I awoke troubled this morning. The history and current reality of the women we met yesterday felt heavy. How can we hope and help them to recognize their power and worth? Will the current mindset remain powerless against things that are outside their control? (That was heavy thinking for 530 am).
Familiar faces from the day before entered the room with smiles, warm greetings and hugs. Yesterday they had seemed closed but today we saw excitement and anticipation on their faces. They are empowering themselves!
Their stories of suicide, genocide, depression, loneliness and boredom were hard to hear.
One elderly lady said “we are all dead”.
We felt humbled that they trusted us to share their history of violence and grief.
When given the opportunity, they were willing to talk about small steps they could take towards change. Some of their solutions were:
Going out with friends more
Seek psychological help
Help friends and neighbours learn from their own stories.
Be there as a friend or neighbour needs help.
Be brave and don’t give up.
Small but important steps to grow on.
We are fortunate that we will have another session with these women where we will encourage them to dream. Their dream at the moment involves a bus ride with us the next time we come. They said they will bring the food. (I guess we have to come back now :)) They have left an imprint on our hearts.
Debbie D.
