When I was about thirteen I was shown something that would
change my life forever. A friend of mines dad had been going into the center of
Durban to work with some of the homeless and prostitutes. I loved the idea of
helping someone in need but needed a whole lot of convincing to actually do it.
I never could have imagined the dramatic effect that one
night would have on my life.
I met people who helped me and shaped me into who I am today.
I fisher woman called Vanessa told me every day that she saw me that I was
meant for something great. That I could do anything. And that God had every
person in a specific place for a reason.
An old Gogo(grandma) living in a shelter who taught me about
service and giving the little that you have. She taught me about the power of a
mothering heart and how a little love can change a childs heart.
A little street boy called Lucky who showed me that everyone
can change. He taught me about how important it is to invest in the one. I’m
not here to save the whole world. I am here to help change one person’s life at
a time.
And a little girl called Chantel who’s story still breaks my
heart every day. She taught me about how important it is to learn from what is
not spoken. To understand peoples stories not from their words but from their
lives, their actions their every breath.
These were only a few people who changed my life. Out of my
time in Durban my passion and love for inner city people and street kids grew. I
know I am supposed to say that I had massive impacts on these peoples lives but
the truth is, they had more of an impact on mine. I craved time with Vanessa.
She inspired me. Sitting on Gogos bed in the shelter talking about the old days
became a place of comfort and safety for me.
As my passion grew, it took me beyond borders. Before I knew
it my bags were packed and I was moving to Mozambique. A good few years down
the line, my life is still here. In the dirty streets of Maputo. I now work with a group of boys who continue
to shape me and change me. Masana aims
to get these boys living on the street back to live with their family. I am
very grateful to be a part of that.
 |
Choosing to be a missionary was easy. Living as one is not.
I am actually terrible at it. Thank goodness God is gracious. I mess up.
Sometimes the boys don’t see my best, most “Godly”side. Some days they really
just bring out the worst in me. But I have learnt that I am not here to be
perfect. I am here to do life with them. To be real. God will do the rest. He
chose me to be here. I fully believe that my place in Mozambique is not a
mistake. This is where I am at home. Making an impact on the amount of children
on the streets of Maputo.
So. I don’t have a job or receive a salary. I live off other
peoples donations. Like a street child I have to work for my money by asking
for it. (My least favourite part of being a missionary) Humbling!?! More than I
would like to admit. Next year I need to
raise money to be able to stay here and continue to work with these boys. I am
looking for monthly or once of donations for next year. All my support goes
through and is monitored by my church- Westville Baptist Church.
Wont you consider helping me work here? Please consider a
once off or monthly donation.
My email is bras.lauren@gmail.com
if you need anymore information or would like to support me for 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment