She's been coming and going from our house three times a week for the past five months. She's hardworking and helps us with the housework. Finally, Lisa finds a quiet moment to sit down and listen to her story.
„I’m Hellen, 35 years old, and a single mother of three. When I was 17, my friends had an idea one afternoon—they snuck out of school to meet boys. I made one of the worst decisions of my life and went along. Nine months later, I gave birth to my first son. My mother wanted to take my rapist to court, but the police weren’t interested.”.
Seven years later, I fell in love for the first time. We weren't married yet, and I became pregnant with my second son. I wanted to get rid of him because it was a shame; I was alone. Neither my boyfriend nor my family wanted me anymore. Shame. With great difficulty, I apologized to my family and returned with my newborn.
In 2007, I married a man I hoped could bring us some stability. I wanted a good life and thought I might have finally found it with him. We had a third child together shortly afterward. But then he started hitting me. This time it ended I the relationship.
Several years have passed since then, during which I have tried to provide for my three children by working in Nairobi (a 5-hour bus ride from my home and the children) to pay for their education and living expenses…“
Hellen tells me this story through tears; I can practically feel the weight on her shoulders. Normally, she doesn't let on. Despite everything, she comes to us every week, friendly and motivated.
.…and only slowly do I realize that we are now also part of their story.
As I listen, I begin to understand what Bob Goff means in his book "Everybody, Always" when he writes:
“"We don't need a plan to do these things. We don't need to wait for just the right moment. We just need to show up, grab a parachute, and when it's time, jump out of our shoes after people the way Jesus jumped out of heaven to be with us. Sometimes, we make loving people a lot more complicated than Jesus did."”
(Bob Goff, Everybody, Always)
Sometimes we make loving people complicated. I certainly do. I wait for the perfect master plan, something super effective and efficient at the same time. And so I actually overlook the people right in front of me. And there are a surprising number of them!
We invited Hellen and her children to stay with us for the weekend. Our goal was to be of service to her – so calling her "Queen Hellen" was a must. We had fun baking cookies together, giving some swimming lessons, and the best part is: the better you get to know people, the more connected you feel to them!
We want to help Hellen pay her children's school fees for next year. If you would like to contribute, please write to us. Mail.
