by Shafaq Zia, Director of Programs, Penny Appeal USA
I left a piece of my heart in South Africa. I left a piece with Amina, mother of Meriem, who puts her heart and soul into caring for her daughters, yet still feels like she isn’t doing enough. I left a piece with Slindile, mother of Gugulethu, who watches her son play soccer and dreams of a brighter future for him.
I left a piece with Sophie, mother of Layla, who cares not only for her children but her sister’s children and finally through our assistance, has a home of her own. When I reflect on my time in South Africa, I think of each of these women and the guardians we met. I feel their love and boundless efforts to protect their families in a place where violence is around every corner. These women welcomed us into their lives and shared their stories of grief and gratitude. Through the hardships of gang violence, unemployment, food insecurity, and unemployment, they continue to protect and nurture their children.
They continue to glow when telling tales of how Gugulethu goofs around or how Meriem chases butterflies. During my time in South Africa, more than anything I felt the power of a mother’s love. How they dream of seeing their children grow beyond their dreams. How each day is consumed by the question of how will they protect them? How can their children’s lives one day be easier than theirs? More than anything, I felt their faith in their children. Their love permeated so deeply. I left myself with them. I carry their faith and a promise for their children’s future so that they don’t have to carry these fears alone.
