A quote from a favourite film, Shawshank Redemption.
The other night while we ('The Firm' Tom, Walter and Jack) were in more serious mood, we got onto the subject of hope. I was reflecting that it would be really interesting to know what some of the Roma people we have met this week thought about when they heard the word hope.
We all have hopes for the future, some of them drive us on, other hopes feed our relationships. My faith in God and my family are central to my hope. The world as it is and the world as it could be as seen in what Jesus said and did, are reasons to hope.Sometimes life's events can severely alter our view on hope. Jesus did also say that tomorrow has enough trouble of it own, indicating that really all we have is now, but that we should seek his Kingdom wherever possible.
So what might hope be for some of these people here. There is a church here, we have met Christians in the village, the man in the house we are working in today is a believer.
Clearly Daniel and Ema, and the FAST team are a sign of hope. When I asked Daniel what they might say about hope, his answer was simple, to have enough for the day. Nothing more than that. That's sounds like 'give us this day our daily bread'.
So how do you raise these Roma people out of the poverty that many experience. Valuable contributions from FAST, from teams from UK (STEPS) are making a difference. I would want to think that in some small way, people, perhaps the younger ones might see something in these contribution that would give them hope and in turn change the way they see the future! These are rambling thoughts jotted down early in the morning having been woken by dogs barking outside!
More work to be done on Hope and Roma peoples thoughts.
Great pictures and good thoughts. Guess you have the answer - compassion and practical help now - but education and health promotion including Family Planning are the things for the future. Key is that the people can take control of their own futures. The education etc will work best/be most acceptable if it can be done/interpreted by individuals from within the community.
ReplyDeleteSo - City will be in Europe - but not quite as they might have hoped. On the night Spurs might have score 3 or 4 whilst City were impressive only sporadically.
Be pleased and know that all of you are much appreciated. Take it easy on Steve (?Tom)He's looking good but beware of doing too much too soon
Finally got a chance to read your blog, looking forward to seeing how the house comes on next week. We're getting ready for our first Xcite without you - off to buy pizza & mocktail ingredients now. Hugs from Matthew!
ReplyDeleteA big hope - that for the community you are helping, material and practical aspects of their lives may be improved, contributing to a real sense of optimism and hope for themselves and their families. A second hope, that 'The Firm' will successfully complete all they want to do next week. A trivial hope, for better weather where I will be, without any prospect of web access. Over and out!
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