Sisterhood

With lots of love

The social work developed by the Sisterhood and V Woman in Gauteng, South Africa is carried out in five NGOs. It’s clear to me how much the groups have grown spiritually and dedicated themselves to this work.

Visits are made to two seniors nursing homes, two children’s shelters for children with special needs and a home for abandoned girls. Despite the diversity of the work, we find something in common in all these places regardless of age or culture: the need for love and attention and this is something our groups know how to share very well.

When we visit the elderly, they are like children. They find such joy in each of the V Women or Pledges and see them as a long-lost daughter, a sister or friend. One of the most unusual requests from one was her desire for a masquerade. Then, they came with the idea that we should gather together with them and make our own masks. This made them feel important and drew them closer to each other besides being happy and receptive to the prayers and counselling.

A similar acceptance had been shown by the special needs children from two institutions. The physical and intellectual restrictions of these little ones were not a barrier that would impede the strong connection with our group. These children are indeed special and they accept the genuine love that we offer. We prepared a fun party with snacks, fruits and games, giving them unforgettable moments full of affection. The girls played, sang and danced with the children, bringing fun and joy to those lives marked by difficulties. During these visits however, our group doesn’t limit itself to entertaining people; the Pledges and V Women help in cleaning the kitchen and feeding the children whilst they are there.

Our last group is very special: a home for girls who have been abandoned or abused. Having the opportunity to know them has been another great experience for us. When we talk to the residents we always try to speak about subjects that are current and practical, which will help them in their daily lives to increase their self-esteem and make them value and take care of themselves. On this last visit the main subject was the image that each one of us give through the way we dress. The response was immediate and contagious! They understood that being sexy is not to expose our own body, but to be confident and be dressed appropriately for our body type.

In fact, every visit was as if we left behind our family members: they are our little sisters, our cousins ​​… I find it very interesting how we found this home in the first place: we found out about this project through a girl named Princess who lives there and began attending the church. Today she leads a tribe in the VYG, is preparing herself to  take exams at the end of the year and plans to enter the Sisterhood next year. What she has received in the Universal Church she wants to pass on to her friends.

There are many life lessons we learned from each group, but most of all is that our problems and challenges are so small compared to what these children, young or old ladies face. It makes us forget our lives to just be able to share a little of our time with these wonderful groups.

We think we’re going there to help, but in fact each one of us is blessed when coming out!

Marcia Pires

South Africa Big Sister

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