When I came home from my time abroad volunteering at an orphanage, I began compiling my lessons, experiences and memories into a book. A compilation of blogs, poetry, lessons and most importantly images that hold memories of my precious ones I came to love deeply.
It wasn’t about sharing, or the feeling of accomplishment of holding my book in my hands that drove me to finish it. It was the healing and growth that came with processing the big and little emotions that came with the process of writing my experiences out.
I naively thought it would be a quick process, and oh was I wrong. I found myself having to put this project to the side until I had healed and grieved enough to finish putting all my memories to paper. The healing, growth, grieving and journey of processing some big emotions wasn’t an easy one. But to see my piece of art, my journey of love and joy, of self-discovery and learning through this experience as a complete book is one of joy and deep love.
This creation of mine, an expression of me and who I am and the journey this season took me on is a unique and special piece of art. It was for me, it was to heal, to grow and to process a lot of emotions and feelings, so to have people surrounding me asking me to buy a copy has me absolutely overwhelmed. The fear of what they will think when they read it is real, but with an anxious heart and mind I hit order for an order of 25 for those who have asked to purchase one.
I am a Young Salvationist who lives in Upper Hutt, Wellington. I am passionate about enhancing the life experiences of others and do this in my paid employment as a Support worker for those with Intellectual Disabilities and as a volunteer leader for GirlGuiding New Zealand. I love to create, write and travel the world and have a passion for submerging myself in the cultures of each place I travel. I left my heart in Africa a month before Covid sent the world into lockdown and I cannot wait to be able to return and serve in a continent that stole so much of my heart.