The one question one asks when in the middle of a chaotic situation, is probably “Would I do it again?”

Would I launch a community upliftment project if I knew all the challenges and obstacles? Would I have launched Heavenly Haven if I had an inkling of the natural resistance in all people towards ANY change? Would I have embarked on this journey if I knew the the price I’d pay in time, in resources, in relationships, in even my health? Even knowing that there would be little help from others, that there is an apathy towards suffering and poverty that I in a million years would probably never understand?

My answer is a resounding YES! Yes, I would do it all again, and YES, probably even the same way. Having reached the end of yet another year running Heavenly Haven and looking back on a year riddled with hopeless situations, the successes shine out like sparkling beacons. Each child that smiles happily and runs to give me a loving hug when I deliver another nourishing meal is worth every backache, every sacrificed hour of sleep, every blister on my feet as I walk to knock down doors to solicit assistance to keep OUR doors open. Each sponsor who open their hands and hearts to join us on our journey – wow, YES! Each parent that clocks in at a new job found by us and rediscovers a feeling of pride and self-worth – YES! Each adult who makes a product and sees the fruit of their labour when it sells – YES! Each elderly person that holds up a pair of sponsored glasses through which a hazy world becomes clear and colourful is worth it. YES, YES YES!

I may no longer be the naive, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed young visionary who would barge in where angels would fear to tread. I may have lost a little of my smile, and a lot of the sparkle in my eye. I may have developed a lack of patience and an intolerance towards some of our community members who just  demand hand-outs without the wish to give back or be uplifted through change and training. Oh, but what I’ve gained in experience cannot ever be measured. The love I’ve received, the hugs, the “thank you’s”, the knowledge that through our intervention, someone’s life has changed for the better – that is priceless. Our slogan is “one soul at a time” – even if we make a difference in one person’s life, everything is worth it.

With the end of another year in sight, we happily plan our year-end Christmas parties for the children. We want to give, unconditionally and lovingly, to youngsters who have had no choice in their circumstances. And we can but hope that our presence and love, our commitment and willingness to help, will make a difference in the lives of the next generation