It will never let me go

After being one of the first volunteers (2 months) at MOP in 2007, I had to go back one day and see 'my' kids again. 1,5 year without their smiles, hugs, love, jokes, honousty and enthusiasm was too long:). That day arrived the 23th of december 2008 when I could celebrate Christmas and New Year at Mother of Peace!
 
So you probably wonder if I am happy I went back? How many things have changed and what still was the same? If I am going back again and again and again and....?

Let me start by confirming that I am very happy I went back! It was a bit scary, since you are not sure how it will be and the memories I had were so great, you don’t want to dissapoint yourself or MOP. But going back was one of the best choices I could have made. Thank god the children still recognized me and were happy I returned:). The great memories I had, became real-life again and even greater memories are in my head now!

A lot of things have changed, mainly tangible things: a new church, theatre, bigger and better homework room with computers, new offices, new houses for the families, a playground etc. All very good ofcourse, but mainly focussing on giving the children a joyful day and controling their behaviour. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that, on the contrary, I think the children of MOP are having a great time! But there is a reason for their ‘strange’ behavior. The things that they have been through and the bad impact that has on them, will not dissappear with tangible things or short term happiness. It might only go away with long term attention, love, and even therapy. And precisely that last need, costs a fortune. That is why Mother of Peace continually needs all the support it can get! Because otherwise the one thing that will always stay the same is the fact that these children will never be able to deal with their past. And only by being in peace with your past you can start looking forward to the future.

The title of this blog is ‘It will never let me go’. Because once you have experienced volunteering with kids, it will never let you go. And that's a good thing, it ensures you don't take things for granted and makes you happy to be part of such a wonderful project as MOP. It makes you appreciate the good things in life more and makes it easier to deal with the sad ones. Everybody that has volunteered or worked with children will agree with me that it is very intense and hence so beautiful. Children are pure and manage to get into your heart and never ever go out again! So yes, I will probably go back because in the end it is the love, enthusiasme and smiles of the children that makes it all worth while!

But first I am going to enjoy being home in The Hague. Travelling is very nice, but it is also relaxing to come back home and just be in one place. It makes it easier to travel, knowing there is an appartment, a home, waiting for you.

Below you will find a last (well, at least for this year:)) overview of some  pictures and links to movies made at MOP.

The money I got from my great donors went amongst other things to: swimgear, healthy food for the gardeners, an outing for a caregiver, a remote control for a t.v. (housemoms need to relax as well), a well deserved treat for the 2 long time volunteers so they can give it their best all year round, and school money! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING MOP!!

Lots of love,
 
MJ
 

Movie 1: Sliding! 
Movie 2: Sanele is falling a sleep (the end is the best!)
Movie 3: Jumping off some tires
Movie 4: You wanna piece of me, hehehehe?!
Movie 5: Surfing according to a housemom
Movie 6: Skydiving
Movie 7: Bye bye!
 

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