Sara Ferreira travelled with UPG Portugal to Chokwé as a volunteer. Just landed on the 21st of January for almost 3 months, she intended to help the organization with After School study centres and Income Generation Programs at CPRE, Santa Luisa de Marillac School and São Vicente Paulo School. But a few days after her arrival, she was thrown into the dramatic violence of the January flood crisis. She was tireless and brave helping the refugee population in the CRPE Orphan Centre, and in the middle of the chaotic floods she become a nurse, a mentor and a friendly shoulder.
“The greatest difficulties were felt during the two first weeks, because there was no adjustment period. The options were “to do, or to do” – there was no option other than trying to the best we could to help the population.After Brother Licínio’s arrival it was difficult to find the most needed ones who were hiding in the Centre surrounding areas.
I was asked if I loved it…one cannot love calamity… suffering, pain and wounds … but I loved the experience, the people, and the country because even in the hardest moments I always had a smile like this one, here and there… Thank you Mozambique… I have to thank you too, despite all the initial confusion I always felt at home, I was welcomed as a daughter, I took care of you like my own, I overcame the hardest moments and keep the good ones in my heart … I did not arrive in the “worst” time, I arrived in the right time for you, and everything happens for a reason … I came back with an overflowing heart. Tá tá! Sister Sara”
Sister Sara
THANK YOU ALG VOLUNTEERS, AT HEADQUARTERS IN LONDON, IN UPG LISBON, REMOTELY AND IN OUR MOZAMBIQUE OPERATIONS, HELPING US TO PROVIDE A GREAT HELP!
Donate to ALG now!