Christmas for me symbolizes a season of new beginnings; a new beginning when all hope is lost and suddenly, God shows up in the situation and changes all things around for our good.
A Blessing & Privilege
It had been a blessing to work with underprivileged students in St. Mary’s community College, Jharsuguda, Odisha. I had the opportunity to understand their difficulties, comfort them in sorrow, accompany them in their pain. Their study is adversely affected by family problems such as alcoholic parents, family disputes, deceased parents, death of siblings and loved ones. Some of them are being brought up by a single parent. Parents are mostly farmers and daily labourers. Most of them are school and college dropouts, young widows, those who were once involved in begging, have had bad relationships, part of child labour, and have experienced homelessness and suicidal thoughts, and many have also been victims of domestic violence.
The job that they are offered after their training, seems to really help them, this enables them to have a reason to believe in themselves, to feel accepted, and take control of their lives in a respectable manner.
I Made a Difference
Working with the underprivileged has helped me realize that I made a difference in their life. Sometimes it was difficult for me to handle them, or manage the finance. Many times I felt helpless. I simply brought all my anxiety and worry to the Lord during the holy hour from where I drew immense strength. However, through a series of divine intervention, the God of new beginnings showed up and gave me grace to understand and love them and support them emotionally and financially. I felt proud that I was able to involve myself in the life of young people.
Sr.Ranjita Tirkey HM
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