It has been 10 months since I left Mthatha, South Africa where I worked as a volunteer for Project Trust and not a day
goes by that I don’t think about my kids at Bethany Home or the incredible people
who I worked with. I had the
absolute pleasure to work with some truly inspiring people throughout my year
there. One of which was Sister
Mary Paule. Sister founded Bethany
Children’s Home and has been actively involved in it ever since. As time went on she stepped down as
director but always stayed on the board of directors and kept a very keen
interest in the home and her children; as well as living in the convent next to
Bethany Home.
Yesterday evening I heard the devastating news that Sister Mary’s car
had been hijacked and that she was missing. They discovered her car abandoned on the side of the road
but no sign of her. Unfortunately
this morning her body was discovered in a nearby river, the cause of death
hasn’t been released but a gun was also found so I think most can put two and
two together. Sister Mary was a
huge part of my year in South Africa and the most inspirational person I have
ever had the pleasure to know and work with. She gave her life to support and help those less fortunate
than her and I just wish that everyone could have known her to learn a lesson
or two. Whenever I was in need of
support or even just a chat, I could always rely on her to bring my spirits up;
there was something very calming and soothing about being around her. I remember the first time I met her and
knowing I was from London asked how the London 2012 Olympics were, and then she
proceeded to roll off lots of facts about the games and the winners of the
medals. It never ceased to amaze
me how up-to-date she was with everything that was going on around her, despite
living in a more rural part of South Africa.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Sister Mary. I only
knew her for a year but she had such a huge impact on me personally, I couldn’t
even begin to thank her enough when I left Bethany Home. Although there is anger at the situation
and it seems so unjust that this should happen to such a lady, I believe she
wouldn’t want people to dwell on that, but carry on the work she spent her
whole life doing.
Without any doubt Sister Mary touched and saved hundreds, if not
thousands of lives through her selfless work and that is something that should
be remembered and celebrated. May
she rest in peace.
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| Most insirational person I have ever met - May 2013 |
