A new mission

written by Francesca Pirozzi (Volunteer)

We all have a dream!

Have you ever had enough “courage” to believe that your dream could come true?

Well, two years ago my dream came true!

My name is Francesca Pirozzi and I am 27 years old. My job is to work for children. When I was younger I joined the Franciscan Fraternity. Later, I became a member of the Franciscan Youth, a community which welcomes all the young people who want to live their lives according to the teachings of Saint Francis. I have been working as volunteer of the Nolite Timere onlus for almost three years, that is the reason why two years ago I was given the opportunity to go to Rwanda and visit the Cité of Nazareth. An unforgettable experience!

I did not have a doubt about “my mission”, despite all the bad things I had been told about Rwanda.

With my friends Rita and Gianni, I was welcomed by the Mother Superior of the Institute “F. Smaldone”. We stayed at the Institute a couple of days. My wonderful experience started there!

My first impression of Kigali was that of a very poor city. Nevertheless, it seemed wonderful to me, with its spectacular green hills and its coloured walls… I remember that when we arrived at the Institute we were warmly welcomed by tens of children very happy to see us. We gave them big hugs and kisses and candies. How sweet they were! We spent a lot of time playing with them that very first day of our arrival. After a while I realized that some of those children were deaf-and-dumb! I was so deeply struck by their disease.

During our stay in Rwanda we visited a lot of orphanages. I will never forget the visit to the Orphanage “Mother Teresa of Calcutta”. So many newborn children in their cradles, so many little children having their lunch. A Sister of the Religious Order founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta told us some of the stories of those children. She explained that many among them had been abandoned in the garbage cans, while the luckiest had been abandoned near the orphanage. After so many dangers they had been welcomed by the Sisters who were still taking care of them, giving them a place to stay and something to eat. These Sisters really were “the drawing pencil of God”, as Mother Teresa used to define them.

After a couple a days we reached the Cité of Nazareth and met the children who lived there. I must confess that they seemed all alike! After a few days I was able to tell the difference. It was so wonderful to gaze at them. Despite their sad personal histories, they still had enough strength to smile and run and play. I was so happy during my stay at the Cité, surrounded by so much love.

The day of our departure I was so sad. I was leaving all those lovely children and the Sisters of the Order of Mother Teresa. How to tell my family and friends my unforgettable experience in Rwanda? It was not easy, they were not able to really understand. I would have wanted to lend them my eyes and my memories in order to let them understand the great emotions I had lived in that wonderful country!