The Compassion Experience

October 17, 2019

Last week our KS2 children were invited to attend the Compassion Experience at our local church.  All of the children gained a lot from this but perhaps the best way summarise is to share an account of the morning as written by one of our Year 6 pupils.

 

The compassion experience 

On Monday the 7th of October 2019, the whole of the upper year’ s (key stage 2) went to something called the Compassion Experience which is a simulation of the story of a girl called Patience and her life.

Patience lived her childhood life below the poverty line which is where you are too poor to afford any of your daily vitals which is enough fresh food, clean water and a safe sanitary home. Patience had none of these but she still managed to be so joyful and appreciative of the little she had.

There is a disease called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) it is not actually the problem there are drugs that can prevent or stop it from turning into Aids which is extremely fatal, in fact it turns your immune system against itself, making you sick instead of better .

As a young child, Patience’s father died of this disease although this happened Patience stayed happy and calm.  Later on Patience’s mother died as well as brothers and sisters. She was left at the mercy of her aunt who would not feed her; instead she would only feed her children and herself. Patience grew thin and pale but her life was not completely tragic because she had a sponsor who generously paid for her to go to school, have three meals a day and have a doctor give her medical check-ups.  All of this was set up by churches in the local area in partnership with churches in countries where poverty is a lot lower but still exists like England.

In school she learnt about how to read, write, spell and many other life skills she was also taught about the many wonders of the bible and she even has a favourite verse: jeremiah 29,11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” She liked this verse because it gave her hope that one day she would prosper and be able to live a life of true freedom. Her sponsor also gave her letters of encouragement and comfort.

Later on in her life with help from the generous funding she managed to attain a degree in helping and supporting children who were or are in a situation like hers. But her sponsor was never forgotten in fact she is part of Patience’s closest family.

If there’s anything I’ve learnt from this it’s to never lose hope no matter your situation.  Keep on being resilient and never give up no matter what happens, be grateful for what you have and don’t waste perfectly good food.  It is an insult to the people who make it for you and there are people who are like Patience who needed only half of what you get and would take it happily and gratefully.

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