Safe me from the sidewalk

Being a South African has and always will be my pride and joy. We have come a long way as a rainbow nation. When the Covid 19 Pandemic started it us and the rest if the world in dissary unbelief and a deep sadness.The world is facing one of its biggest challenges yet. Life will never be the same for many of us. I ,as so many others lost my job , and everything else as a result of the pandemic. Not long after I tested positive for the Corona Virus. It felt as if I'm falling down a deep hole with slippery walls with no way to pull myself up. It was the most scariest time of my life. I thought I would not make it , knowing I still have so much to offer the world , but I held on and by adhering to the guidelines ,determination and prayer I was healed.

The thought of homelessness a constant companion on my mind .Being realistic in knowing finding a job at this given moment would be close to me impossible. South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world and with the pandemic it worsened.

I have suffered great losses in my life my husband had a stroke in 2013 it left me devastated and lost. Without him I had hallow feeling inside...for months I slept on the couch missing his nearness so much . I realise the loss will always be there I learnt to live with it. knowing others need me more. At the time I worked as a HIV/AIDS counselor and knew I had to push forward I had my clients depending on me I shed my tears in silence when I'm alone.. This made me realise how short and precious life is. I grew up in a village scwatter camp . l lost my mom when I was six and dad when I was in grade 10 . My dad instilled in me the importance of education .Growing up I always thought everyone else lived like us ,imagine my shock when I wient to school for the first time and realised children actually wear shoes and the same clothes ( school uniforms) . In 2018 I lost my sister ,she was my best friend ,stood as a mom for me.Even still today I think of her with tears running..I am an ordinary person , I'm an introvert and good in nature ,I'm a God fearing woman.

I seek the opportunity for a better life overseas now that some boarder restrictions are being lifted gradually. I love to learn about different countries and cultures. To me the world is beautiful. The reason for my plea is not just to be able to realise that dream.but the urgency for help as rent and food can no.longer be afforded and eviction is due soon. My days consist of intense worry and surging for solutions for my next meal and shelter and the hope that someone will assist to keep me off the street and to secure a roof over my head. Shelters are overcrowded.. sidewalks filled with little tents and some just have a blanket. On the street rape,Robbery,beatings and even murder are at the order of the day.Many cannot handle this street life and commit suicide.I WANT TO LIVE. I do plead and ask for assistance..I am aware that many are suffering. I will use the money to secure a place to live..for food..Dr's appointments.I will also enlist to study some foreign languages....which will help me dearly when I'm blessed to go overseas..

Thank you so much for taking time to read my story. I will also appreciate it if you could forward my story to friends ,family and aquitances...I would appreciate all the help I get.

Thank you

God bless