Haleema’s story What the Open Door project has done for me.  

  (Prepared for presentation to Highfield Guild February 09)

 

The answer to this is that it has given me the four ‘F’s. These four ‘F’s are the most essential things in everyone’s life.

 

F no. 1 – Future

Three years ago, I didn’t have much of a future to look forward to. I could only see pain and loneliness. I had no family or friends. I had been living abroad for over fifteen years. I didn’t know anyone here.  To be honest, the future looked bleak to say the least.  I decided I would make my way round to the community centre to see what activities I could join, in the hope of meeting and making friends.

 

As I was looking at the adverts in the window, the door of the community centre opened and there stood before me was a lady with a lovely smile. Judith’s first words to me were, ‘Hello. Would you like to come in for a coffee?’  Inside I met two more ladies, also smiling – Susan and Sheila. From that moment on and every day since, I knew I had a future that looked much brighter.

 

F no. 2 – Friends

I started going to the centre regularly and soon I was making friends – true friends – the sort of friends that, good or bad times, they are by your side.  Now that I am part of the Open Door Project team, I am meeting new people and making new friends every day.

 

F no. 3 – Family

Three years have passed since I first met Judith, Susan and Sheila. In that three years I now have a family that is growing daily. All the Open Door team have become like brothers and sisters to me.

 

I met a couple two years ago. They came to our Monday morning breakfast. In September 2008, they got married. Judith performed the ceremony. Charlie, the groom, has adopted me as his mum. So now, by proxy, I have a son, a daughter-in-law, twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. So the Open Door project has given me a family.

 

F no. 4 – Faith

Last but not least, Faith. I have always had faith in God. He has always been there for me. During the last three years my faith has grown in strength and I feel this is because of the support I have received from every member of the Open Door project’s team. They have opened their arms when I’ve needed a hug. They have listened when I’ve needed to talk. They have laughed and cried with me. They have prayed for me and with me. They have been my rock.

 

Because of these people, I have a reason to look forward to whatever life has in store for me. All these things and more is what the Open Door project has done for me.

 

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.