Our work at the "Fabiano of Christ" Transitory House is focused on improving the standard of living for expecting mothers and their families. Therefore, the letters received spontaneously from the very women who have gone through the programs at the House are a testament of the growth and development that occurs during the process.
Below you will find copies of the letters written by three expecting mothers, which were written right after they left the House at the completion of the program. They were sent to the teachers of the Maternal and Infant Instruction Course to express their gratitude for the support they received, to describe the concepts they learned and the results they saw in their own lives.
It is important to point out that despite all the services provided by the House, such as health care, food, and clothing, the concepts learned in the Maternal Orientation Course are the ones mentioned in the letters as those which made the largest impact on the improvement of their families' lives.
Notes: The names mentioned above are fictitious in order to protect the privacy of the women assisted by the House.
Letter from Leticia
Dear volunteers of this House of Peace,
I want to tell you all, in all sincerity, how thankful I am for all your dedication and willingness to help the mothers-to-be and their babies even after pregnancy.
Well, I would like to say that, for me, it was a great joy to be able to be a part of this House. Because here I have learned to understand my life better. I've learned to have hope for a better future, and most important of all, I've come to believe that God is always among us.
To me, "the House" signifies a union between communities.
Here in the House I've come to be a different person, someone more positive, more responsible. It was a wonderful blessing for me, and I could say that the Transitory House was a good "life lesson" for me to experience.
I appreciate everything received at the Transitory House: I want to thank my teacher Enilda for her Sewing course and for the patience of my teachers Sandra and Helene – I want you two to know that you created a great team and you'll always be in my heart. I think that you two and Enilda are people who are wonderful, along with the other members of the house.
Thanks for all your care and understanding and for all of the wonderful support from the Childcare workers that was given for the baby and each one of us [expecting mothers]. Thanks for everything. May all of you at Transitory House continue to give this helping hand and love to all expecting mothers.
Congratulations to all of the volunteers from the Transitory House. Our Lord is applauding this beautiful gesture of love and solidarity.
My little boy and I just want to say thank you very much for everything you've done for us.
Your former student,
Letícia.
Letter from Clara
Teacher Sandra,
It's been so great to be able to get to know you and to take your classes. They've gone by so fast, I miss them already. I learned so much in them—especially how important it is that we need to forgive and allow ourselves to be forgiven.
I used to get really upset whenever someone hurt me, but I never did anything in response, because I knew it would be wrong. Now what I do is I forgive the person inside of me, and just continue to speak with them normally.
It is really important to help our neighbor and ask nothing in return. That's me. When I come across someone who needs help, which has happened many times, and even though I may be carrying a heavy load at the time, I always feel good when I help other people.
I got to know so many people, everyone different from each other, which is good or it wouldn't be any fun, right?
I also learned that our Lord is extremely important in our lives. He's everything. Our Creator.
Sandra, I'm going to miss you a lot—your unique way of explaining things, your patience, your care and your love.
Wednesdays were always so sacred for me. I never missed a class since I registered at the House.
Thanks for your existence. May God make each day a brighter day, so you continue doing this wonderful job of teaching.
Your student who loves you,
Clara
Letter from Suellen
Teacher Sueli,
It's Sue Ellen here. I know we haven't talked much, but I must say that I paid attention to everything you taught us. I've kept it in my heart and I use it every day, and I share your message with my family and friends.
I'm 19 years old. It is my first pregnancy. I never told you, but my son's father has been in jail for over a year. I work part-time, but I have to help my family – we're seven. When I got pregnant, I wanted to have an abortion. I didn't have a good relationship with my mom and my brother would beat me. I was a sad person filled with hate. Then, I was invited by a friend to join all of you. I did and enjoyed it so much.
Just on entering the House, we feel it has a different atmosphere--calm and peaceful. Your ideas, the things you do, helped me to have faith in a better world and to do my share just to see my family get well again. It's not 100% today, but it's so much better than before. I'm a better person myself and I love my son so much and I'm going to give him all my love and care.
My teacher, I just have to thank you.
Kisses and hugs to you all,
Sue Ellen.
