#FarFromHome: Marc
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Welcome to our global #FarFromHome series: reflections on the time of Covid-19 from people who are are far from their family and home-country. We hope this brings comfort and reassurance. We chat to Marc, who lives in South Africa and is from DRC.
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What has guided you through this time? I focused on empowering myself by studying English on WhatsApp with Scalabrini English department and also by reading often the Bible.
Has anything brought you hope or inspiration in this time? Yes, besides the thoughts from the Bible, there were a lesson we learn with my colleagues from English class and our lecturer Jill Van, which was about Chadwick Boseman – the king of Wakanda and the actor of Black Panther. I went through all his story, this inspired and motivated me. To summarize the lesson – despite the ups and downs in life and what we’re going through, we must not give up!
What other emotions has this time brought out for you? Overwhelmed by the fear of getting Corona virus, I was always putting my mask on and washing regularly my hands. I am still observing the social distancing and measures.
What in your life history has made you better able to deal with this situation? I was raised by my single mother after the death of my father. Life became difficult and uncertain for my mom and I, but she taught me how to be content with the little we had, that is how I lived all my childhood. So that good education received from her helps me to deal with difficult situations and unexpected moments of life.
What characteristics of yourself have you relied on to get through this tough time? I am a very disciplined and organised man. Through this lockdown, I planned and organised myself to observe the measures of quarantine – keeping social distancing, no shaking hands, no hangs, always putting on my mask and washing my hands.
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What would be your advice to those people facing difficult situations at this time? It would be difficult to advise people during this time, because we have different goals and expectations – some of us has lost their jobs. But we should be prepared to face any situation, be courageous, determined to cope with the situation as it is, hoping that the better days are coming and be content with what we have.
Is there any other message you would like to send to other people who are living far from their original birthplace during this time? If we have a chance to learn something new let us do it. To read the Bible that is great, to be in touch with others, to share foods. We need to set up our mind and emotions to be enough strong when such situations occur.
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