Therese's Story: "I felt so helpless and angry... I've been here before in NI"
On Wednesday morning after the rioting overnight I was crying with helpless anger.
My work was cancelled due to road blocks and safety fears. It was a craft workshop- sponsored by Belfast learning festival which cost the Belfast City Council thousands of pounds.
I felt so helpless and angry. I'm 64 years of age , I've been here before in NI. My grandparents were burnt out of their home and business because of their religion.
I googled community groups and came across the Anaka Collective. I decided to drive down and offer my services, whatever could be of use. A family of six needed safe accommodation, my five children have grown up and moved out, I offered to help. By the time I arrived at Anaka, it was like a war zone, families in shock, women and children milling about.
A Sudanese girl got a call from her friends nearby, they were terrified. I offered a lift and brought a Granny, Mum, Dad and two daughters to Anaka. They were so scared. Over the next few days I hosted a girl from Somalia, a girl from Nigeria, a lady from South Africa and a family of four from Sudan, including a four year old non verbal autistic boy.
They were confused, scared and fearful for their lives. They were frightened that they may be attacked near my house because of their skin colour. After pizza and tea they settled and we had the loveliest of times.
Wanting to show gratitude they cooked amazing meals, would not take ANY money when we visited an Asian supermarket for supplies. We tasted gorgeous exotic foods, had the most interesting conversations watching the news. I learnt some lovely African traditions.
My house was filled with fun and laughter.
Three wee rascally children running about was beautiful. My dog and cat were brushed and spoiled like never before. I honestly had the loveliest of times. When they felt safe to go home, one asked to stop at Tesco. She bought me a £10 bunch of flowers. This girl gets £7 per day to live on!
I ferried some young men from Somalia around: strong, resilient, respectful 20-22 year olds who were tired confused and frightened. They said they had met angels tonight in Anaka.
The way Anaka mobilised and got organised from Tuesday night was so so impressive. Just a bunch of ordinary women doing ordinary things - stepping up and sorting out. They organised support, lifts, WhatsApp groups, everything. Just amazing - with a a few mobile phones and a Church hall they changed the lives of 100s of frightened families.
I was so proud to be associated with them and intend to volunteer with them in the future. One of my guests said "It was both the worst and best day of my life", worst because she feared for her life, best because she met kind people willing to help. She said "after fearing I would not survive I know that there are kind people in NI."
Honestly it was a pleasure and a privilege to host and help out. From my near despair after Tuesday's rioting, I immediately felt lighter and more hopeful for NI once I was able to help Anaka.