"I have shared my story to heal and get my inner peace” Creators of Peace Circles in Rhoda Estate, Nakuru County
On December 27-28, 2023, 15 women from Rhoda Estate, Nakuru County, gathered for a transformative Peace Circles experience led by facilitators Ann Gitu, Rose Kamau, and Annastasia Munene. Comprising young and elderly mothers from a local church, the group embarked on a journey towards healing and forgiveness.
At the session on “What is peace anyway?” they defined peace as "caring for others, loving, and embracing them with kindness, humility, and without discrimination."
As it always does, personal story-sharing became a catalyst for healing and liberation as participants bravely shared their painful experiences. From surviving abuse to grappling with unresolved anger and resentment, each narrative contributed to a collective journey of forgiveness and inner peace.
One of the participants who was raped by her stepfather and became partially disabled while she was 5 years said, expressed her journey towards healing, stated, "I have shared my story to heal and get my inner peace. I am also forgiving him, as much as the scars are still there.”
“I have never shared my story. I thought keeping all the pain to myself was helpful, but now I know it only keeps on eating me. Today after listening to other women’s stories and after sharing my own painful story, I am now free. I feel hopeful. I am now on the journey of healing.” Shared another women in the Peace Circles.
The Peace Circle provided a platform for reconciliation and forgiveness, as participants embraced the power of letting go of past grievances. One participant, overcoming years of anger towards her sister-in-law, whom she felt mistreated their father to death, declared, "today I choose to be free and forgive her. I am letting go of the pain I have been carrying."
One participant, reflecting on her journey as a leader and the qualities she holds as a peace creator, shared, "being a church leader, I thought I'm the best, but now I know there are qualities I should work on to be a good leader."
Reflecting on personal shortcomings, participants committed to self-healing, forgiveness and transformation. From becoming better listeners to honoring their inner voice through reflection, each pledge signified a commitment to personal and collective transformation.
What a way to end the year 2023! The participants, committed to continue meeting on a monthly basis and practice peace while supporting each other in their journey towards inner peace and healing. The elderly mothers pledged to mentor and guide the younger mothers in creating a better community for all.
Special thanks are extended to Shoshana Faire from Australia for her generous support, enabling participants to engage in this healing and transformative journey for the participants and the community.
Report by Ann Gitu, Rose Kamau, and Annastasia Munene