A deeper insight into my life. ABOUT ABEL!
I am 20 years of age and was born with a disability. YES! I was born with a disability that most people don't know. I was born at 8 months and my mum came to know I was disable when I was 1 year old. I could not crawl, sit, walk, stand,run, jump etc. Basically what any able person could do, I wasn't able to. My mum told me that when I was at that age, I would lie down whole day. I was diagnosed with polio and the doctors said that I would be like that my entire life. My mum was a teacher then and she left her work to look after me. I was in that condition for 2-3 years. This is the amazing part. I was healed by JESUS through the power of Prayer. My mum took me for a walk one day and she came past a church crusade. She was not part of that church but she decided to listen. When the church finished, the Pastor had a vision. He said "There's a woman here and her child needs healing." My mum was hesitant in the first few calls as she was not part of the church but she decided to go and tell the pastor about me anyway. The pastor prayed and said you will receive a visitor and that visitor will heal your child in 3 days. That is exactly what happened. A man whom my mum said was our neighbor came to heal me. The doctors and medical practitioner were amazed and could not explain how I was healed. Since then, I have enjoyed God's gift in my life and saw it as a SECOND CHANCE TO LIFE!
Pic: Abel(left) and cousin Tieri (right)
Life for me was not a walk in the park. It was rather a roller-coaster ride. I did have some up and downs. When I was in Primary School, I was bullied. I didn't tell my teacher nor parents about it. Not even my best friend knew. I was locked in the washroom, mocked and teased by the boys when I used the change room because of the way my stomach and belly button was formed and was even ambushed on my way home.Never once did I bothered to fight back. I tried my best to hide all those pain,scratches and bruises from my parents.I never wanted to tell my parents because I even had problems at home.So practically I had no one to turn to. I never really did fit in. I don't know how I managed to get through that phase but I did.
Pic: My cousins and I taking a picture before going to church
In High School, I struggled even harder trying to fit in. I wasn't much of a social person. I was raised by my grandparents.So for me, I had to look after them and didn't have much time to socialize with peers. My mum took several jobs to try to support me. I was lucky enough in my junior year, I was selected to be a member of the Natabua Brass Band. The band was an escape from reality for me. It made me enter a three dimensional world just full of joy and music. It helped me with my confidence issues and I managed to make friends.When I was in my final year in school, my aunt who also supported me when my mum was away overseas for work, died of Cancer. I was heart broken as she was more like a mum to me. It was like my world started to build itself up and then it came crashing down on me again.
Pic: In my final year at high school, I received the best bandsman award.
In my High School year, I also managed to join the youth movement. It is a choice I never regretted. I have been volunteering and advocating for 4 years now. I joined various youth groups, Government Ministry and NGO such as youths for integrity, youth champs 4 mental health, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Lautoka District Youth Council, Yafi West and Fiji Red Cross Society. This has helped me to move out of my comfort zone, explore and experience life. Right now, I am running two small projects on my own. One is Origami Viti, in which basically I teach whoever is willing to learn the art of Origami.The other is an Online Safe Space where I talk to peers and listen to their problems. I have been receiving messages not only from people in the Pacific but across the globe. For me to be able to comfort and listen to their story is a reward on its own that surpasses anything else in this world, even money can't buy. The progress for both my mini-projects has been slow but a small act can definitely make a great impact.
Pic: I volunteered for Red Cross during the Post Winston Rehabilitation Period.
Currently, I am studying Linguistics and Journalism at the University of the South Pacific. In my spare time I volunteer or work on my mini-projects. My message through this blog is simple. No matter your circumstances in life, take it and change it into something beautiful. I hardly do things as such but I am making an exception for this in hopes that it inspires another person. I am not saying that right now I am living a happy ending. I still have a lot to polish in myself and obstacles to overcome. What matters most in life is how you able to narrate and be the author to your own story. You have the ability to decide. That is the beauty of life. I choose to live my life to the fullest. At this stage of my journey, I am discovering myself every day. Accepting things as they come and making the best of what ever life throws on me.
Pic: My journalism friends and I conquering Mount Korobaba.
I hope as you read this, may you find the peace and comfort you looking for. Love ABEL!
