To struggling young people of Papua New Guinea: do not be a prisoner of your past. If you are someone who is experiencing the same family problem as mine, never take revenge. If you do, you will never find satisfaction. Rather, try to build yourself up, pull yourself together, study hard if you are a student, work hard if you’re employed, start up small business if you have to. Most importantly, put God first in everything you do. – Ms. Caroline Winuan.
BROKEN HOME TO UNIVERSITY IN POLAND – story of Caroline Winuan of Papua New Guinea
I can’t remember when my dad left us and move on with his other wife. I was not yet in school. All I can remember were the struggles my mother had to face playing both roles of being a father and a mother to me and my siblings. Neighbors sometimes calls us bastard kids and gives us all kinds of names. My mother had to bear with it.
There could be others facing similar situation. Its not really easy finding oneself in a situation you didn’t even choose.
I never had role models in my life while growing up. Fear, disappointment and worry was all I grew up with. My main down moments in life is when people criticize, doubt me or tell me I can’t do anything. There were many circumstances where financial problem was a big constraint in my life.
Many will judge us by our past struggles. Some will even overlook us. However, God’s promise still stands. He will never leave and forsake us.
I have a very close relationship with Jesus. I wouldn’t have made it this far, had it not been for my Lord. He is my helper in times of need, my comforter in hardest times and my rock. Praying and bible studies are the things that keep me going.
This is the story of Caroline Winuan.
After graduating with a degree from Divine Word University in Madang, a kind family sponsored her to the University of Information Technology and Management in Poland where she is currently studying Masters in International Management.
What’s your message to struggling people ? I asked her.
My message to struggling young people would be, do not be a prisoner of your past.
If you are someone who is experiencing the same family problem as mine, never take revenge.
If you do, you will never find satisfaction. Rather, try to build yourself up, pull yourself together, study hard if you are a student, work hard if you’re employed, start up small business if you have to. Most importantly, put God first in everything you do.
Written by: Glen Burua
