“… When the passion for life finally arises, and with it the decision to fight and choose life, to choose the present and the future, there is nothing like it. It feels like the amazing feeling of an erupting force of nature at a divine act of creation. The face that was turned off, turns on and lights up, the smile shines, the body straightens up inside and out, as we walk step by step towards our goals and choices, and the tough grueling journey of survival we were born into, changes into a journey of exploration, a journey of magic and passion”.

From the book I wrote “The Shanti House Way“

For souls like me who have experienced violence, sexual assault, suffering, pain and especially abandonment from parents – those who should have been the anchor, safeguards and initial embrace – there is a choice to disconnect or overcome, to be a victim or choose life.

A moment of enlightenment and understanding led me to my destiny and the essence of my life. In a moment of clarity I realized that my way is to create a cosmic family of souls like me who have not experienced home and family. God guided me, and homes were created for homeless children like me.

This moment was at the age of 21 when I found the meaning of my way in this world. At this age I had a purpose and goal and no one could stop me and my understanding and belief in the way I chose. I knew I came into the world to help children like me choose life, faith, passion, optimism and hope when they could choose death, due to what they went through. They are saving my life every day..and like them, I am daily choosing life.

I could not do it for them, but I could and still can lead and give them the power to choose life.

I believe with all my heart that a person can choose to live as a victim or hold on to life with both hands.

I wanted our homes, from their outer shell to their inner shell, to reflect the optimism, joy, embrace and love these youth deserve, no matter what their religion, origin and gender, because we are all children of God and God is one for all of us.

Throughout the years of living together with the children I have developed a method, language, way and means to connect to them on even terms with what we all have in common – a choice.

I wish to share with the world this knowledge I gained, so that everywhere in the world they will be able to establish a home based on the model of the Shanti House Association – a home that will be led by love, compassion, acceptance, with the sense of security and the values ​​of respect between a person and his friend.

Every day I am thankful and grateful for the privilege of seeing miracles happen; at every choice made by a boy or girl, who sometimes lived as homeless children, to save their lives. Thanks and gratitude to an exciting team of souls who have chosen their destiny to walk with me and give strength, hope and love to the children who have chosen life.

I am so privileged

Mariuma