Some thoughts on Kairos Outside by previous guests that may help give some small insight into changed lives
Rachel, a former Kairos Outside guest
"At Kairos Outside I heard the stories of women just like me whose family members were imprisoned. I heard how they felt, how they survived and I wept floods of tears. I couldn't believe that there were others who actually knew what I felt and, like me, had lived those days when you wish it would all just go away. These women were an inspiration to me and have helped me start living again by making better choices and reminding me that I don't have to walk alone".
Claire, Kairos Outside Team member
"Its very easy just not to know what a hidden section of the population like these women who are supporting someone in prison, are going through. Most have courage and perseverance to be able to survive, but most do not have a lot of hope. To be able to add hope to their courage and perseverance is a very precious thing"
Christine, a recent guest
Thank you for making me feel like a princess and for giving me a wonderful weekend. Watching the faces and expressions on the guests faces as they received their roses and were photographed and then escorted to their tables at the special dinner on the Saturday night was incredible. Two guests were overcome by what happened and kept saying to each other "I can’t believe it".
From previous guest (name withheld)
To my dear Kairos Outside Family,
Hello to you all, I want to let you know what the weekend meant to me, it was so special. It was a time of love, acceptance, laughter and tears. My life hasn’t changed, you find that out as soon as you walk back through
the front door! But I think I have changed. I know I have shared this story with a couple of you but I’d like
to tell you all.
I think it’s helped me to be at the place I’m at now in my journey. I realize it’s not just me that’s been affected by my son going to prison. Last year at KO#x, a girl on my table family helped me so much by giving me an insight to how my son has been affected and shaped into the person he is now. She also gave me hope. My husband and I both know how we have been affected by the prison system.
This year my table family shared the pain of having a sibling in custody. I thought we had protected my younger son quite well, we did our best, but now I realize how hard it’s been for him. The talks and time to think helped me look at my whole family, especially myself in a different way. With caring people around me, I know I’ll work through this. It’s such a beautiful feeling to know I have a family who loves me whatever and will uphold me in prayer.
On the weekend we receive a surprise 'love letter' from the person inside (how it is arranged is amazing in itself) or from someone close. The one from my son last year was special and I’ll always treasure it. This year he was able to share so much more with me. I’ve tucked these letters away in my bag of love and memories. It’s a place I can go to when I’m sad. I open my bag and the love just seems to come out. These are part of my most treasured possessions.
I thank God for you all every day. My love and blessings.
Louise (not her real name) looks at Kairos Outside, as an experience of support for women who have someone they love serving a prison sentence - she titled it "Hurting on the inside for those on the outside"
"A caring friend invited me to be a guest on a Kairos Outside weekend. My initial reaction was one of independence— ‘I’m OK’. Besides, I wasn’t sure what to expect or who I might see there. My professional background brings me in contact with a lot of people in my local community. What would they think?
Kairos Outside starts with a gentle, live-in weekend and offers the opportunity to join an ongoing support group. On the weekend, team members share their stories and how they manage life’s challenges. Some guests have never shared their story with anyone, not even family or friends. They find it too difficult or painful to talk about their situation or feel silenced by fear of people’s judgements. But there is compassion amongst women who share a similar experience.
There is no pressure, and the team creates a safe environment where everyone makes a commitment to maintain confidentiality. We share tears, laughter and wonderful meals. Some women benefit so much from the weekend that they are able to make significant changes in their lives, to create healthier relationships for themselves and their families, join or rejoin the workforce, or even go on to study.
For me Kairos Outside was a very nurturing and supportive weekend and I am now on team supporting other women."
Also peruse an in-depth testimony from Jan, a mum, a former guest and now team member, by clicking HERE
Kairos makes a difference - because Kairos cares