Lorena R

Lorena was born in 2007. At a very early age, along with her sisters and their mother, ended up living on the streets. The family was forced to leave the "structure" they were calling home due to the father's abusive behavior (a space with a demolition order and lacking even the most basic features like electricity or running water).

As the mother could not afford to pay the fees associated with registering the birth of her daughters, none of them had birth certificates or any other paperwork to document their existence. With no education, no income, no relatives to rely on or get help from, and no government assistance, the mother agreed to have Hand of Help become the girls' new home.

Lorena grew up to be an intelligent young girl with a fantastic memory, constantly challenging the other children to learn more and do better with their studies. From an early age, she started singing and reciting Bible verses and lengthy poems that even adults would find difficult to memorize.

She played the mandolin in our center's orchestra and also sang in church.

She was always involved in numerous activities around Hand of Help, and her smile and energy accompanied her all the time. As a child, she loved arts and crafts and always sought to learn and practice what she had learned. We still remember her beautiful knitted accessories!

Lorena started the local Economics high school in 2022, and despite the many changes (new teachers, new classmates, new subjects), Lorena adjusted really well.

From a child with no legal existence, Lorena has grown into a mature young girl. Thank you for making stories like these possible!

Danusia, her oldest sister, finished a local trade school with a diploma in hairstyling/haircutting and attended an extra course specializing in the same field. Once she turned 18 and her studies were over, she decided to start an independent life and move to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Lorena's other sister, Andreea, has also left the orphanage and started independent life. Lorena keeps in touch with both of her sisters.

The Romanian government initiated a program where qualifying young adults ages 18 to 26 could receive a generous initial sum of money, followed by monthly financial support from the state if they left the social system and showed proof that they are continuing their education or are employed. Lorena decided to take advantage of this and move on her own while finishing her last year of school. She was able to rent her own place in Botosani and continues her studies. Our social workers monitored the move and made sure Lorena understood the challenges of living on her own and the new responsibilities she faced as an adult. Our staff members are always available for her should she encounter any difficulties or be in need of advice.

Thank you for your love and support for children like Lorena. We pray that the seeds planted in her life throughout her years with us will bring forth much fruit and that the Holy Spirit will transform her life into one of continual worship of our God!