The days, months, or years a child spends without proper nutrition create problems that last a lifetime. Not only does improper nutrition prevent healthy growth, it causes instability in everyday life, the inability to focus, and cultivates hopelessness for the future.
Masha found herself in a situation no child should be in. Being 15 years old and navigating her way through the 11th grade in a village in Moldova, she also took on the role of “mother” for her three younger siblings.
As far back as Masha can remember, they’d been without their father. Due to unemployment rates and difficulties in finding a job, Masha’s mother left Moldova in search of employment to send money back for her children.
With her mother away, Masha had to carry the responsibility of adulthood. The weight of grocery shopping and providing dinner every day for herself and three siblings, completing household chores, and trying to keep up with her education was just too much. She found herself on a path filled with discouragement, instability, and even fear at times.
One day, someone from the village invited Masha to Convoy of Hope’s Children’s Feeding program at the local church. She enjoyed herself and found it to be a safe place. Now, because of attending the Children’s Feeding program, Masha is able to bring her siblings. Together they receive daily warm, nutritious meals, relieving Masha of the burden of providing dinner for her siblings. Masha is also offered help with her homework to encourage her in her education. She and her siblings experience love and care from the volunteers of the Children’s Feeding program, and their path is now filled with hope.
Looking ahead, Masha has deep aspirations to complete her education and attend university. None of this would be possible without the partnership between the local church and Convoy of Hope.
