Dear sponsor,
My name is Volodymyr, and I’m Mykola’s stepfather. I’m helping him write this letter since he’s only 5 years old.
We live in a village. Mykola wanted to share a bit about himself. His mother is Ira, and she’s not working at the moment. Mykola has three older brothers—Andrii, Serhii, and Misha. He has lots of friends and enjoys playing with them. Mykola is also very proud of his dog, Banan. He picked the name himself and loves Banan a lot.
He enjoys spending time with his family, especially helping his mom around the house. This year, Mykola helped plant potatoes and carrots, and his mom praised him for it. He’s also a big fan of playing in the sandbox with his friends at kindergarten. He says the food there is really good.
Mykola and our whole family want to sincerely thank you for your help. He’d love to know your name and what you enjoy most.
With gratitude,
Volodymyr (on behalf of Mykola)
Caseworker Comments:
Mykola is a shy 5-year-old who takes time to warm up to people, but once he does, he is full of energy and joy. When we first visited him, he would often hide behind his mother or older brother. He’s a bright boy who loves to learn and share his knowledge with others. Mykola enjoys playing football and swinging at the park. The more time he spends outside, the happier he is. At home, he helps by tidying up his toys and making his bed.
Mykola and his family live in a small village far from their church, so they gather with their fellow villagers for Bible studies. Every night, his mother reads the Bible to the family, bringing them closer together.
The family faces many challenges. They live in a small village with no job opportunities. Mykola’s mother, Ira, used to walk 8 kilometers to work and another 8 kilometers back home. She lost her job because of a high-risk pregnancy and now raises four children on her own. Recently, she met Volodymyr, a kind refugee who now lives with them. He has become a father figure to the children, and Mykola especially adores him, always staying by his side and calling him “Dad.” Mykola’s biological father lives in the same village but is not involved in his life. He struggles with alcohol and unemployment.
Despite their struggles, Ira works hard to guide her children. She ensures they do their homework and sends them to Christian camps and gatherings whenever possible. She teaches them how to care for their clothes and take responsibility around the house. The children help with chores, play with their little brother, and appreciate any help they receive.
We have been supporting this family for the past four years, doing what we can, though we cannot meet all their needs. However, we can show them the way to Christ and guide them on the right path with your help. We are incredibly grateful for anyone who can assist this family, especially the children.
The village school is at risk of closing, and if that happens, it will be a huge challenge for the children to continue their education. I ask for your prayers and any support you can provide for the family. Ira has been through many hardships. Previous partners left her when they learned she was pregnant, including Mykola’s father. Now, with no job and no money, the family is struggling to afford basic necessities. Volodymyr is trying to find work, but the lack of job opportunities and transportation in the village makes it difficult.
The family desperately needs two bunk beds because the children currently sleep on old metal ones with thin cotton mattresses. They are also in urgent need of food, clothes, and shoes. The living conditions are extremely terrible and awful. While the house is warm and the children help keep it tidy, the furniture is old and broken. There are carpets on the walls to cover cracks and holes, and the house needs significant repairs. There is no gas or water supply, and they have to heat water from the well to bathe in a bowl. They cook on a wood stove, gathering twigs from the forest to fuel it.
The house has only two rooms and a kitchen for six people. The roof leaks, the walls need reinforcing and plastering, and they need a proper kitchen with cupboards and dishes. They live in difficult conditions but work hard to keep the place as clean and comfortable as possible.
This family truly needs our support. Any help you can offer would make a world of difference.
