Dear sponsor,
My name is Natalka and I’m 7 years old. I don’t know anything about my dad. My mother probably doesn’t work – I don’t know much about her. I have 1 sister and 4 brothers. I would like to tell you about my older sister Nastia. She is 12 and she helps me with my homework. I also love it when she braids my hair. Nastia is my best friend. She’s always there for me. We often play different games together like hide-and-seek and tag when we’re outside or some board games at home. For Christmas, they invite us to get our presents at church and to hear the stories from the Bible. In summer I spend a lot of time outside, I swim in the lake and help my grandmother herd the cows. Now I am in the 2nd grade. My school is in another village. In my free time, I like to draw. I want to become a cook when I grow up to make tasty food for other people. Dear sponsor, thank you for your desire to help my family. I would like to know more about you. Tell me about your life and your family. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Nataliia
Caseworker’s comments:
Nataliia is characterized by her obedience and calm demeanor, traits that have likely developed from her unique upbringing. She had never had the opportunity to meet her mother and was instead cared for by her aunt and grandmother. Despite this challenging start, Nataliia has proven to be adaptable, easily forming friendships at school and showing no fear of strangers.
Nataliia takes on responsibilities beyond her years, such as caring for her younger brother and assisting with household chores, including helping her grandmother with the family’s cow herd. Nataliia finds joy in attending Sunday school, where she can deepen her connection with Jesus and strengthen her friendships. Despite being in good health overall, Nataliia faces challenges with her eyesight. Her aunt believes that she primarily needs an eye examination and glasses. However, due to their dire financial circumstances, Nataliia is unable to access the necessary vision care.
Her family background is complex, with her grandmother and aunt, Halyna, providing stability amidst their diverse and dysfunctional home environment. Halyna, who herself is raising her own children, made the courageous decision to take on the responsibility of caring for Natalia and her siblings, despite facing extreme poverty.
The living conditions they endure are horrific and terrible, with a dilapidated home lacking basic amenities such as running water, a kitchen, and proper heating. The condition of the roof, walls, and floors are terrible, making the house uninhabitable for any child. Imagine the hardship of living in a place devoid of basic necessities. The rooms consist only of concrete, with limited opportunities for further repairs. The size of this house is so small that accommodating this family of eleven within its three rooms is a considerable challenge. Halyna has taken it upon herself to make necessary repairs to the home, including fixing heating stoves and planning renovations.
Financial struggles persist, with Halyna and her husband managing the burden of caring for nine children on their own. Halyna has been navigating the legal system to secure guardianship of the children and access the support they need. The family’s situation is further complicated by Halyna’s husband being mobilized for military service.
Despite these challenges, the family remains resilient, supported by their community and their faith. Efforts to improve their living conditions are ongoing, with renovations planned and support from their church and HART. While their journey is far from easy, Nataliia and her family continue to persevere, sustained by their love for one another and their determination to create a better future.
