Local Story
Serena's Story
Serena was just 15-years-old when she had her oldest daughter, Lija, who was born with severe physical disabilities that prohibit her from using her arms or her legs. For the past eleven years, Serena has not only literally carried her sweet daughter on her back with her wherever she goes, but she’s managed to raise two other children as well. Exhausted, Serena is unable to help her husband earn any additional income since her entire life revolves around caring for Lija.
“We don’t have any money,” Serena expresses, as she points to the room that she and her family of five share with three other families. “No matter what,” she says, “my children will always bring me joy.” It’s impossible to imagine how Serena makes it through a single day. With a four-month old baby to care for, a 6-year-old who is no longer able to attend school because her family cannot afford it, a husband who barely earns enough to feed his family once a day and Lija, Serena is not sure how her family will continue to survive.
“We don’t have a toilet and our water is not clean,” Serena explains after mentioning that her six-year-old son suffers from frequent stomach aches and water-related illnesses.
Serena and her family are certainly among ‘the least of these,’ however, God has not forgotten about them or the community of Parulia Para. And with your partnership, they will experience true transformation and realize their full potential.