My name is Romène, and I work for the mission. Today, I’d like to share a story that is very dear to my heart. Guidelene is a six-year-old girl. She is not my biological daughter, but in my heart, she is truly my beloved child. I’ve been caring for her since she was just two months old. Her mother passed away shortly after she was born, leaving her in the care of her father who was eldery. One day, he came to the clinic holding the baby. She was born with a cleft lip and palate and had a lot of problems drinking the formula. The clinic provided him with infant formula, but he didn’t know how to care for her—he couldn’t even prepare the formula correctly.

Seeing this, the director of the nutrition center became very concerned. Guidelene was already swollen from malnutrition, and there was real fear that she wouldn’t survive without proper care. The director began looking for someone who could take the child in and give her care while also keeping her father in her life. That’s when I made the decision—willingly and without hesitation—to care for her as my own.

The mission supported me from the very beginning. They provided formula, diapers, and money for anything she needed. Later, when she was old enough to attend school, the mission covered all her school expenses. At the age of three, Guidelene had to undergo surgery due for her cleft lip and palate. It was a difficult time for her but she recovered.

Today, Guidelene is six years old. Our bond is unbreakable—like that of a mother and daughter. We can’t stand being apart for too long. When I’m away, she calls for her mom and wants to see me right away. Guidelene is now a happy, joyful child. She lives with me and my other children—two brothers and two sisters—and is surrounded by friends who love her and whom she loves in return. She goes to school, attends church, and shines with life. I’m so proud I chose to care for her when her father couldn’t. He still visits from time to time, but for me, Guidelene is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received.