2015 marks the year that Valentin A. (born in 2012) was faced with the beginning of a series of dramatic changes in his life. After tirelessly trying to counsel and help Valentin's parents, the local authorities noticed a total lack of interest and effort on their part, and no longer pursued the rehabilitation of their lifestyle. Subject to precarious environmental conditions, a noticeable lack of hygiene, nutrition and basic care, in addition to the parents' alcohol abuse and behavioral deficits, Valentin's older siblings were directed to foster care in 2011.

In 2015, Valentin went through the same sufferings and feelings of neglect and abandonment that his siblings experienced in 2011. His mother was arrested and there were no relatives found that would have been able to take care of little Valentin.

When we first went to see Valentin, we found an emotional little boy, asthenic and hopelessly looking at us. His tiny body was covered in insect bites while his face seemed to be caught in a past moment- a traumatic moment that he was strenuously trying to get out of.

He found his home after our meeting! Although it took him a while to adjust, after meeting new children and experiencing again (or better said for the first time) the feeling of being taken care of, Valentin became a happy child! We know we are but instruments in the lives of our children but we thank our Lord for entrusting us with this task and offering us the support of contributors like you. We could do nothing by ourselves, and we thank you for making stories like Valentin's possible.

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Our Lord has worked miraculously in Valentin's life! After years of visiting a family in a nearby city, they decided to take Valentin into their home and become foster parents. After a long period of discussions, evaluations and legal procedures the authorities granted them the right to welcome Valentin into their family. We continue to support them throughout this whole process and help as needed.  

Valentin has already changed tremendously. He continues his studies and is also involved in all types of chores and activities around his new home- everything from preparing traditional Romanian sweet bread to tending to animals around the house! Children from Hand of Help have already visited him at his new house and Valentin's foster parents bring him to the orphanage often so that he can keep in touch with his friends here. 

Thank you for being a part of Valentin's story and an instrument in God's hands to bless him and completely change the course of his life. We are humbled by your generosity and selfless sacrifice and even though our words will never be enough to express our gratitude, we know that God will amply reward you.