The story of Naomi, Lorenzo and their younger sister Emanuela, is one we have sadly heard too many times before.

The children were found by the local authorities alone, neglected, and having no one to take care of them properly. After their parents' divorce, the mother was granted sole custody of her children and for a while, they continued living in their family home. However, when she decided to leave the country and start work abroad, the children were left alone, with no adult to take care of them.

Months had gone by, and the children started missing school and were in danger of getting involved in various entourages with no one to offer them supervision or advice.

When we first saw Naomi, we could see on her face the traces of former and present hardships as well as a high level of maturity, obtained unfortunately the hard way. Naomi had many times been both mother and father to her younger siblings.

When we first welcomed them into our family, she kept her distance and displayed a questioning nature. However, in just a few months, we could notice a visible change. She met children coming from even worse circumstances and environments. Someone to talk to and seek to find counsel from was always available; she started getting involved in our activities at Hand of Help and she soon found better friends to spend her free time with.

Naomi had to work hard to recuperate all the time she missed in school and shortly after, teachers noticed her desire to study and her improved test results. During her darkest hours, she started looking to God and realized that He is the only One able to bring comfort, solace and fulfillment.

How precious is the love of our Lord manifested in His children! Naomi plays the guitar and spends many hours reading. Her desire is to be admitted to Medical School and be able to be with her siblings all the time, keeping the family together.

We are grateful for the chance that He has given us to sow His Word in the hearts of these children. Thank you for continuing to make testimonies like these possible. May He bless you abundantly for working while it is still day unto the least of these!