The Hope for Latvia Blog
Jane's Courage
I spent time with Jenya or Jane as she prefers to be called today; we were filming her story to thank all those who have supported our work. We hope to have it ready to show you all soon. Through out the time we spent together I was totally amazed by her courage, her determination and the way she has conducted her life.
We first met her 7 years ago through another family whom we supported; she was living in a single room with her mum and Grandma. The bathroom facilities were shared by the 20 other families on her floor. At night it was not safe for her to walk down the corridor to use them as they were and still are a heaven for drug and alcohol abuse. Jane used to play a game of how many clothes she had to put on at night simply to stay warm in freezing temperatures. In the last year both her mum and her grandma have died leaving her with just an alcoholic uncle as family.
She talked about how many of her friends now have 2-3 children, didn’t finish school and are addicted to alcohol.
Yet Jane is in her first year at university, has always tried her hardest to find work to support her self, and talks to me about the young girls she is mentoring and how she wants to volunteer for us.
To be where she is now, to overcome all those obstacles that takes true courage.
Exciting Plans
This week I have been on the phone with Helen, our social worker in Latvia, excitedly planning our next family training day. The day will focus on helping families to over come many of the obstacles that hold them back, there will be sessions on budgeting, how to access government services as well as chance for the mothers to share their experiences and learn from each other. We hope to take lots of photos to show you how your support is making a real difference. Thanks for your support and Happy Easter, JL.
