“I could never have imagined reaching this point: having my own children, and being capable of raising them properly. It means a tremendous amount to me! We often wait for divine intervention, expecting angels to come, but sometimes those angels turn out to be ordinary people. In my case, I believe that the Almighty sent Anna into my life at just the right time.
I am the third child among the 31.000 children that Anna has cared for. When she found me, I was sleeping in the homes of compassionate neighbors who took pity on me. At that time, there were seven children at home, and our mother had abandoned us. Before leaving, my mother even sold my younger sister to strangers. In her absence, my father turned to alcohol, leading to arguments and violence that caused my siblings to leave one by one to live on the streets. I remained until my father eventually kicked me out, telling me, ‘You are not my child.’
The day I met Anna is etched vividly in my memory. At just 25 years old, she had recently co-founded the Heart of a Child Foundation with two friends. They had already taken in two street children, providing them a home in a modest two-bedroom apartment. Anna became my savior. While I was struggling with hepatitis and lagging behind in school, she took me under her wing. Through her care, I managed to complete high school and acquire a trade. One day, she asked me about my deepest desire, and I expressed the longing to reunite with my siblings. Without hesitation, she located each one and brought us back together. How can a stranger extend such love and go to such lengths for you? Reflecting on it now, I realize it wasn’t an easy journey for her to raise someone else’s children. However, I take solace in knowing that I brought her joy: I’ve succeeded in life, built a beautiful family, with five well-behaved and healthy children, one of whom I named Anna. Never did I envision having my own family. Many times, the thought crossed my mind that I never wanted to become like my father, and fortunately, I’ve managed to steer clear of that path entirely.
Following my experience, thousands of other children, abandoned or neglected by their parents, dealing with HIV or facing significant challenges, found refuge under Anna’s care. When the apartment could no longer accommodate them, Anna found other loving families to open up their homes, established a learning space for rural children, and provided a home for us older ones. Every time someone needed assistance, she tirelessly stepped in. Today, the Heart of a Child Foundation supports hundreds of children facing difficulties alongside their families in Romania and Ukraine, offering many a genuine chance and investing in their future, mirroring the impact Anna had on my life 27 years ago.
It is said that miracles happen during the holiday season, and I wholeheartedly believe it. I experienced one firsthand: six siblings, once separated and struggling, brought together by a compassionate young woman around a decorated Christmas tree. You, too, can create a holiday miracle for hundreds of children, offering them a glimmer of hope through the generosity of a compassionate stranger.
With heartfelt gratitude, I thank you and wish you happy Holidays!”
Adrian
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