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Imagine a life in a home where...
...your alcoholic father is serving time in prison for theft and your alcoholic mother lives a life of prostitution. Imagine growing up in a home with these kinds of values. What kind of future could you hope for? How would you ever be able to learn how to experience normal, healthy relationships?...
For many of us this is a situation we cannot identify with. However, for Tanya, an 18 year old Ukrainian girl who has spent the past six years in Loubetin orphanage, it is all too painful a reality. From the age of 4, Tanya was responsible for providing her own food and clothing, often found in apartment dumpsters. In addition to the lack of care she received from her parents, it is believed that she was also sexually abused multiple times, causing her to fear men.
Then, when Tanya was 12, her life was forever changed when her mother died of an alcoholic overdose. Tanya was taken by the local authorities to live at Loubetin orphanage. She probably never realized that through all of these horrific circumstances God had a great plan for her life. For the first time, she was able to attend school. For the first time, she able to make new, lasting friendships. Most importantly, she was introduced to the Lifesong staff, and began participating in LS activities, attending Bible studies, youth group functions, and mentoring classes. Through these relationships, Tanya was introduced to Jesus, and at 16 she accepted Him as her personal Savior. Her faith has grown over these past couple years, and three months ago she was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Kharkov, UA.
Tanya has recently graduated from the 9th grade and has entered a technical school in
Kharkov, where she is studying to be a seamstress. This next year she will move to the
Transition Home. (http://www.lifeintl.org/currProj.html) Here she will be able to transition
into independent life while still surrounding herself with the stability of fellow believers.
Please pray that Tanya will continue to grow in faith.
