Relief from despair this Christmas for a young, hardworking family

Married young and overwhelmed

“There were moments when despair almost overwhelmed me.”

Like many of her friends, Esmeralda, 21, got married when she was only 15 years old. She grew up in a Roma community in Bulgaria where teen marriage is commonplace.

“I got married really young, and I didn't really understand what being a wife and mother truly meant. In just a few years, we had three sons,” Esmerelda said.

Esmerelda’s husband, Kostadin, 31, is hard-working and determined, but jobs are few and far between and wages are low in their community. As a result, the family live in poverty, struggling every day to afford even the basics, such as putting food on the table. Their home is unfinished and they live in one room; they have no inside bathroom or toilet.

“I didn't expect it to be so difficult for us to get on our feet,” Esmerelda said.

A mother's fear of the future

As time went on and nothing changed, Esmerelda felt increasingly helpless and trapped. She felt crushed by a gnawing fear of the future.

As Christmas approached, Esmerelda and Kostadin faced the same hardship as always – made tougher by the freezing weather. The additional pressures on their finances of trying to heat their home and have warm clothing for the children combined with the lack of jobs this time of year weighed heavily on them. Experiencing joy and fun at Christmas was not something they anticipated.

Suddenly, however, their miracle arrived – when Mission Without Borders, whose staff work with families in poverty – told Esmerelda and Kostadin they wanted to support their family.

Children excited to look through the Operation Christmas Love box.

A heavy cloud is lifted

Ventsislav, staff member for the Mission, arrived at Esmerelda’s house with Operation Christmas Love boxes, filled with food and treats to help the family in time for Christmas.

“This means so much to us,” Esmeralda said. “Our first reaction was one of disbelief. It was like a heavy cloud had been lifted. Our prayers had been answered. It gives me so much hope to know that someone cares about us.

“I was worried about how we would make it this Christmas, but this food will bring happiness to my children. This package means we can have a special meal together. It's not just food; it's love and kindness.”

“I didn't think we would eat so much at Christmas!” said five-year-old Mladen joyfully.

“Look at all these yummy cookies! And candy!” said three-year-old Yoan, delving into the box.

Ventsislav added, “Every box we deliver is an expression of Christ's love and compassion and the hope he gives us.”

And beyond Christmas, the family are newly enrolled on the Mission’s sponsorship programme. That means they’ll be receiving regular material and spiritual support to help them leave poverty behind.

Donate to Operation Christmas Love today – and give a box of joy to a family living in poverty.