A Christmas Wish: Another gift for the Maria family

Ten years ago, an 8-year-old girl named Maria, living with a disability and living in a residential institution, finally found a loving home to call her own.

She was welcomed by mother Maria, a foster parent who gave her not just a roof over her head but also the unconditional love of a mother. From the moment she arrived, Maria was no longer alone. When we first shared with you her story in 2019, she had found safety, warmth, and a sense of belonging—a place where she could simply be a child.

Today, Maria has grown into a bright, determined young woman. She’s studying hard to become a Computer Technical Support Operator, a field she enjoys for the constant opportunities to learn and grow. Christmas holds a special place in Maria’s heart. She loves decorating the house, preparing her favourite dish—Olivie salad—with mother Maria, feeling the warmth of their traditions, makes the same wish every year: to stay in this family—her family—surrounded by love, and to gain the strength to walk unaided.

Her faith gives her hope. Maria believes in the words she holds dear from the Bible: “When you pray with all your heart, your wishes will come true.” She dreams of a future where she can care for Mrs. Maria in return for all the kindness and love she has received.

Maria often reflects on her earlier years in an institution, a time marked by loneliness and pain. She speaks openly about the harshness of those days, urging parents not to leave their children in such places. “It’s a cold, empty world where you always feel alone,” she says.