My name is Jamila, and I am from Syria. I had two daughters and six sons all together. While we were still in Syria, one of my sons went swimming one day, and he drowned. He was 16 years old. I can’t even explain to you how I felt when I heard this news. It was so hard, but I have tried to trust God – that he had a reason for taking him away.
When war started in our city, we initially fled to a village. But there was no power, and it was winter. Every day I would gather kindling to burn to keep the children warm, but it was never enough. No food, no water, no warmth. We decided to flee again and came to this camp.
I have lived here for about 11 years now. One of my daughters was disabled from birth, but she had been doing well. After we arrived here, she became ill. She became so sick that she passed away. I tried to be faithful to God, even though my dear daughter had left me. I tried to understand why he was allowing these things to keep happening. I tried to be strong.
The Tutapona staff came and visited me in my tent and invited me to a GROW. I attended and graduated! I have benefitted a lot. I have known about authentic hope, and courage, and kindness but I didn’t know how to use them in my own life. I really loved the session on belief, because it’s important to me to have a good relationship with God. I want to feel his love, instead of wondering WHY. I loved the story of Joseph. I feel like we have been through many of the same things, and like him, my faith has saved me! When we did the session on forgiveness, I couldn’t hold on to that rock.
I don’t want to be a person who keeps these things in my heart! I’m going to give everything to God, and I will forgive and be free.
Because of the generosity of people like you, mothers like Jamilla have learned how to overcome, and know that they are not alone because God is with them. BUT there are thousands of people with stories that are yet to end with hope. Help Tutapona provide that hope and healing by donating today.
*Name has been changed to protect the individual and family.