Martha lives with her mother and two younger brothers in a small storefront home off a busy highway.  Following the death of her father two years ago the family had to move from a home near a lake to the current home next to the road. Her mother works in the front of her home, a makeshift storefront. She sews for the local people in the village of Mayirikiti. The home is comprised of two modest bedrooms. Only plywood boards separate the rooms in the house. They cook on a stove in the mother’s bedroom. The bathroom is shared with other families in the area. They walk across the busy street to fetch water every day.

“As a Caritas Volunteer, working at the Little Angels school I spotted Martha one day.  It had rain hard all morning and the grounds were still muddy.  The children of Little Angels were standing with their class for the school assembly. The Head Teacher was speaking to the children about having the proper socks and shoes.  Looking around at the feet of the children there was a young girl, Martha, who had on dirty, worn plastic sandals, no socks. Asking the Headmaster if I could buy her some shoes and socks. She quickly gave her consent for me to buy Martha new shoes and socks.  I headed off to the local stores at the break and bought Martha a pair of shoes and socks. Upon returning to the school, Martha was presented her new shoes and socks. Her eyes lit up. A broad smile crossed her face as she put on the new socks and shoes. Martha walks over two miles a day to school. How she made that trek over a busy highway and dirt roads in the rain was a miracle.” ~ Scott G. Robert

Matha is a bright young person. She would like to further her education and go to college. She’s good at Math and English. With the necessary assistance, she will be able to attend classes and pursue her dream, continuing to work hard and achieve her goals.