Fatima* and her family at their home in Syria.
Fatima's* story
My name is *Fatima, and I am 33 years old. I live with my husband, our five children and my mother-in-law who is 80 years old. Nine years ago, we fled from bombings where we lived. After a long and excruciating search for suitable shelter, we settled here two and a half years ago.
This place is very small, unfinished, without a door for the kitchen, and with a few tiny windows. We do not even have a bathroom—which means we must shower in the kitchen. The roof is made of metal sheets. The rain leaks inside and cold air enters from the roof. When we first arrived, I was immediately concerned about the health of the children. I also always worried about food and didn’t know when or how I was going to feed them. The economic crisis made everything worse and the fast increase in food prices was very unexpected. On top of that, my husband’s meagre income doesn’t allow us to buy fuel for heating in the winter.
I heard about the church [Tearfund’s partner] through some people I met, and I explained my difficult financial situation. Following their advice, I visited the church and they immediately answered my cry for help. For almost a year now, I have been receiving food baskets from them. They also gave me an electric heater, as well as clothes and toys for the children. Being helped by the church gives me a sense of safety. I feel more secure knowing I will be able to provide at least the minimum amount of food and heating for my children. But the most wonderful part of it is that we feel, for the first time, that people care about us and have offered us a helping hand. The church always thinks of something special like stationery, clothes, sweets, or toys to send to my children, and this keeps them overjoyed!
“The church team has given me and my family strength, joy, and hope in this difficult time.”
*Pseudonym