Ivana at twelve years old had seen too much during the war years.   Things a child should never have to witness.   She appeared dull-witted, empty, as if she was just sleepwalking through life.   During the war her family lost their house, cattle, jobs, and above everything else their security.   MWB found them living in fear.

Then Ivana received an invitation to attend a Mission Without Border’s Summer Camp.   Wearing old worn out shoes and carrying very little, no toilet bag, no swimming costume, she waited for the bus to collect her.   At Camp she could not believe the amount and quality of food  offered at meal times.  After being taught how to use the cutlery, Ivana ate as much as could going back for seconds, thirds, even fourths!   She knew she must return to her normal conditions.   She was equally as hungry for the lessons she was taught, games they played and friends she made.   It was all emotional food to her.

Today everything is so different.   Ivana goes to High School where she works hard to eventually build a better life for her family.   She has also completed MWB’s English and Computer courses.  Through our Micro-Enterprise project her family have been assisted with a rotary cultivator and two greehouses, enabling them to earn a living.   Ivana’s goal is to finish high school and open a restaurant.   “That way I can use the vegetables from our land and all my family will have jobs and a better life.”   Now Ivana and her family have rediscovered their faith in God, their circumstances are greatly improved.   Ivana is no longer the empty child haunted by the past, but a girl with hope and dreams for a better future.