Olya's Story

Hi everyone. My name is Olya and I live in “Mel’s House”, a Heart for Orphans’ Transition Home in Ukraine. I grew up in a large family. My parents placed us in an orphanage when I was five because we were very poor. I spent the next ten years of my life there because my parents couldn’t provide necessary things for us. We spent the school year in the orphanage and then we went home during the school holidays. One summer when I was 12, I did not want to go home. My teacher suggested I might be able to spend the summer at Mel’s House. I had to think about it for a long time because I was worried and afraid. I didn’t know these people! Finally, I decided to go.  

I was surprised at how they opened their home to me. They made me feel like I was part of their family! From that time on I started going there regularly during every school break. I was so happy being with them! Their family is an example of how a family should be. 

When I graduated from the orphanage I had to decide where to go next. I was so glad that they invited me to come live with them full-time, while I was studying in college. From 2019 to this day, I am still with them. I am grateful to God for it. God used Tonya and Vova (Heart for Orphans’ houseparents’) to take care of me before I knew Him! They are not blood relatives, but they are very dear to my heart! I am also incredibly grateful to Heart for Orphans for their financial support, prayer and their care for me. 

Recently I committed my life to Christ, and I was water baptized. I want to actively serve children in the orphanage. I know the pain they feel! I’ve organized a team of youth, along with our adult mentor, and we visit the orphanage weekly. We’ve put together a program for the kids that consists of music, singing, games, fun activities, prayer and teaching them about God. We always try to spend time with the teens. We tell them about God’s truth. We give them advice, and we try to prepare them for adult life. I am so grateful to God that He did not abandon me but showed me great mercy. I ask you to continue praying for me, our team and the children in our local orphanage. Thank you!