Samar, an industrial city that has suffered repeated Russian missile attacks, is a difficult place to grow up in. Air raid sirens, damaged infrastructure, anxious parents and disrupted schooling have become part of everyday life for many local children and teenagers. In such a setting, joy can feel in short supply.

In this context, Valentina and her team have been working tirelessly to bring moments of joy and normality to local children and teenagers. During Christmas time, the team hosted a special celebration at the local church. The day began with a cooking “master class”, where the young people prepared sandwiches and a festive salad for their own party table. Others joined in team games or tried out the exercise equipment! The group then gathered for prayer, thanking God for both the blessings and the challenges of the past year, wishing Jesus a happy birthday and remembering that his coming brought light into a dark world. At the end of the celebration, each child took home a small gift of sweets.

Moments like these lift spirits and strengthen community bond in Samar, made possible, in part, by the generosity of DHM supporters.