A Christmas to Remember

Liezel and her daughter left everything behind to escape the violence they were experiencing. Thanks to you, though they fled with nothing, they gained so much, and had a Christmas to remember.

Liezel and her daughter came to Inasmuch House during the summer of 2018. While she was having a hard time adjusting to her situation, Liezel was determined to make a better life for herself and Lina. She had concerns about starting anew, but with the support of Inasmuch House staff, she was able to find a job and move into an apartment just before Christmas. As Christmas approached, Liezel cried for two days, “I felt sorry for my daughter. I had nothing to give her for Christmas,” she explained. Her husband’s family always had a big celebration on Christmas Day and though she told herself that her daughter was safe, she still felt guilty for not being able to give her something to open on Christmas Day. So, she signed up for our Christmas program.

When she received the gifts from the program, she began to cry again. This time, however, it was because she was so grateful to have something to wrap for her little girl. Liezel thought “this is an answered prayer.” Although she was very thankful, she recognized that she and Lina celebrated due to the generosity of others. “The Christmas program inspired me to persevere so that one day I will be able to give back and do the same.”

Lina still plays with the toys they received and is very attached to one of the stuffed animals. This Christmas, Liezel and Lina are looking forward to celebrating the holiday with new friends, in their safe and happy home. “Last year was a Christmas to remember. I am thankful that we have kind people in the community who don’t hesitate to help others who are less fortunate. It might be something small to them but to me, it gave me something to eat, a gift for my daughter, and it made me think of giving back to the community,” Liezel reminisced.