My name is Victoria. I was born on August 3,1984. I am from Yurmala, and I lived with my mom and brother there, my dad is dead. He died when I was 9, mom took to drinking, and I and my brother were placed in Family Care Center “Bulduri”. We stayed there for 3 years, and mom took us home again after a favorable for herself verdict of the law-court. I went to Lielupe High School No.6, and I finished 8 classes there. Then I left the school.  

I met my boyfriend long time ago. He used to come to visit, but not with me directly. He came to his friend, who lived with my mom - my stepfather. So we got to know each other better and became good friends. Then he was jailed, and we were exchanging letters for two years. When he came out, we were still friends. But our friendship was different. We were together only for some months. I thought I knew him well but I was mistaken. He drank a lot, stole, and beat me. I wanted to leave him but he did not allow me. Once we sat down and had a talk. We agreed that I leave him, but we still remain friends.

When I learned that I was pregnant, I didn’t tell him. But it is difficult to keep such in secret too long, so he got to know it. We didn’t talk much. Sure, he wanted me to come back for the sake of the child, yet I had decided that I would never live together with him. Now he is in jail sentenced to four years. He is not a family man, all his life he’s just been stealing and sitting in jails. I hope to find a better friend, a better father for my child.

My situation at home was bad, mom was boozing, the flat was shabby, small and unhealthy for the child. I could not stay there being pregnant, I had to go to the “Babies’ Shelter”. I agreed to go there since I knew that it would be good for the baby. That time I really needed to be helped, both mentally and materially, and I received this help from Mission Pakapieni. I’m so grateful for that. I came to the “Babies’ Shelter” when I was in the eight month of pregnancy.

My boy was born on December 11. Now he is four months old already. His name is Maxim. He is a very nice boy.  

The time of being pregnant was very nice. I was waiting impatiently for the moment when I would be able to see my child.

It feels so good when he is there inside you, when he is kicking and beating with his hands, but especially when he hiccups. It is wonderful to know that a small life is inside you as a part of yourself. It’s unforgettable.

When he was born, I was so happy that I didn’t know what to do – to laugh or to cry. I was just smiling while looking at him and thought: “He is my son!” That was a wonderful moment.

Because there was Mission Pakapieni, we had everything we needed. With the arrival of the child, many things have changed in my life.

Before I came to the Center, I didn’t know God. Even though I was baptized in an orthodox church. I did not walk Gods ways, never attended church.

Now, while living here, I have understood that the life with God is wonderful. I pray, I go to church, and I wish that everything I was taught here about God could stay within me for all my lifetime, and that I would never forget God. I like the way Irena conducts the devotions in mornings and evenings. We get to know God closer with every single day. I’m so happy that I have found peace of soul in this house. The credit for that belongs to Irena, the housemother. I am changed on my inside. We are taught here to live the life the right way. We are being prepared for future. When we leave this place, we will know quite a lot.

Living here, I have learned a lot. I have changed, and I’m happy with my child.

Thanks be to Mission Pakapieni that there is a place for the girls to turn to for help when they are in trouble, and they receive the help they need as did I. And not only materially but also mentally, and that is what really matters.

Here, I have prayed a lot for my mom and for a home for us, and I’m grateful to God that He listens to me, and that the things are improving.  God is with us, and we put our trust in Him.