Marina's Story

Hi, my name is Marina and I am 19 years old. I have two more brothers. Growing up, my father was very violent. When I was 12 years old, my father killed my mother, and I was raised by my aunt.

After a few years, I became homeless. I was forced to look for food in the garbage. Many times I was sleeping alone, but I was still going to school. My only fear was my father. I would sometimes sleep in the same room with him, but I was so scared of him. Many times he would come home looking for reasons to beat me up. He would look at me and say, "You look exactly like your mother."

As I was growing and my body started to change, one time he told me, "What a beautiful body you have — you are beautiful." There was a time when he wanted to rape me, but when my mother was alive she protected me, and because he couldn't do it, he started to beat me and threaten me. He told me, "You are not supposed to be here alive. I should have killed you earlier."

When I heard about Vatra, I wanted a better life, and I decided to go for it. Being here, part of the Orphan's Hands family, is a privilege. I was given a new chance for a better life, where I feel loved, and I see that the world is also full of good people.

I was so happy when I came here. I saw that people are so different, and they love you and support you through difficult times. They show you that you are never alone and that God is always there for you. As a fashion designer, my dream is to continue my studies and afterwards maybe start a business.