Nieuwe schoenen / New shoes!

Corina (5 years old) is excited when we pick her up from the kindergarten. We have told her that we will go by car to her house and that we have a gift for her. I am not sure what she is more excited about- the car drive or the gift!

When we arrive at her house, she calls her mom Andriana outside and then it is time for the present: a new pair of warm winter shoes! She tries them on and likes them a lot. She has a big smile on her face and her mum is also happy and thankful! The old shoes were getting too small but Corina’s parents couldn’t afford to buy a new pair. Corina’s father Nicolai doesn’t have a job; he occasionally finds work for a day or two cutting wood, digging the garden, harvesting the fields, taking care of the cows, and so on. For a full day of work he only earns around 50 or 60 lei (4 euro)… this is barely enough to provide food for his family. Corina’s mum stays at home and takes care of the house and of Corina and her little baby brother, who is only one month old. 

Life is difficult for the young couple. They would like to take good care of their children but both of the parents aren’t from the village where they live now, they don’t know anybody, and they don’t have a stable income. This family really could use some help. A lady in the local church pays for Corina to go to the kindergarden because her parents do not have the money.

Corina and her mom thank us with a big smile and in their eyes there is happiness. This winter Corina can go to the kindergarten with new warm winter shoes!