Lydia’s Story: Abandoned Siblings Survive and Thrive Together

Imagine five children, the oldest 12 years old and the youngest only 2, abandoned at the house of a stepfather they barely knew. Kids who grew up in Kenya discarded in unfamiliar Uganda with an abusive stranger.

Lydia, the oldest girl, remembers living in that house of violence and neglect. Their father had died, and their mother shortly remarried an abusive Ugandan man. Their mother struggled to protect herself and her children.

Lydia and her siblings spent a lot of time crying. Then their mother ran and left them behind.

To this day, Lydia cries just at the thought of her mother leaving. “When mummy [sic] went, I was sure she would come for us.” Then the days became months. “I have never seen or heard about her again.”

Their stepfather refused to hide his hatred. He physically and emotionally abused them. One time, he locked them in a dark room with no food for four days. The only time the children saw light was when their stepfather opened the door to taunt and yell at them.

Lydia’s young brother Makova saved them on the fourth day with his endless crying. Neighbors heard his long cry, broke the door, and rescued the kids.

The siblings were moved to a police station. They were very scared and helpless. Lydia knew she was in safe hands, but she still didn’t feel like she could trust anybody.

A Fresh Start...Together

Pastor Esau of the Bosnia Kinship Project agreed to take all five children, so they did not have to be separated. Together, they returned to their home country of Kenya, rescued and safe, and the Bosnia Kinship Project welcomed them with open arms.

Lydia quickly became the most responsible girl in the Bosnia Kinship Project. She brings joy to other kids and loves to share her emotional story of her family. She proudly never forgets any bit of their life journeys.

Today, Lydia is in Form 4 (10th Grade). Her dream is to be an advocate for abuse victims. Following what she went through, Lydia says she will dedicate her life to working in the field of domestic violence, using the story of her mother to keep conversations about abuse at the forefront of everything she does. Lydia shows extreme strength, boldness, and selflessness. She vows to be an advocate to those abused and see that they get justice.

Thank you so much for giving Lydia and her siblings a place to call home. It is terrifying to wonder where these kids would be today if the Lord had not used you as vessels to give hope to the hopeless.