"For the first time in my life, I feel like a child..."

"At home we don't eat so well, but at summer camp we had soup, a main course and dessert! I couldn’t believe that we ate three times a day..."

“This week was unforgettable! – because for a few days, I was a regular, carefree child, not a boy living in poverty.”

Isus, 12, lives with his parents and five sisters in a Roma community in Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria. His father Valeri works tirelessly – but his low wages mean there’s never enough money to cover bills, food, and other essentials. Isus has to spend his summers working hard, helping out his dad – with no time off or fun activities.

Isus had been longing for a break from his chores and responsibilities. He dreamed of escaping the monotony of everyday life and experiencing something different and exciting. His wish finally came true when he was given the opportunity to go to the summer camp organised by Mission Without Borders.

"I had an unforgettable week. Everything was so much fun, so wonderful,” Isus said.



The camp took place in a beautiful vacation spot surrounded by forest, and offered a wide range of activities for the children – swimming, singing, playing, crafts, and Bible lessons. Each day was filled with joy and laughter and the chance to try new things.

Isus enjoyed playing games with new friends at summer camp
Isus enjoyed playing games like tug-of-war with his new friends at camp.

“I want to help my dad, but the truth is that sometimes I want to do other, more childish things. I love my sisters very much, but when you're the only boy, the responsibilities keep piling up.

“At summer camp, I made friends with children from different backgrounds, who want a brighter future just like I do. We understand each other's problems and we became such good friends. We all have memories that we can never forget. I was so excited! For the first time in my life, I felt like a child, carefree and full of dreams.”


 

Having the opportunity to swim ina pool and play with friends at summer camp
Swimming with friends was another highlight of the week for Isus.

Valeri, Isus’s father, said, “We are very poor; we have to work a lot to make ends meet. My wife looks after the children, and our income is only from my salary, which is small.

“I appreciate all that MWB does for me and my family. Thank you to every single sponsor for making it possible for my kids to attend summer camp."

“When my boy came home, he was so changed and so encouraged. It  was a huge opportunity for him. He had the chance to experience something radically different from everyday life in our poor community. He talked to me in so much detail about what he learned and about what happened at the camp. He talks about the Bible lessons and about his new friends.”

Isus added, “How can I thank you, Mission Without Borders? You have made me so happy. This experience instilled in me a newfound determination and hope to create a better life not only for myself, but also for my entire family.”

 

Isus with four of his sisters at home in BulgariaIsus with four of his sisters at home in Bulgaria.



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Isus working with a  teacher at the MWB after School Club

Isus working with a teacher at the MWB after School Club at home in Gotse Delchev.

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