A Mother's Promise
The day Lek’s husband abandoned their family, she made a promise to herself and to her children.
“I promised that I would take care of them, that I would love them and never leave them,” Lek told CBN.
But Lek’s promise would soon be tested. With her limited income from part time jobs, she could barely provide food for them to eat.
“Sometimes mom mixed rice with sugar for me and my brother,” said Lek’s 10-year-old daughter Nana. “I wished there was more for us but my mom had no money.”
Lek’s son Noom,7, told us they also borrowed food from neighbors when the money ran out.
“Mom wouldn’t eat with us. So I said, ‘Mom, I won’t eat everything so you can have some too.’”
Then one day as Lek borrowed money for food, a neighbor urged her to send her children to live at an orphanage.
“I was speechless,”said Lek. “That really hurt me. I remembered my promise to my children that I would never leave them. Some nights I couldn’t sleep. I cried all night. I didn’t know what to do.”
When CBN’s Orphan’s Promise learned that Lek knew how to sew, we gave her a sewing machine and everything needed to start a home based business.
“I’ve always wanted a sewing machine, but could never afford one. I’m so excited,” she said with a big smile.
A nearby factory soon contracted with Lek to make medical face masks. She also does tailoring and clothing repairs for her neighbors. Thanks to that new business, her income has tripled.
“Now, my mom can buy chicken and fish for me and my brother!” said Noom. “I love my mom’s cooking! I always say, ‘Thank you, mom.’”
“Thank you for giving me and my children a new life!” added Lek. “I have strength and hope for the future.”
