A Neat Little Home on a Dreary Street: A Baby Box for Sonia's Family

By DANIELA ENCHEVA, MP BULGARIA

It was gray and chilly when we arrived in the slum neighborhood of the city of Ihtiman. A large group of mothers and their children had gathered in the church building for the distribution of Baby Boxes. The children kicked off the event by singing songs they had practiced. I then showed the women the contents of a Baby Box – which each would receive – and told about the greatest gift God ever gave: His Son Jesus!

We left from there and visited Sonia’s home, carrying her Baby Box with us. As we walked through the muddy streets of the destitute village, I wondered if it was possible to raise healthy children in such filth.

There was mud right up to the door, but inside the small house everything was clean and cozy. You could tell the home had been lovingly decorated and the baby’s arrival had been anticipated. There was a carpet on the floor, colorful curtains in the window, and a canopy and new sheets on the baby’s bed. When I admired the home, Sonia said, “My husband has a job and we have everything we need!”

The 19-year-old mother was holding baby Valentin, who was just 10 days old, while 2-year-old Silvia stood next to her. Big sister made it clear to us that she was unhappy about all the attention her baby sibling was receiving.

“What would you like us to pray for?” I asked Sonia. “Pray that God will change my husband. He keeps going to the casino…” Sonia’s voice broke mid-sentence, revealing the shame and hopelessness she felt over that situation. We prayed together and asked for God’s blessing on the whole family.

The Baby Box opened the door for us to meet this family. We left them not only a package of practical items, but also a trail of love and an open road to the church.