The first thing we noticed about Tet Mo is her bright eyes and warm smile. She looks like any happy ten-year-old expressing gratitude.

But little did we know that behind that smile was a story no child should have to carry.

Tet Mo lives in a conflict-prone village. Every day, she wakes up before dawn to cook rice for herself and her younger sister, sweep their small room, wash their clothes by hand, and make sure she and her sister are ready for class.

Her father died two months ago. Her mother left them at the village church shortly after and never returned. Now Teacher Ester looks after them, providing care and what food she can. But the daily responsibilities—the cooking, the cleaning, the caretaking—fall on Tet Mo’s small shoulders.

Tet Mo doesn’t talk much about her parents. When she does, the story is always the same: violence, fear, running away in the middle of the night. Her father would beat her mother, so sometimes they’d hide at a friend’s house. 

But where her family failed her, God’s family stepped in.

Our church school in her village has been serving students for years, supported by partners like you who believe education can change lives. The school provides daily classes and a place to learn for children who might otherwise have nothing.

For Tet Mo, it became more than just a school. When her mother abandoned them, the church became home. Teacher Ester became family. And the classroom became the one place where her future still felt possible.

She always wanted to become a doctor. Back then, she knew it was impossible. Her parents couldn’t–and wouldn’t–support her.

Now, things are different.

Although Tet Mo grew up with the kind of fear and abandonment that teaches a child not to hope too much, your compassion changed the script. 

Because you stepped in, she learned that not all adults walk away. Kindness exists, even from people she has never met. Today, her dream of becoming a doctor is beginning to take shape.

“Though my life is hard today as I am growing with my sister and without our parents, I can say that I am still blessed,” Tet Mo said. “I have a place to stay, guardians to call, and a school to study. I learned not only knowledge, but also life skills.”

“Thank you for helping me and for making me feel I am not alone,” she added. “Your help to me and to my sister is something we are praying for. You are God’s answer to our prayers.”