Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, but it is how we respond that defines us.
At 55, Luzviminda was left with the responsibility of caring for her two granddaughters, Lyralyn and Laaryane. Instead of just being a grandmother, she became their full-time parent after the two were abandoned by their biological parents.
Once a house helper, Luzviminda made the difficult decision to leave her job in order to look after her granddaughters. She enrolled them in the free learning center at To God Be the Glory Ministries, where parents contributed by cooking meals and working on the farm.
But the real turning point came when Operation Blessing included Lyralyn and Laaryane in the Bless-A-Child (BAC) Project, in partnership with Orphans’ Promise. Through this project, the girls’ health improved, and they even began to enjoy vegetables at home. Free school lunches eased their food expenses, providing vital relief for the family.
Luzviminda also became actively involved in the ministry’s livelihood programs, including farming and running a food cart. What started as a small venture selling street food quickly grew into a thriving business.
“Our sales reached ₱1,700 ($30) just from selling kikiam and fishballs,” Luzviminda proudly shared. “I realized how profitable this could be if we added more products.”
In just two months, her food cart expanded to offer unripe mangoes with bagoong and fried banana. She also managed the school’s backyard farm, planting vegetables that would later be used in school lunches and feeding programs.
Although the journey hasn’t been easy, Luzviminda believes that leaving her previous job was the right choice. Now earning only ₱2,000 ($35) a month as a volunteer, she describes her life as “more comfortable” because she can care for her family.
With the support of Operation Blessing and its partners, Luzviminda remains hopeful for the future. She dreams of growing their ventures and watching her grandchildren thrive.
“It’s not easy, but it’s worth it,” Luzviminda says with determination.
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