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Think of a selfless mom you know: one who goes above and beyond to ensure the wellbeing of those around her, and prioritizes the needs of others over her own. We’ve met so many moms who fit that bill all over the world, and we are constantly inspired by their resilience.

In Nueva Vida, Nicaragua, a group of mothers utilize a maternal center supported by Rise Against Hunger partner ORPHANetwork. Nueva Vida was established as a refugee camp in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, and remains one of the most impoverished communities in the country.

At the maternal center, women receive nutritious Rise Against Hunger meals, medical care and education to prepare for a healthy life with their children. Here are the stories of two very special mothers in Nueva Vida:

Fatima

Mother of five
Her new baby, Adriana Nicole, is 3 months old

“Children bring so much joy to a home. It would bring me joy if my kids received an education, I want to guide them on a good path and provide them help to face life. I want to improve their opportunities and want them to thrive.

My biggest challenge is to provide enough for my five kids. It is hard. We don’t have enough most months to pay rent.

My grandmother gave me advice before I had my first child and helped me be prepared for the pain and what to expect during birth. I attend the club for mother’s and babies [via ORPHANetwork]. I was taught how to hold the baby when breastfeeding, how to bathe and change the baby’s diaper with pins. [We learned] feeding, vitamins, what to eat, to drink water, hygiene, to try to keep environment clean and to get vaccinations at the right age.

One problem I would solve is to own my home; provide dignity for my kids by having a home they would inherit and be able to own. I want my children to say, ‘My mom sent me out to school and gave me an education.’ I want them to remember when they play and laugh and have fun, I want them to remember us laughing together.

One of my happiest moments was to be able to breastfeed this baby, Ariana. Some moms can’t they don’t have milk, but I am able to and plan to provide milk for the recommended first six months.”

Ana Julia

Mother of Three
Expecting Her Fourth Child

“What brings me joy is our family. Our children are a fruit of the love of me and my husband’s marriage. To see how God has created our children differently and unique brings me joy. Some look like me, some look like my husband.

Because of my age, this is the last baby in our family plan. We are able to provide for our children; God has blessed us with a home and with land. Life is not perfect but we overcome the challenges with God’s help. It is not easy, we are giving our life to our children; we live for them.

You have a lot of fears as a mother with a new baby. I am grateful to have learned how to take care of myself and the baby. I want my children to remember me as a wise counselor to them. I want them to remember me as a good person.

The happiest moment and best thing is to see your kids doing the best and succeeding in education, making good grades. I am proud of the people they have become, they are all humble and kind.

We have good habits to keep healthy. We sing. We wash our hands and brush our teeth. We clean up after ourselves, and have good behavior and good healthy habits. We make sure that they have healthy foods with lots of vitamins and iron. We get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water.

I want my kids to follow their calling, to find their purpose in life and give back to others. I want them to follow their dreams and passions. I hope one day we have the path to serve and give back to our community.”

Still looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Honor a special woman in your life, as well as moms around the world like Fatima and Ana Julia, by making a Mother’s Day Honor Gift, with complimentary e-card, today. 

Shared in Blog, Nourishing Lives