Early life
Mary Joy came to the Sisters of Mary school in Biga, Philippines in July 2024. From a broken home, deserted by her father and mother and left in the care of her grandmother, she is the eldest of four children. Her early life was marked by poverty and deprivation with little hope of learning the skills needed for a better future.
Her grandmother worked hard to provide for her, but there was never enough. When Mary Joy heard about the opportunity to meet the Sisters of Mary School in Biga, Philippines, she borrowed money to take a bus to meet the Sisters on their community visits. She was overwhelmed with emotion when she was offered a place at the school.
Life at the Sisters of Mary School
When Mary Joy entered the Sisters of Mary school in Biga in July 2024, she felt valued and accepted in her new environment. She was placed into the St Edith Family, and her Mother-Sister, Sister Myla, gave her a warm welcome. One of the most moving moments for Mary Joy was receiving her bag of personal items. In that bag was her own pillow, blanket, clothes, uniform, shoes, and personal hygiene products.
Mary Joy was stunned when she realised that she would have her very own blanket. At home, she and her siblings had slept underneath a thin curtain. She says “the blanket was soft and warm, unlike the curtain I used to sleep under. As I laid out my bedding, I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy. The overwhelming sense of gratitude and happiness was indescribable.”
A new start
Now that she is safe in the care of the Sisters Mary Joy can reflect on her early life “I remembered the nights at home when my siblings and I would huddle together under the curtain, trying to keep warm. Now, I had a real blanket, and it symbolized not just comfort but also the love and care that the Sisters of Mary provided. It was a moment of profound realization that, despite our struggles, I had found a place where I was valued and cared for.”
Now a new grade 7 student, Mary Joy is taking advantage of everything school has to offer. She is determined to study hard and secure a bright future for herself and her family. She writes “the gratitude I feel for the Sisters of Mary and the generous donors who support us is immense. Their kindness has given me the chance to dream big and strive for a life filled with hope and opportunities. Every night, as I wrap myself in my warm blanket, I am reminded of their love and support, and it fuels my determination to succeed.”