Can you introduce yourself and your family?
I am Mrs. Rosie Belarmino, a mother of four boys. CCM is supporting two of my children and helping me in sending them to school. Life has never been the same after my husband suddenly died two years ago. At first, I did not know what to do. I had been so dependent on him financially. I could not imagine what life would be like for us without him. It took months to truly sink into my senses the reality of being a single mother. I came to realise that there was nothing I could do to get back the life of my late husband but I could do something to let life go on with my children. I have them by my side and they give me hope. From then on, I had the courage to take on all the responsibilities of taking care and raising my children. I let myself work doing two jobs just to earn a living for my family. I buy and sell vegetables and fruits during the daytime and sell ‘balut’, a common street food, at nighttime.
How has lockdown been for you and your family?
When I first heard about the lockdown I really panicked and became anxious for the safety of my children. I was overwhelmed with so many possibilities running through my mind. I slowly accepted what was happening around us. This pandemic has given me so much learning as a mother. I came to know about my children since I had the chance to spend so much time with them. I was so surprised to discover good things about them! One thing I was really thankful for was seeing my children increasing in their concern and love for each other. As a family, we became more thankful and learned to appreciate every little and simple blessing that is given to us.
What has been your biggest challenge during lockdown?
The pandemic has brought me a lot of struggles, especially in providing for my family’s needs. I had to stop all my work for about 2 months. This meant that my income also decreased. It was difficult to budget my small income for our daily needs, food, monthly house rent, electricity and water bills. During the lockdown we relied on the relief goods coming from the local government unit.
Have your family stayed healthy?
Yes, we are thankful that we are all safe until now. We made sure that we are following the rules and measures given by our government to be safe.
What worries you most?
As a parent, I always do my best to provide for the needs of my children but many of the changes have affected me and others like me. I can’t help but worry about how I will cope with the new normal life. My income has become so limited – I am always thinking about how I will be able to sustain our needs? Classes here reopen on October 5th for three of my children and I worry how will I be able to afford the costs of the school needs and payments for my children.
How has CCM been able to help support you and your family?
During the pandemic we were very grateful to receive help from CCM. They gave us practical support and extended monetary support to us as their recipients. They also became our support system and gave us encouragement and hope during these difficult times which really means a lot to our family. I am a regular attendee of our area Bible study and we are missing it already since it was suspended due to COVID-19.
How can we pray for you?
Please pray for our good health and safety.
Please pray for the daily provision of our needs as a family, especially that I will be able to provide for the school needs of my children.
Please pray for continued strength and courage to lead my family as a single mother.
Lastly, please pray that this pandemic will be over soon.
