05/18/2021 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – Marina looks back at her time thus far with Hope House fondly, recalling playing with her classmates, swinging on the swings, spending time with her teachers, and even visiting a swimming pool for a summer field trip. She is still a part of Hope House and the child sponsorship program, though the past year has looked quite different for her.

Her father lives several hours away in Cairo, where he worked and sent money back home to his wife, Marina, and Marina’s four siblings. Just before COVID-19 hit Egypt, Marina’s father had heart surgery. “Thank God I had open-heart surgery before the pandemic started. I am under heavy medication and still recovering, so I can’t work. My eldest son, Lamy (16 years old), takes care of our family for now,” her father told ICC.  While her father was still recovering from heart surgery, he contracted COVID-19. His medical situation placed additional emotional and financial strain on the family. He is currently healing from COVID-19 and is stable, but the family expressed their continued concern for him. Lamy, Marina’s older brother, remains the head of the family, seeking out work wherever he can.

As a young girl, Marina would not be expected to help provide income for the family, but she could easily be expected to help a lot around the home. Marina commented, “I help my mother to wash clothes and dishes. But she said to me please don’t do that, I don’t you to be thin, may your weight increase.” Marina’s parents continue to encourage her to protect her health and education.