09/28/2021 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – “In faith, I learned the story of Joseph, I learned patience, and I love my enemies,” 13-year-old Mariam Nady told Hope House staff. Mariam lives alone with just her mother. As an only child who lost her father in Spring 2020, Mariam’s small family unit relies heavily on each other to survive.

Though Mariam is in good health now, she experienced many physical pains after her father’s passing, including difficulty walking. Now, Mariam’s mother faces medical issues which places a heavier burden of responsibility on the young teenager. Regarding her daily routine, Mariam said, “In the morning I wash my face, I get bread from the oven, I have breakfast. After I help my mother with the housework, I go to my friends.” Mariam and her mother often work together to maintain their livelihoods.

When asked about her desire for Mariam, her mother responded, “I want my daughter to be a beautiful bride.” Conversely, Mariam expressed her interest to become a lawyer when she grows up so she can defend people’s rights and to be an artist because she loves to create things. With only one daughter at home, Mariam’s mother likely sees the pathway into marriage as the best way to guarantee a better future for Mariam. In a country like Egypt where women, particularly Christian women, are awarded few opportunities outside of the home, it is a risk to seek much else beyond marriage.