Reimaging Family: A girl in Colombia discovers a beautiful “family” who will always be by her side

What do you think of when you picture a four-year-old girl? 

A child jumping rope…playing with dolls…or learning her ABCs?   

At age four, Yara never knew the freedom to play, attend preschool, or even feel safe. 

Instead, she was forced to enter Colombia’s child welfare system after being removed from her home. 

But leaving her home behind meant saying goodbye to the only family she’d ever known. 

As she walked through the doors of the institution that first night, she felt confused. Scared. And the hardest part…

She felt alone. 

Throughout her childhood, Yara lived in nine different government-run institutions. With each move, she continued to experience painful trauma, which made it nearly impossible to bond with anyone. 

But praise God that He had a firm hand of Yara’s life. And He never let go. 

A Place of Hope and Healing 

After high school, Yara had the opportunity to transfer to All God’s Children International’s House of Hope in Colombia while she attended college. As soon as she entered the home, caregivers showered her with love, kindness, and compassion.  

For the first time, she felt a small glimmer of hope.  

Caregivers quickly noticed that Yara appeared malnourished, numb, and withdrawn. However, they remained relentless. They were determined to show her that she was not alone. 

As they provided a safe space, nutritious meals, medical care, counseling, and emotional support, Yara’s hard exterior began to fade.  

Over time, Yara also started to understand how much Jesus cared for her. Although she’d built strong walls around her heart, she discovered no wall was too high for God’s love to tear down. Yara surrendered her life to God and allowed Him to heal her pain. 

 She even found the courage to demonstrate vulnerability, build friendships, and dream of a better life.  

A Bright Future 

At the House of Hope, caregivers equipped Yara with the tools she needed to prepare for life on her own.  

This important program through All God’s Children International gives young women who are aging out of the system the opportunity to live at the home during their college years and learn how to become independent. 

One way caregivers ensure young women can successfully live on their own is by teaching them how to care for their bodies and make healthy meals, a skill many of them never learned growing up.   

As caregivers introduced Yara to cooking, she realized it brought her incredible joy! To her delight, she was able to prepare meals for her housemates, while also earning a degree in gastronomy and culinary arts.  

Limitless Possibilities 

Earlier this year, Yara graduated into independence and moved out of the House of Hope, and today, she’s still thriving!  

Yara is eager to see what God has in store for her future. And she knows that with God, all things are possible! 

Because the House of Hope team builds strategic alliances within the community, Yara recently had the opportunity to interview with a popular chain restaurant in Colombia. She excelled in the interview and was quickly offered an administrative position. 

Yara is shining in her new role! Her supervisors report that she’s punctual, organized, flexible, and happy to accept more responsibilities. They are convinced she will achieve amazing things. 

Finding Family 

Even after graduating and moving out on her own, Yara, 23, frequently returns to the home for fellowship. 

Through Yara’s healing journey, she has learned to reimagine the word “family.” Before the home, that word caused her to shudder and triggered traumatic memories. 

Now, Yara realizes that her Heavenly Father, committed caregivers, and life-long friends make up a beautiful family who will always be by her side.   

Each time she walks through the doors, her House of Hope “family” greets her with warmth, love, and encouragement. This courageous young woman knows she will always have a place at the home—and in our hearts. 

Thank you for joining the heal. Thank you for being part of the Trauma Disruptor Coalition. Until next time!

*Name changed to protect privacy.