We interviewed two college students who grew up in Manipur, India. Both of these young women spent a portion of their childhood living in the Hope Children’s Home, a Christian home run by our partner, IGL.
Rosy lived at the home for 9 years. Kimte lived there for 8 years. Both girls were 10 years old when they were taken to the home. Each of them share a bit of their journey from their childhood in Manipur to their new life as college students in Salem, India.Both girls have experienced very difficult circumstances but have grown in their faith. They were living at the home when riots turned violent and spread throughout the state last May. Despite the tremendous challenges, they have become quite resilient and are overcoming any challenge that comes their way.
Describe what your life was like before you went to the home and the circumstances that led you to be taken to the home.
Rosey: Before finding refuge in the home, my life was in shambles. I lacked proper schooling. My grandmother was abusive and I rarely had enough to eat. With the passing of my mother when I was five and a father who remarried without caring for me, life became a continuous struggle. We consistently faced financial hardships. It felt as if there was no one around to offer me guidance or support during those lonely and challenging times.
Kimte: The financial struggles were a constant challenge, particularly for my mother, who, as a single parent, bore the responsibility alone. We were in a perpetual state of need. Looking back, I believe that God paved a way for us by guiding me to the children’s home.
How did your life change after moving to the home?
Rosey: When I came to the home, I began to see the brighter side of life. I gained a supportive family and friends who provided guidance and instruction, akin to what a child should receive from their parents.
Kimte: Staying at the Children’s Home has profoundly transformed my life. I encountered Jesus during my time there, for which I am immensely grateful. The home provided a nurturing environment where I learned invaluable life lessons.
How did day-to-day life change for you and the other girls at the Children’s home immediately after the May riots?
Rosey: Our bodies jerked at loud sounds. At night, we couldn’t turn on the lights, and we slept with our running shoes on.
Kimte: During those challenging times, we learned to appreciate life and resorted to constant prayer for solace. Living in fear, even within the confines of our own homes, was a distressing experience. The lack of safety and constant anxiety permeated our daily existence, making it a profoundly difficult period.
Share a bit about how your day-to-day life has changed since starting college classes and being in a new place, away from Manipur.
Rosey: When I started college, I needed to make a lot of adjustments as the food, cultural practices—everything was different. In class, the teaching is primarily in Tamil, with some English. Of course, God has been good to me, helping me throughout my life. He has blessed me with good friends who have supported me in various ways.
Kimte: Significant changes have marked my experience – a cultural shock, disparities in food, clothing, and a struggle to adapt to the differences. My introverted nature intensifies the challenge of fitting in with the local people.
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