Matea, who works for Mission Without Borders, was Maris's group leader at summer camp. She said, "At summer camp, we're always careful when we have kids there for the first time. Before the camp, we get to know their background, skills, and situation at home. This is because we want to ensure that every child is well taken care of and gets exactly what they need.
"Although we're always well prepared, each camp brings a surprise. Maris was our surprise this year. Her maturity surprised us. Seeing her at the camp – how brave and mature she is – but knowing that it all comes from her challenges at home was very sobering."
At camp, Maris and the other children enjoyed lots of fun activities, sports, and crafts. They also took part in Bible lessons and discussion groups and played and swam at the seaside.
Mate said, "Summer camp brought many new things to Maris: most importantly, new friendships, where she was part of a group of children where she was very much accepted.
"Maris is a girl who rarely smiles, but at summer camp, I caught sight of many smiles on her face, smiles that came straight from her heart."
When asked what her favorite thing about summer camp was, Maris said, "The bedrooms - because they are nice and clean – and our time at the beach, new friends, and food!"
A few months after summer camp, Maris was sadly placed in foster care, and her family was withdrawn from MWB's family sponsorship program since there were no longer any children at home.
Drazan, the family worker who supported the family, said, "Social services decided that it would be better for Maris to be placed in a foster family.
"Although the family is no longer in the program, we are in contact with Maris and her foster family, and she's already been invited to all the gatherings for the children from the program, especially with her friends from summer camp."
Matea said, "I'm glad that at summer camp, we could be there for Maris at a difficult time in her life. Here, she had the chance to forget her troubles for a little while, hear about Jesus and all He's done for her, and have fun and interesting experiences. Summer camp is an excellent way to show children how much they are valued and loved. We hope that Maris always remembers - and takes with her - the joy and peace she found here."