I am Vera!

I am the mother of two children, Sara, who is 16 years old, and Aron, who is 11 years old.

Sara has autism, which is why the whole family is at her disposition.

It has been a long journey of 14 years of therapy.

Diagnosed with a Tumor

When Sara was only 6 years old, and Aroni was 1 year old, I was diagnosed with a tumor.

Unfortunately, it could not be operated on nor could we do a biopsy.

“Who would take care of my children?”

This situation caused a range of emotions—I felt anger and fear. I had thousands of thoughts swirling through my mind—who would take care of my children? What would happen to Sara? And I thought about how small Aroni was.

Sometimes I took my frustration out on Sara as well. Despite how much effort we put into therapy, where she worked very well with the therapists, she challenged me in the school setting.

I had forgotten that she was just a child who gets tired.

From Earrings to MOPS

Almost 4 and a half years ago (in October 2018), a lady named Valmira, who had her boys in daycare, came to work and wanted to print some sewing patterns. Valmira and I had known each other for six years since our kids were in daycare together. That day, I noticed that Valmira was wearing a pair of earrings from Africa. They were beautiful. I asked her, “Where did you get these earrings?”

“Uganda!” she told me and then explained why she had been there. She told me about Mothers of Pre-schoolers (MOPS), and how this organization helps moms to understand their potential.

I asked her what we could do for moms in the same situation as me.

Impact of MOPS in my Life

Valmira, or Vali as we call her, asked me to pray and said that God would guide us for whatever was best. And for Christmas, we had our first MOPS special needs meeting!

What has MOPS done in my life?

“MOPS has changed my life.”

With great conviction, I can say that MOPS has changed my life.

MOPS was the bridge between God and me.

MOPS made me realize that I am a beloved child of God, that I am not alone, but He is always there for me.

MOPS, with the strength and simplicity of its functioning, made me understand my potential and as a result, to be a more responsible mother, wife, daughter, friend, and ready to help others find peace and joy in Jesus.

“God has very beautiful plans for me.”

Because God has very beautiful plans for me, and surely He will use me to sow as much of the seed of faith as possible.

MOPS made me realize that all moms have challenges because motherhood is as beautiful as it is difficult. But with the help of Jesus, I will be able to raise good children and create friendships on a firm foundation, to see and find Jesus in others.

ISAIAH 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you,

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.