Natalya F.

I got to St. Sophia’s House in 2015 when I was 5. I have ICP (infantile cerebral paralysis) and serious hearing and vision disorders. Mom and dad gave me up for adoption at birth. I was left alone. It’s very difficult to describe what I was feeling at that time… I couldn’t explain anything anyway – I was only screaming. A void has occupied my life. But I really wanted for someone to come and help me fill it.

In The Domik, for the first time in my life, I found close people who cared about me and embraced hope. And I did my best in return, used every opportunity to develop and learn something new. Adults say I’m very persistent and patient. And precisely because of that, I’ve learnt a lot despite serious diagnosis. And the most important is that I’ve learnt to walk! Being independent brings me so much joy!

Now I study at school with great interest, visit Center for Curative Pedagogics, go to classes with a motor system therapist, in the swimming pool and dance. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that: I also learn to roller blade! All this brings me great pleasure.

And every year I’m also looking forward to summer. Do you know why? In summer I go to a special camp in Valdai. And this is incredible: we camp, walk in the woods, swim in the lake, and, of course, study with our favorite teachers. And in the evening we eat strawberries and sing songs by the fire.

But not long ago it seemed to me that life was not exciting…