MYANMAR — A catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar unleashed widespread devastation and profound loss, tragically altering lives like that of Khine Zar Win. Orphaned by the disaster, her future seemed uncertain. In this challenging landscape, Operation Blessing is actively providing essential help and fostering hope, enabled by the vital contributions of its donors and supporters.

A Life Shattered by Loss

Khine’s memory of the event is vivid. A chilling recollection. “I was playing with other kids under the house,” Khine remembered. “When the earthquake started, we ran outside to the field. People were shouting, ‘Run… Run…!’” Initial relief turned to heartbreak as the full scope of the tragedy unfolded with the restoration of communication lines, revealing the terrible truth about her parents.

“I heard a concrete wall fall down, but later I found out that the building where my mom and dad worked was destroyed,” she shared. “They told us that both my parents were in the building and they passed away. I cried and cried a lot.” Suddenly, at only 14 years old, Khine found herself the primary caregiver for her two younger sisters, aged seven and a mere eighteen months, a staggering responsibility for a child herself. This seismic shift in her reality forced a difficult decision. “I had to drop out of school to take care of them,” she explained, articulating a deep-seated fear shadowing her resolve: “I want them to continue their education… but I worry that if I don’t have enough money, they won’t have food to eat.”

Supporters Deliver Hope Amidst Hardship

Despite the crushing weight of her circumstances, Khine harbors a resilient aspiration, a light piercing through the sorrow. “I want to become an engineer,” she stated with quiet determination. “I want to build houses that are strong and safe—ones that won’t collapse during earthquakes.” This dream speaks volumes.

Currently, Khine and her siblings are residing with their grandparents. Operation Blessing, empowered by the generosity of its faithful supporters and friends of the organization, swiftly delivered crucial emergency supplies and resources directly to Khine’s family, offering immediate, practical relief in their time of immense need. These provisions serve a dual purpose. “These items support our family and our small shop,” Khine affirmed. “When we sell them, we earn money. When we eat the snacks, we feel satisfied.” Such generosity, originating from compassionate donors, transcends meeting urgent physical requirements; it represents a tangible infusion of God’s love, giving children like Khine the courage to envision a future and dream again after experiencing profound tragedy.

The Road Ahead

The journey toward recovery in Myanmar is undoubtedly extensive, requiring sustained effort and unwavering compassion. Operation Blessing remains steadfastly committed to walking alongside the children and families profoundly impacted by the earthquake. Sustained by the prayers and financial partnership of donors, the organization is actively exploring additional, specific ways to empower Khine and support her family’s long-term stability. Resilience is palpable, yet the ache of loss persists.

“I really wish my parents were not in that building,” Khine said quietly. “That’s what I always wished for.” But now, significantly, through the continued prayers and dedicated support flowing from compassionate individuals worldwide, she possesses something precious: a renewed reason to hope. This enduring mission of love and practical compassion continues, a testament to faith in action.

About Operation Blessing

Operation Blessing (OB) provides humanitarian services such as strategic disaster relief, medical aid, hunger relief, clean water and community development. Founded in 1978, Operation Blessing has touched the lives of millions of people in more than 90 countries and every state.

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