Since her birth Mimi had lived in the St. Paraskeva social care home. She did not know what a real family was, as she was abandoned in the delivery room. She only started to receive individual care from a loving woman at the age of 17 months.  That woman was Krasimira (Krasi), her foster mother, with whom Mimi was placed several months after they met for the first time.  Mimi’s lucky day came when she left the children’s home and, together with Krasi, headed towards her new home. The foster mother’s relatives greeted the little girl like a princess - they had prepared a real feast in honor of her arrival as well as special gifts. Krasi’s biological daughter was there with her husband and their baby to share the happiness of welcoming the little girl into the family with her mother.

Krasimira met Mimi for the first time in may this year. Ever since their first meeting, she continued to visit her regularly so that the two of them could get to know each other. She took Mimi out for walks; they played together and formed a bond. Mimi even took her first step during one of their playdates. They continue to get to know each other now that they live together. With great patience and love, Krasimira helps the child adapt to life in a family environment. She shared that it was not easy, but with the support of her social worker Iliyana Nikolova things are going in the right direction. In addition to the child gaining weight, which is a sign of good development, Mimi is already in a stable emotional state. In the beginning, she was restless and reluctant to even take a bath. Today Mimi is more confident and cheerful. Bathing is among her favorite activities, she no longer sucks her thumb, she can brush her teeth by herself and is keen to help around the house. With Krasi’s help, the little girl learns new things about family life every day and is preparing for the day when her adoptive parents will come for her.

"We keep in daily contact with the foster mother over the phone, and we also visit them at home," says Iliyana Nikolova, a social worker from the Center for Foster Care. "Krasi impressed me with the persistence with which she helps Mimi to get used to her new home and to understand that she is accepted and loved. I hope that there will be more people like her so that other Bulgarian children will have the chance to overcome the trauma of life in a social home and learn to live with a family. " 

 Source: For our Children Foundation