23 Nov 2024
Painting Hope: The Story of Hatoon Al-Abbas
A Journey of Resilience Through Art and Community Support
Every child is precious. These are words that everyone would agree with but not everyone acts on. We are so honored to share the journey of a remarkable 9-year-old orphan, Hatoon Al-Abbas, an aspiring artist who inspires us all. Her story illuminates the incredible resilience of children.
Hatoon had always loved drawing, filling her kindergarten days with colorful sketches that amazed her teachers and delighted her friends. But when conflict erupted in her village, her world turned dark. The sounds of safety – children playing, neighbors chatting, birds singing – were replaced by the terrifying echoes of war. Hatoon lost not just her cherished home; she also lost her beloved father and protector. She was forced to move from place to place, never knowing where she would sleep next. The little girl who once drew pictures of her beautiful village now found herself drawing to escape the haunting memories of what she lost.
She explained, “I always drew my family together, and I would include my dad in the picture, even though he’s no longer with us. I loved drawing our family and the happy times we shared before everything changed.”
Today, Hatoon’s art tells a story of healing. She surprised us with the deep sentiment behind her drawings, saying, “I want to paint a better life for my family and all the people who lost their homes and memories.”
Syrian Children Participate in a Drawing Activity
For three years, through the compassionate support of our orphan center in Idlib, Hatoon has flourished. Her mother has watched with wonder as her daughter transformed her pain into beautiful expressions of hope. What began as simple classroom drawings has bloomed into a passionate dream of becoming an artist who can share her community’s story with the world.
In Hatoon’s own words, “Through my drawings, I want to show the world our pain and hope…I dream that my drawings will reach others’ hearts, becoming a window into our world, carrying hope and dreams for a better future.”
At our orphan center, Hatoon participates in psychosocial support sessions, creative activities, and field trips – each experience adding new colors to her life’s canvas. She draws houses because she remembers what it means to lose one, and now she includes her father in family portraits because love transcends loss. Through her art, she not only processes her own journey but also creates visions of hope for other children who have lost their sense of security and dreams.
These aren’t just drawings; they are testaments to the healing power of your support. Every precious child in our care carries similar stories of loss, but also the incredible potential for renewal and hope.
Follow along as we continue to share these powerful stories of resilience and hope. These stories are what drive our mission, and we are honored to be a part of them and blessed to share them with you.
