My Story

Rufino is a joyful and active young girl living in Baghdad, Iraq, with her parents, sister, and three brothers. Though she was born after her family fled Syria in 2014 to escape the Islamic State, Rufino has grown up as a refugee — surrounded by love, but also by daily challenges.

Rufino enjoys going to school and learning new things! Her favorite subject is math, where she enjoys solving problems and thinking things through. Science class can be a bit tough for her, but she works hard and does her best. Her favorite color is purple, and she loves lions — strong and brave, just like the stories she admires. Pizza is her favorite food, and she loves running around with her friends whenever she gets the chance.

At home, Rufino helps her mother by washing the dishes and doing her part to care for her family. She also loves attending Sunday School, where she sings songs and learns more about God’s love.

Life in Iraq is full of rich traditions, family gatherings, and delicious food. But many families, especially refugees, face serious challenges — including an unstable government, limited job opportunities, and sometimes even a lack of food and clean water. Christians are a small minority in Iraq, and it isn’t always safe to live openly as a Christian.

Even with these struggles, Rufino holds on to her faith. She finds comfort in knowing that God sees her, loves her, and will always take care of her — especially when life is hard.

Sponsorship can help support Rufino’s education, provide for her daily needs, and remind her that she is not alone as she grows, learns, and hopes for a brighter future.