Mahalakshmi arrived here on June 11th of 2005 accompanied by a staff member of CHILDLINE, who had found her at the Ernakulam City Railway station, standing alone bewildered not knowing where to go. She had become lost, begging with her mother. Because her mother was a prostitute, Mahalakshmi would soon be offered as a child prostitute. Reaching the orphanage, the sisters gave her a good bath put on clean clothes, and served her a healthy lunch. She immediately appeared different and felt happier. But the second day, she ran off and the police brought her back as she was standing at the bus stop, begging. Sr. Lorencia took special care of the child tried to teach her Malayalam Alphabet, but her one mind was set on begging, the only life she knew.

Mahalakshmi formed a strong bond with Sr. Lorencia, who she called "Ammachi". The relationship grew so strong that she actually asked sister accompany her for begging, promising to share what they could beg and even some "Indian liquor". Sr. Lorencia patiently talked with her and succeeded in encouraging her that she should give up begging and become a teacher instead. The sisters got uniforms for Mahalakshmi and now she is a regular student of SVD primary school in Std. II. Everyday she gets blessings from her "Ammachi", giving her a loving kiss, happy as ever.

We tell you so many stories about the heartbreaking backgrounds of the girls in our orphanages, but we are especially proud to report that eight girls from Home of Hope have graduated from high school and are now pursuing courses in higher education and specific careers. We are especially proud of Pinky Nurani, who began her nurse’s training in October. These are tremendous accomplishments.

And not only are our girls moving on to higher education at various institutions, they are moving out. Here is our Laura, a beautiful bride at the age of 23, a perfect example of what Salesian education can mean. The sisters’ goal is to form them as educated, moral, independent young women. Laura was brought to the sisters at the age of three and was one of the first orphan children at Home of Hope. She has a degree in secretarial practice and is now launched in her new life; her husband, Cleetus, is a mechanic with a good job in the Middle East, where many Indians work because of the higher pay.