by Anne Marie Ivan, ICC Child from Romania – Now Grown
Without parents to guide her, Anne Marie Ivan struggled during early childhood. She lived with relatives before being placed in a family at the Children’s Village in Romania.
At first, Anne Marie rebelled against the values of the Children’s Village. She struggled in school, too. Yet, the house parents took a special interest in helping Anne Marie to succeed. That’s when she began to realize that they truly cared for her well-being. Now, years later, Anne Marie is studying to become a dentist! Thanks to the support of people just like you, Anne Marie was able to flourish in a loving family. Following is an edited testimony that she shared.
Anne Marie’s Testimony
My name is Anne Marie Ivan. I am 23 years old and I live in Bucharest, Romania. My dream is to become a dentist and right now I’m in my fourth year of university. I believe that this is possible only because God loved me so much that He had prepared for me a home and a safe environment where I was able to grow, study, and get to know Him.
Recently, I had a situation where I had the chance to see Him working for me. Normally we don’t have exams planned during the weekend but, because one of the professors had a cold, he decided that the only time he had left for our class to take the exam was on a Saturday.
I knew I had a choice to make and I kindly asked him after that class if there is another option, because I want to keep the Sabbath according to my beliefs. He told me that I can’t be a doctor and keep the Sabbath at the same time and refused to give me another option. I was disappointed and somehow furious. I wrote a letter to the secretary, but they also said there is nothing they can do. After this, I remembered to pray for my situation. The next day, I received another letter where I was told they had found a solution to my issue and I was able to take the exam a few days earlier with another class.
I am very grateful because God always took care of me directly or through wonderful people like you who have always been there for me, supporting me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. Thank you so much!
