Balbina’s strength carried her through hardship.
When she thought that her hardships were finally over, Balbina’s strength was once again tested by a series of misfortunes and obstacles. Now a grandmother, Balbina was divorced by her husband and left to single-handedly raise her four children. Because of poverty, she could not pay for their school fees, leaving them dependent on her as adults. When Balbina was asked to care for her brother’s orphaned kids, after he had succumbed to HIV/AIDS, she initially resisted adding to her burden. However, after joining the CO•OP, not only was she able to support her growing family, but her heart was softened to God’s call and she agreed to adopt her brother’s children.