Chanyra was 35 years old, hopeless and suicidal when she came to live at Hagar.  

"I didn't want to stay because I look so different from everyone else," she said.  "Everyone else looks so pretty." 

Chanyra was abandoned, destitute and hopeless when she started working in construction in Phnom Penh.  There, she met a man and fell in love.  Chanyra considered him her husband.  When she became pregnant, they lived together with their child for nine years.  On a visit to her mother-in-law, Chanyra's life changed forever.  A jealous cousin-in-law threw acid on her face, blinding her right eye. 

Chanyra was referred to Hagar and came to live at the Hagar Women's Program Assessment Center while undergoing surgeries at the hospital.  Her husband still supported her and she became pregnant again.  When he found out this time, he left for good.  Devastated, Chanyra was terrified of the future but Hagar staff counseled and cared for her during her pregnancy and surgeries. 

Chanyra had her baby girl and has new confidence and freedom from the past.  She began trusting Jesus and joined other women from Hagar going to church.

"I have new life now.  I live in peace.  I have value in society.  I have many people who respect me.  Before, I rejected myself.  I did not know who I was.  But now I know who I am, and I can encourage others who have come from similar situations," she said.

Chanyra is a counselor for Rose Charities which helps disadvantaged people.  Her daughters are enrolled in Hagar supported education.  Chanyra has saved money and bought a sewing machine to make clothes to sell at the market on weekends.  She still worries about expenses, but is happy to have a good job, friendships, and value.

"I would like to thank the Lord for everything.  I am trusting in Him," she said.  "In the future, I would like my own small house in a safe place, and for my children to be able to go to university." 

Hagar will continue to follow up Chanyra and her family for two years, offering support where it is needed, while they step into a new life full of hope.