In a cramped two-room home on the outskirts of Durrës, Albania—once a swamp, now a struggling neighborhood—Fatbardha, a 43-year-old mother of six, is rewriting her life story.

For years, she suffered in silence, enduring domestic violence. But one day, courage outweighed fear. Fatbardha broke free after her husband poured gasoline over her and attempted to set her on fire. Her former husband is now in prison for abuse, and she stands on the other side of trauma—uncertain but fiercely determined to protect and provide for her children.

With a monthly income of just $440 USD from her job as a cleaner in a tailoring shop—nearly a third of which goes to rent—every penny is carefully stretched. Food, clothes, school supplies: nothing is guaranteed. Yet every decision she makes is shaped by a mother’s heart, always thinking first of her children’s needs.

New Hope & Impact of Family Sponsorship

On February 3rd, 2025, hope entered their home in a new form: the Ceku family was enrolled in Mission Without Borders’ Family Sponsorship program. Though they still await a sponsor, Fatbardha has already found comfort in her local Bible study group—a circle of women who pray together, support one another, and remind her that she’s not alone.

All seven of the Ceku family sleep in a single, cramped room.

Focusing on education to create a brighter future

Five of her six children now attend school. Her eldest son, Gersi, is training to become a plumber. Mission Without Borders plans to equip him with professional tools so he can begin working and contributing to the family after graduation. Griselda, the eldest daughter, is a dedicated student, and with continued support, she hopes to pursue university studies through a scholarship.

Over the next five years, Mission Without Borders will walk alongside the Ceku family—not just meeting material and supporting educational needs, but offering emotional support, spiritual encouragement, and the steady companionship of a caring community.

Fatbardha’s story is one of resilience. She has chosen life over fear, hope over despair. She is rebuilding her family’s future brick by brick, prayer by prayer. And though the road is long, she does not walk it alone.

We are walking this journey with the whole family.

The tiny kitchen Fatbardha and the family use.