15 Apr Lisa’s New Beginnings: A Heart Opening
Capturing Grace on a journey to Kyrgyzstan
When I met Lisa, her shy smile spoke volumes before she ever said a word. At just 14, she has already lived through more pain than most could bear. Born in Karakol, she grew up in a home scarred by alcoholism and violence. “They beat me… even with a knife,” she said softly, eyes fixed on the floor.
Her story could have ended there — another forgotten child in a system with too few safe places. But grace had other plans. A man named Korney first visited her orphanage and tried to bring her home, but paperwork and circumstance stood in the way. A week later, another family arrived — Korney and Albina —and their hearts were captured the moment they met Lisa and her little sister. They took both girls home, determined that the sisters would never be separated again.
In Talas, Lisa found what she had never known: safety, love, and faith. Her new father is a pastor, and her mother — who survived brain cancer — lives as a daily reminder of resilience and answered prayer.
Lisa now studies at the Kemin Boarding School in the village of Kemin, a project supported by GLEC. Located in a village of 9,000 people, this Christ-centered boarding school serves children with physical and mental disabilities as well as those from families affected by addiction. In addition to basic education, students learn life and vocational skills — girls learn to sew and create handicrafts, while boys study carpentry and trades that prepare them for the future.
Every weekday begins with prayer, songs of praise, and God’s Word, bringing healing to wounded hearts. Teachers and students pray together before each lesson, and the evenings often end with Bible reading. With God’s help, there is a visible spiritual influence on both staff and children — hearts are being healed and lives transformed.
“When Lisa came, she was so quiet,” her teacher told me. “Now she performs dramas, recites poems, and helps the younger children. She’s opened her heart.”
As I photographed her standing in the classroom, the same hands that once trembled in fear now held the hand of a younger student. Lisa looked up at me shyly and smiled — the kind of smile that says I’m finally home.
“God sets the lonely in families.”
— Psalm 68:6
About the Work in Kyrgyzstan
These stories were made possible through the work of Alina Khan, who serves children and families across Kyrgyzstan by coming alongside local ministries, strengthening their efforts, and helping create pathways for children to grow up in safe and loving families.
Alina is part of Kyrgyzstan Without Orphans, connected to the global movement of World Without Orphans, which equips leaders and communities to care for vulnerable children through family-based solutions. To learn more about this movement, visit https://worldwithoutorphans.org
About Capturing Grace
Discover the story behind Capturing Grace and how my daughter’s legacy continues to inspire my journey: capturinggrace.org/about-us
Our time in Kyrgyzstan
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