By Emmy Chen | Mozambique 

A year after the ambulance incident, Tzu Chi volunteers visited the surviving baby girl. Soares, the volunteer who rescued her, holds her as she sleeps soundly. | Photo by Dario Nhacale | Mozambique 

On a sunny day in Mozambique’s Sofala Province, Tzu Chi volunteers gathered to celebrate the first birthday of a special little girl named Lefa. The joyous occasion was more than just a birthday—it was a celebration of resilience, love, and hope. Holding a small cake adorned with a single candle, the volunteers sang a happy tune, their faces glowing with warmth and affection for this precious child, who came into the world under the most tragic circumstances. 

It was a year ago when Lefa’s life began with a terrifying incident. Her mother had just given birth in the back of an ambulance when a sudden explosion turned the vehicle into a fiery trap. Sadly, Lefa’s mother couldn’t escape the flames, but in a miraculous turn of events, Tzu Chi volunteers were at the scene and acted swiftly. Amid the smoke and chaos, they managed to pull the newborn baby to safety. The name “Lefa” was given to her as a symbol of her miraculous survival and the loving hands that saved her. 

Lefa is now one, and she is growing up healthy and well-cared for. | Photo Emmy Chen | Mozambique 

Since then, Lefa has been living with her aunt, Antonia, a 35-year-old woman who already has three children of her own. When Antonia lost her sister, she took on the responsibility of raising Lefa, despite the financial challenges her family faces. Her husband, Sam, works as a day laborer, doing whatever jobs he can find to make ends meet. The sudden addition of another baby was daunting for the family, but they never hesitated to welcome Lefa as one of their own. 

Interestingly, Sam shared a remarkable story during Lefa’s birthday celebration. Just before the tragic accident, he had a vivid dream where he was joyfully playing with a baby girl he didn’t recognize. When he told his friends about it, they laughed and dismissed it as a mere figment of his imagination. But after the accident, when Lefa came into their lives, Sam realized that the baby in his dream was indeed Lefa. It was as if destiny had intertwined their lives long before they even met. 

Despite their financial difficulties, Antonia and Sam are determined to provide a loving home for Lefa. Tzu Chi is also helping to lessen their burden by supporting the family with monthly provisions of rice and baby formula. The community has also stepped in, offering help whenever possible, proving that Lefa is surrounded by love and care, not only from her family but from the entire neighborhood. 

The volunteers who saved Lefa a year ago still visit her regularly, keeping a close eye on her growth and well-being. They hope that one day, Lefa will be able to attend a school built by Tzu Chi and continue to thrive under their watchful care. Seeing her chubby cheeks and bright smile now, they are reminded that even in the darkest moments, there can be light and renewal. 

As the candles flickered and the volunteers sang in unison, it was clear that Lefa’s birthday was not just about marking the passage of time. It was a testament to the enduring power of compassion, the strength of family, and the belief that every life, no matter how it begins, is a gift worth celebrating.