Pranvera Hyseni was only 4 years old during the war in Kosovo, when a package from the United States of America came to her house.

Inside the package was a toy and a postcard sent by an American woman, Thelma Archer, who had sent gift packages to children around the world as part of “Samaratian’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child”.

23 years later, Pranvera Hyseni, founder and Director of the Kosovo Astronomy organization, Science educator and Planetary Graduate Student, set herself a mission; To meet the woman who sent her the gift many years ago.

 “We have been touring Virginia for several days, and now we are headed to North Carolina. When I was a little girl during the war in Kosovo, we received a number of presents from religious organization in North Carolina. Today, my mission is to find these kind strangers who opened their hearts 23 years ago and made us happy with their generous charity during those difficult times. All I know is their names and addresses. I am not even sure if they still are at these addresses, or if they even remember sending us presents. But I still have their cards with their hand written notes. I want to find and thank them in person.”

When Hyseni reached the address that was written on the postcard, she saw a house, and did not hesitate to go knock on the door.

“When I first knocked on the door, I was not even sure who to expect, but sure enough the same person was still living at this address. A 91 year old lady, who had spent many many years packing boxes and sending them out to children all over the world through Operation Christmas Child. She was so kind to invite us in and share her story with us. She was so sweet and inspiring! I am so glad I got the opportunity to meet and thank her in-person. I was also so glad I got to meet her granddaughter and son in-law, Payton and Aaron. You never know how much you can impact someone’s life by small gestures of kindness.’ She added.

“Today was a very special day! I was able to bring closure to questions I have had for over two decades. I was able to locate one of the persons that touched our lives during the war time in Kosovo 23 years ago.” added Hyseni.

The family of a woman named Thelma, who had sent the letter from North Carolina, were also excited by this meeting.

“This afternoon, my 91 year old mama received a visit from two people she did not know. When she went to the door she heard the young woman tell of getting a box from my mom when she was 4 years old, through Operation Christmas Child. Mom felt a peace and invited them inside! This sweet lady and her friend spent the next hour talking to my mom and when my daughter and her husband came in, she continued to share how this package from 23 years ago had made such an impact on her life in Kosovo. She still has the toy from the box and the note my mom had written to her all those years ago. Thank you Pranvera Hyseni for taking time to make her day and share your precious story. She kept saying how she was amazed that someone would come to find her to thank her for doing something so small. She hasn’t stopped talking since you left.” said the daughter of the woman who had sent the letter 23 years ago, Angela Dewayne Gillespie.

If you ever question whether your box that you pack at Christmas time makes an impact on a life, this is proof that Samaratian’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child is making a difference all over the world.” Added  Angela.