Your heart will be the fuller and your life the richer for it...

Below is a testimonial by son and mother, Carson and Anna Stevens, who recently visited four NPH homes! Caron, a volunteer who has worked at NPH Honduras from 2014-2015 went with his mother back to Rancho Santa Fe (Honduras) as well as the homes in Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala! Read about their journey below!

 

 

My mother and I recently visited four NPH homes in North & Central America (October 11-24, 2016) as a follow-up to my volunteer year at NPH Honduras (June 2014-July 2015) and as part of our mutual dream to see any and as many of the NPH homes as possible.  On our trip we saw, in order:  NPH Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.  We had earmarked two weeks to make the trip but the main pitfall was obvious as soon as we were leaving the first home (NPH Mexico): the visits were too short (2-4 days at each home)!  Nonetheless, we got a flavor of each home and felt welcomed and befriended by countless peque?os (the resident children), staff and volunteers within minutes of arriving in each location.

 

 

 

Casa San Salvador, NPH Mexico (in Miacatl?n), the genesis of NPH and most populated home of the four, felt like a safe, secure and peaceful fortress or campus despite its original use as a sugar plantation (which, we were told, extends all the way back to descendants of the Conquistador Cortez).  We met lovely toddlers, kids, youth and staff and learned a lot about the home?s past, its present projects and the future direction of the home.  Many people made the trip amazing, but particularly the kind and gracious Volunteer/Visitor Coordinator, Daniel, and Farm Director, Doctor Julio.  Dr. Julio explained to us how he manages the crops being grown, the philosophy behind it, and how the children are a huge part of the harvest, not merely because of the labor they provide (after school hours), but because of the education they receive in learning responsibility and how to respectfully live and grow alongside nature.  We were able to spend time with Marion, the pioneer and face of the Taller de Arte art therapy program, and her students as they carefully prepared papier-mach? skeletons and skulls for El D?a de Los Muertos (the November 1 Day of the Dead holiday).  We also sampled the wares of the Taller de Arte giftshop, where students donate mosaic creations (e.g. picture frames, vases and crosses) to support the art program, in keeping with the founder of NPH, Padre(Father) Guillermo (William) Wasson's principle of giving peque?os a sense of responsibility and contribution to their NPH family, or community.  Additional highlights of the trip included visiting a third grade class during a health lesson, dining and conversing with the pre-Kinder group, and attending the despedida (goodbye party) in honor of Maestra (Teacher) Eva, a teacher who taught at the home for 40 years AFTER having grown up in it.

 

 

 

 

Casa San Andr?s, NPH Guatemala (in Parramos), immediately had a different feel because the home is located high in a cool mountain region.  Apart from some midday heat, it was much cooler in the morning, afternoon, and evenings than at the other homes.  The setting was stunning- on a high hill encircled by close mountains all around with a volcano (Volc?n de Acatenango) nearby.  When we arrived, the school year had just ended and vacation had just started.  Things were quiet and calm, with a relaxed schedule of chores in the morning then recreational activities and free time in the afternoon.  So many people in NPH Guatemala were friendly, welcoming and eager to get acquainted with us.  Casa San Andr?s had a higher ratio of volunteers (19 volunteers: 300 children) than Mexico (8:500), Honduras (19:450) or El Salvador (0:300; currently no volunteers).  We received incredible help and orientation from the Visitor Coordinator, Michael.  Among the many inspiring people we encountered at Casa San Andr?s were Ismar Vel?squez, hermano mayor (former peque?o) from NPH Honduras, as well as an old friend "on loan" from NPH Honduras:  Juan Bautista, a University student whose drive and focus allowed him to pursue his studies in Guatemala, with NPH Guatemala's support.  Highlights of the visit included sampling the snacks at the �Tienda Sonrisa� (The Smile Store) run by Special Needs peque?os and supervised by a youth in her a?o de servicio (pre-university service year peque?a, also referred to as a?o familiar), admiring and purchasing a few items from the Taller Recreativo (recreational workshop), a special needs recreational therapy workshop that makes artwork and jewelry for sale, with the proceeds going to the project and NPH Guatemala.  Like the Taller de Arte giftshop in NPH Mexico, both projects are great examples of Padre Wasson?s principle of giving peque?os a sense of responsibility and contribution to the home.  One final unique experience for us was seeing the peque?os divide into teams for the Guatemalan home's upcoming 20^th anniversary, an experience in NPH Honduras known as �Las Olimpiadas.�

 

 

  

 

 

Casa Sagrada Familia, NPH El Salvador (in Santa Ana), was unique because it was the youngest, smallest and least populated of the four homes we visited.  If anything, the smaller space and lower population of the home allowed us to get acquainted more quickly with the home and its peque?os and staff.  We were also struck by the warmth and graciousness of the Casa Sagrada community of peque?os.  Everyone we passed- from the youngest preschoolers through the oldest a?o servicios- stopped, looked us in the eye, shook our hand and greeted us warmly.  Our visit was facilitated by the friendly employee, Carmina, who gave us a very enjoyable and helpful tour.  An additional highlight included meeting Brenda, one of the home?s administrators, who has worked there since the home opened in 1999.  We were able to visit two days of classes and spend our time in the most structured manner of the four home visits because of the timing (NPH El Salvador was getting ready for exams and was therefore in more of a regular routine; Mexico had been busy with a special event- the celebration for the retiring teacher- Guatemala had just ended their school year, and the Honduras visit was during the weekend).  We had breakfast and lunch with the school-aged groups and dinner with the casa de bebes ("baby house"), where the youngest peque?os (ages 3-8) live.  The little kids treated us to an unforgettable dance session, which included punta (traditional dance popular in Honduras, a homage to my Honduran �roots!�) as well as choreographed routines to pop music and several renditions of their NPH anthem.  We were impressed by how well the children of different ages got along with and looked out for each other and how close and friendly staff members and children were to each other.  We attended a beautiful, uplifting mass on Saturday morning before departing.  The two most noticeable differences between mass in El Salvador and Honduras were that NPH El Salvador has a more traditional, large church for their masses with amplified live music, while NPH Honduras uses an amphitheater and acoustic music.

 

 

 

 

Our visit to El Rancho Santa Fe, NPH Honduras (nearest to La Venta), was at least the fourth visit for each of us.  We spent several hours with the residents of Casa Emanuel, the hogar (dorm) I worked with as a volunteer.  Casa Emanuel is the hogar for the older group of Special Needs boys and men at El Rancho.  Mom met some of the surgical brigade staff and briefly helped them get some last-minute lunch food ready while I watched futb?l (soccer) with Casa Emmanuel, the Visitor Coordinator, Steve, and the a?o familiar currently working with Casa Emmanuel.  We also met some Honduran brigade-translators in the dorm section of the Volunteer House where we all were lodged; all four were talented, eager and interesting people.  We greatly enjoyed seeing the babies, kids, youth and staff but it was a somber moment to visit because dear Abuela Engracia from Casa Eva, (�Casa de Los Abuelos,� or the home for elderly people at El Rancho) had just passed away.

 

 

 

Each home visit was unique and tremendously moving.  While we would recommend visiting each home, the smaller physical size and populations of the Guatemalan and El Salvador homes seemed better suited for a short trip.  A few miscellaneous tidbits we learned along the way:  The more Spanish you (or someone in your group) know(s), the better your trip will be (this includes the trip to and from the home, especially if something unexpected happens and you have to spend a night, or- like us- TWO nights in a capital city); have backup plans for all transport and lodging-related details; and, finally, you?ll spend less money if you have secured some local currency ahead of time (it can be ordered ahead of time at local US banks and AAA travel club offices).  Because of the distance from the capital city to the home, NPH Mexico was unable to provide transport to and from the airport (the other three homes did).  However, it was easy enough to do that bit on our own, and the bus line the home recommended (�Pulman de Morelos�) stops literally right in front of Casa San Salvador.

 

 

All four homes are filled with wonderful people whom we feel blessed and grateful to have met and hope to see again soon (which we?re sure would be the same case at all NPH homes and communities).  Perhaps as a metaphor for Central America, the homes do an amazing job of providing visitors with breathtaking contrasts that sometimes change instantaneously: from beautiful, calm, quiet views of mountains, fields, farms and pastures to a cacophony of voices, laughter and el latido (the beat) of hundreds of kids living Padre Wasson?s dream.

 

 

While it would be easy for us to plug Mexico as the most populated, beautiful and original home that it is, Guatemala for its pleasant climate, strategic layout and most visitor-ready feel, or Honduras as our deepest emotional connection, we?d like to point out that El Salvador REALLY deserves visits!  Whether it?s due to being the youngest of the 4 homes, having a less-established volunteer program, or other factors, a visit there definitely seems the most unique and special for the home and they REALLY- all ages and roles- show their appreciation!  We encourage those who have never visited NPH to do so because it is a life changing experience, and for those who have been to one home and (understandably!) continue to go back there whenever possible, consider visiting another home as well.  Your heart will be the fuller and your life the richer for it.

 

 

Siblings Beyond Borders

Ashley, a former volunteer at NPH El Salvador, never imagined she was going to find the brother she always wanted so far away from home.

For as long as I can remember, I had always wanted a brother in my life and it didn�t matter if they were older or younger. I didn't care which. However, I'm the oldest of three sisters so I had long ago accepted my reality, that is, until I came to NPH El Salvador as a volunteer and met Jameson* in 2013.

Though Jameson appears in many photos from my previous visits to the home, I didn't get to know him until I moved to El Salvador. We bonded over washing dishes after dinner, or when we would tell jokes and talk about our lives while leaving the office for the day. One time, Jameson convinced me to try a pepper that he picked from a nearby tree. "I promise it's not hot! Try it. You'll like it." Well, it was the hottest and spiciest thing I have ever eaten, and I had to chug water to relieve the misery. He's never let me forget that moment.

He's one of the few peque?os who told me his story, about his life before NPH. He knows about my life and the personal struggles I have faced. Our mutual trust is something I've never taken for granted, as I know how hard it can be to share. We offer one another counsel and advice, share our hopes and dreams, and laugh like there's no tomorrow. I can't say that enough, we laugh so much when we are together.

When Jameson graduated high school I made him a small collage of a picture of us and pictures of his biological sisters (who are no longer with NPH). I found them when I was archiving old NPH El Salvador pictures for the home. He didn't have any pictures of his sisters until then. Jameson told me it was the best gift he had ever received. I went back to my room later that day and cried. I thought it was just a piece of paper with a few pictures, but it meant more to him than I ever expected.

There is this connection between Jameson and I that I've never been able to explain. We just clicked one day and started calling each other brother and sister. He is a very special person in my life, and I always tell people about my two sisters (he also calls them his own sisters) and my brother.

A few months before I moved back to the U.S., I asked Jameson if I could sponsor him. He said �yes,� and from that point on, he started calling me his "hermadrina." This is a word he made up that is a combination of the Spanish words for �sister� and �godmother.�

To me, hermadrina is one of the highest honors a person can hold. Getting to know Jameson over the years and to have him in my life is one of the greatest blessings. He is in college now, and I am so proud! Jameson is a wonderful person, and I know he will change the lives of everyone he meets.�

*Name changed to protect privacy

A safe home...

Below is an excerpt from a blog post by Fr. Christian Mathis, Chaplain at East Tennessee State University, reflecting on his experience visiting the NPH homes in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

My experience with NPH has shown me that despite the fact that the majority of orphaned and abandoned children in these countries continue to live on the streets, there is something that is being done for the ones who are fortunate enough to find their way to these houses where they are cared for. One such example is a young man described to us by Fr. Ron. This peque?o began his life abandoned by his mother to die in a heap of garbage in El Salvador. Fortunately he was found by the man who worked at the dump who adopted him and cared for him as his own child. He grew up only to meet with tragedy once again when his foster father was later shot and killed in their home. Finding himself alone once more, he got a job riding on a banana truck, hired to guard the produce as the truck made its daily deliveries. Eventually he was lucky enough to be taken in to the NPH house in El Salvador. There he was given a safe home where he received food, shelter and education. He finished high school and college and has plans to attend medical school.

Read the full post on Fr. Christian's blog here.

Supporter Voices

My name is Calvin Higgins. In early January I went to Guatemala for the second time. Before I went, I questioned going because I had already gone once before. Though I had a smashing time on my first trip, I was worried that the second trip would be a bit redundant, but boy was I wrong. We were given a tour, but since I had already been given the tour last year I was given an hour to do what I wished, I chose to play some f?tbol with my Guatemalan friends. Later that day I met up with Donald*, the Peque?o I sponsor, and met my dad�s Peque?o Stefany. I had never had a girl Peque?o before because I always thought the girls would be harder to socialize with; I was wrong. Throughout the whole trip I would find myself with the girls during meal times either singing Justin Bieber's latest hit or teaching them new dance moves. On the plane ride home, I reflected on the trip I had. Primarily, I was extremely glad I decided to travel to Guatemala once again because during this trip I realized that it can not be seen as just a one-time trip. Emersion trips to NPH are created to form relationships, not relationships that only last for five days, but relationships that are strong, enduring, and have the potential to last a life time. Each year it is important that I travel back to Guatemala. Each year I will have changed, and each peque?o will have changed, and it is a unique experience for myself and for the peque?os to see the development in another persons life. 

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Joan Larive and Ted Ladewski have both been sponsors since 2009. Here they are visiting pequenos in Mexico in December 2012. "We have supported these children along with a group of friends who donate yearly to support these children. I have known Ericka* and Teresa* for about ten or twelve years since they first came to NPH. It is always a joy to see them all each year." 

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Howdy! My name is Fr. Mike Straley. I think it was about five years ago that my parish in Phoenix was asked to host a group of students from NPH El Salvador. While they were with us I met Estiven* and the rest is a great relationship between us. The next year I was invited to attend the Gala dinner where students from Mexico were entertaining. I met Osvaldo* and...well, now I have five "ahijados" or godchildren, three in Mexico and two in El Salvador. I have visited them often. I cannot tell you what a wonderful experience it is to visit the children in their homes and meet their friends (their NPH brothers and sisters). I now have many "ahijados de mi Corazon" or godchildren of my heart. Although I am a celibate Catholic priest, my room is filled with pictures of my children--only God could do that! 

*Aliases are used for all children's names to protect their privacy.

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I�ve come to learn that relationships and communication are incredibly intricate and so valuable here.

Below is an excerpt from a blog post written by Ashley Siferd, a volunteer from NPH El Salvador. Ashley talks about how much she has learned about the delicate and extremely meaningful relationships built with the children at the NPH homes. 

I�ve come to learn that relationships and communication are incredibly intricate and so valuable here. Building trust with some of these kids takes time and effort, especially given some of their backgrounds and personal histories. So each new interaction or deeper conversation with any of the children for me is a victory because that means we are getting closer and leaving superficiality behind.

For example, almost 5 months had passed when one of the older girls finally opened up and started talking with me; at least it became more than just saying hello in passing. Just a few weeks ago, she felt comfortable enough with me to cry on my shoulder. I would never have expected that when I first met her.

Read her full blog post here!

Life-changing

After visiting their godchild at NPH El Salvador, great supporters Jan and Stu shared about their experience.

We had an outstanding and a life-changing experience. What they are doing at NPH in El Salvador is the handiwork of God. We met our godchild and got to be there for her Quincea?era, the 15 year old coming out party. We played with the little ones, had dinner with the University students, toured some of the country. Being with the group was great also, and spending time with Chuck and Frank (NPH USA staff). We plan on going again next year! We are also starting to plan an event for St. Thomas the Apostle some time in January or February. God Bless, Jan & Stu

Photo Update from NPH El Salvador!

Wonderful volunteer, Ashley (pictured on the left in the first picture below), is spending a year helping out and smiling with the children at NPH El Salvador. Ashley has snapped some amazing shots in her time there. Check them out!

 

NPH International Leadership Program

Celson, Doris, Rodolfo and Jacinto, our four NPH International Leadership Program participants who grew up at our NPH homes and are now wrapping up a year of studying leadership and English in Seattle, had the opportunity to give presentations to five local Seattle elementary schools throughout May and June. We had a wonderful time sharing at St. Catherine School, St. Anne School, St. Louise School, St. Madeleine Sophie School, and Puesta del Sol! 

Our leadership students shared about their respective countries, cultures, and life at NPH. It was so fun to watch the elementary students light up as they learned about monkeys who steal food in Guatemala, how children in El Salvador are celebrated on Children�s Day, and how grass at NPH is cut with a machete! The presentations also included learning a few phrases in Spanish, and even folk dancing! 

The final presentation was at Puesta del Sol, a Spanish-immersion elementary school, so our leadership students were able to present in Spanish! Below are some of the elementary students� thoughts and reactions to the presentations. It is clear that the leadership students had a big impact � we�re so happy to be able to encourage global thinking in these young students who will one day be leaders themselves: 

�It was very interesting to learn about countries I have not visited. I really liked meeting the presenters, they had a lot of enthusiasm for their subject.� Ilsa � 5th grade 

�I really liked the presentation because I�m interested in the differences and similarities between the presenters� countries and the United States. I also liked hearing the Spanish and the distinct accents.� Lauren � 5th grade 

�After the presentations, I realized all the money and things I have in my life. Now I appreciate what I have.� Callie � 5th grade 

�My students enjoyed their time with you so much. Thank you for taking time to share with us. I hope we will be able to visit your beautiful and unique countries soon. The national pride and happiness in being a part of NPH is obvious. Once again, thank you for everything.� Ms. Maya Stevens, 5th grade teacher

Doris sharing about traditions in El Salvador 

Rodolfo teaching the students about life at NPH

What a darling, brave, sparkling girl!

Below is a testimonial from amazing Friends, Cathy and Tom McQuillan from Arlington Heights, IL. 

Our involvement began at church, a few years ago, with a sponsorship talk. We thought it'd be a good idea for us to help a needy child. So, we signed up and paid our money. Our Goddaughter was in El Salvador, and we would receive a letter from her 1-2 times a year. However, I must say that we didn't really know much about how to be involved Godparents. We wrote maybe once a year. That all changed last year. 

Friends of the Orphans offered a trip to Central America, and we decided to go. We also were informed of the serious health issues of our Goddaughter and her medical needs. Our trip, with about 20 other people, took us to Guatemala first where we toured the NPH home there and the surrounding countryside. It is a gorgeous country but full of a troubles. We were blown away by the love and care that these children receive at NPH! Fr. Wasson's vision and wisdom were truly inspired by the Holy Spirit! We then moved on to El Salvador... again a beautiful country but torn apart by violence and poverty. NPH was a peaceful oasis there, providing for the spiritual, educational, physical, and emotional needs of its children. 

Oh, my - then... meeting our Goddaughter Wendy! What a gift! What a darling, brave, sparkling girl! We only wished we spoke Spanish! Others helped us communicate. It was wonderful! But, Wendy is suffering from a horrible spine curvature condition that will probably cut short her life. Through all of this, she remains full of hope, dreams, and smiles! 

While there, we experienced a kindergarten and a junior high graduation, Mass with the whole congregation singing enthusiastically, and a beautiful Quincea?era (party to celebrate 15 yr. old girls). Of course, while we were there, my husband Tom fell in love with two other girls! So, now we are the proud Godparents of 3!!! 

Because of these experiences, and because we now know more about NPH, we write more often, send photos, read their report cards carefully, write a few phrases in Spanish, and keep all of these precious children and staff in our daily prayers. Being a Godparent with Friends of the Orphans can be a life changing experience -- for the children and for YOU! We highly recommend it!

Top 5 Accomplishments of 2012 from NPH El Salvador!

1. Once again we had the opportunity to plant corn crops, which is a great help for our home economy. We had 18 corn crops planted, which will be enough to make tortillas for the coming year! We also successfully planted the next quantity of vegetables in our home. (Total: 18 corn crops 15 sorghum crops 0.25 cucumber crop)  

2. We have 12 cows that produce 110 milk bottles daily. We use the milk for our babies, and also part of the milk is used to make cheese and cream that our other children consume. Currently, we have a total of 32 cows and plan to continue to grow to cover more than half of the milk needs in our home to head towards self-sufficiency.

3. In 2012, we had the opportunity to see the first Peque?os of NPH El Salvador graduate from professional school! In March, Matilde was the first young lady to graduate from Nursing school, and Elena graduated in September! 

4. This year 12 of our youths will be graduating from high school. We are very proud of them, and we know that after their year of service to the home, they are going to be ready for the great journey of starting a professional career for their future. Also, we are very proud that to report 49 youths continue studying for their careers at the university level, including three that are studying in the United States. 

5. Our Chorus and Dance group, which includes 18 of our children between the ages of 11 and 19, was able to go to Boston and Minnesota for the �Peque?o Tour� in 2012. It was wonderful to have this experience to share some of their culture with people from another country.

October Homes Update!

We'd love to share with you just a few great and wonderful things happening in our homes. 

In Mexico we had a new group arrive just a few weeks ago, including a baby, just 1 year old, with his brother and sister, along with another set of siblings. In Miacatl?n we have a new sustainable project called Biobolsa, which is a �biodigestive� system. It uses the pig manure to create gas in the kitchen. 

In Haiti at St. Helene, we once again opened our doors to 26 new children, and twenty of our oldest children moved to the Don Bosco program to continue their studies. There are plans underway to drill a water-well on the St. Helene campus, and in addition there will be a water purification system put in place so that our 410 children will all benefit from clean drinking water. We'll no longer have to buy water and wait for it to be brought up the mountain by truck. At the Father Wasson Angels of Light (FWAL) program we held a great  summer camp where we had many activities for the children including basketball, volleyball and soccer. The St. Anne Baby House accepted 7 new toddlers and infants and has a solar project on the way to provide electricity in the new house for its 37 children. Also, construction of the FWAL Preschool is almost finished!

In Nicaragua our dance and music team is currently touring throughout the US sharing with everyone about Nicaragua, NPH and our culture by showing off their talents! The Samaritan Project continues to provide physical and occupational therapy to patients on Ometepe Island, and the construction at Casa Padre Wasson are going well. 

In El Salvador, Elena, one of our youths just graduated from nursing school, and is eager and able to begin her professional life! We have also had 10 successful months of supporting two of our children most in need, Manuel and Wendy, and their healthcare needs. 

In Guatemala we just celebrated our 16th Anniversary!  

In the DR we recently welcomed five new children (3 girls and 2 boys) into our home, and we also began our first year of 10th grade in our on-site school. 

In Bolivia we had 21 sheep arrive at our home this month to begin the new farming project. This project not only allows a new vocational workshop for our students but also a sustainable program to provide food for our home. The construction of our clinic and 4 classrooms is advancing quickly and should be completely finished around the spring of 2013. 

Thank you for all your support to help build our facilities into homes for the children who rely on us.

Introducing the NPH International Leadership Institute Class of 2013

Rodolfo (NPH Honduras): Rodolfo is currently completing his final year of service in My Good Shop at Rancho Santa Fe. He explains that, �NPH is everything to me, it is my first family, a place where I am happy and proud to live. My NPH family has taught me to fight for my dreams and that I am an important member of our family and our society.� During his time in Seattle, Rodolfo hopes to learn about leadership and improve his English abilities. He wants to be a good representative of his NPH family and learn more about the work of Friends of the Orphans and others who help NPH. Following his time in Seattle, he plans to study Economics or Accounting at the university level. With this degree, he hopes to work for NPH in the future either in one of the homes or helping to raise money. He comments that, �in the future there will be many more little brothers and sisters, and I want them to have everything that I had when I was their age so that they can achieve their dreams. It is because of NPH that I am who I am today and I am thankful to God, Father Wasson and everyone who supports our NPH family.�

Dora (NPH El Salvador): Dora is in her third year of university in Santa Ana, El Salvador where she is a studying Psychology. She explains that, �the NPH family is a blessing in my life, and I am so grateful to Father Wasson and all our supporters who make it possible for us to continue growing and have the chance to have everything we need. Thank you so much.� During her time in Seattle, Dora hopes to learn more about leadership skills and improve her English. She is also interested in meeting more of the people who support our family from a distance! Upon graduating from the Leadership Institute next June, she will return to El Salvador to complete the final two years of her degree in Psychology. Afterwards, she hopes to serve NPH as a psychologist because she feels that will be a good support for the children. She has never felt obligated to work for NPH, but rather does it out of love and gratitude. She says, �I will always be willing to help meet the needs of our home.�

Celson (NPH Nicaragua): Celson is currently completing his year of service in agriculture and transportation. Prior to that he completed high school and a professional accounting course. As he looks ahead to the year in Seattle, he hopes to learn more about leadership and improve his English, as well as identifying and learning how to overcome difficulties he may face. He even aspires to have the chance to try his abilities at ice-?skating! Celson says, �NPH is unconditional love. To me, this has meant a place where we are secure, protected, where we can trust in people who want the best for us and are willing to come alongside us as we learn to overcome the difficult moments of our past.� Upon returning to Nicaragua next July, Celson plans to enter university to study Mechanical Engineering. After completing his studies, he can see himself working for NPH directly or perhaps becoming a godparent to one of his little brothers. He explains, �as Peque?os, we can never forget that we are part of this large family even when we leave the home. We identify NPH as our family and this makes us proud and grateful to everyone who has helped us.�

Jacinto (NPH Guatemala): Jacinto is a high school graduate and currently completing his second year of service the NPH home. He has been working as caregiver and is currently in charge of the youth leadership group at NPH Guatemala. Jacinto is eager to join the Leadership Institute in order to improve his leadership abilities. He hopes to learn how to overcome the obstacles that come with any leadership position. On his application for this program, Jacinto wrote, �I think the most important leadership qualities in NPH are to be patient, loving, understanding, flexible, keep the feeling of family.� Upon returning to Guatemala, Jacinto hopes to study Systems Engineering. After completing his studies, he would like to gain experience in the workforce and then return to NPH to work for the well-?being of our children.

Alicia Magdalena: A story of success!

My name is Alicia Magdalena. I am the daughter of a Salvadorian mother who fled the civil war in her country and a Mexican father who is originally from the Mexican state of Chiapas. My parents separated because of financial problems as well as problems related to illness and alcoholism. My mother found herself alone, sick, and caring for four children. 


Before my mother passed away from breast cancer, determined that her children would not be left in destitution, she met with members of her religious community. They told her about Nuestros Peque?os Hermanos, a place where her children would not be separated or adopted, and where they would receive their education and, above all, she could be sure that they would receive love. 


My siblings and I came to NPH and it was true, my mother made the best decision for our lives. I was six years old when I came to NPH, and I still remember the warm welcome I received from Yolanda, director for the girls, and her big smile. All of the love and support that I received helped strengthen my perseverance to succeed. 


I graduated from high school with honors, which helped me to earn a full scholarship to the prestigious University of Monterrey (UDEM) in Monterrey, Mexico. I earned my bachelor�s degree in accounting and finance. Not only did I enjoy my classes and had great professors, but it was also a time when I was able to grow personally. I participated in mission trips to serve the poor of Mexico, and I did social service work as a high school teacher in a school for children from families with few resources. I also spent a semester as an exchange student in Arizona in the United States, where I studied international accounting laws and helped fundraise for NPH with Friends of the Orphans. 


Today I work as a business risk accountant at an important financial consulting firm in Monterrey. I am grateful for how blessed I have been and before continuing on my career path in finance, I want to help give back part of all that I was given. I have the opportunity to help at NPFS in Haiti and work on projects that they are developing there. I will always be thankful for the love and support I received!  

Once you enter the NPH homes, you feel peace, love, and care everywhere...

Below is a great story of sponsorship from Friends, Cathy and Tom McQuillan from Arlington Heights, IL. 


This past November, my husband Tom and I joined an American group tour to NPH Guatemala and El Salvador. This was a life-changing experience! Not only did we make 18 new U.S. friends, but we saw the natural beauty and also the abject poverty in these two countries, which have both been terribly affected by long wars, injustice, and violence. But, once you enter the NPH homes, you feel peace, love, and care everywhere! The children are eager to greet and hug you. They want to talk with you and play games with you. We were lucky enough to be present for the kindergarten and 8th grade graduations and an elegant quincenera ceremony and celebration honoring eighteen 15-year-old young women. Our highlight came when we met our goddaughter, Wendy. Wendy is 15 years old and is suffering from severe spine curvature. It is negatively impacting her health. In fact, she is now on oxygen and living in the home's clinic. Despite her life threatening disease, she is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Meeting her especially made us appreciate sponsorships. We could see how the money is helping her life, and we could tell how important regular communications are. Knowing that others care and are helping mean the world to these children. From our visit, we have since added two new goddaughters! We were extremely impressed by the staff, teachers, caregivers, and all associated with NPH and Friends of the Orphans. Our money is being well spent and our prayers are being answered. As Father Wasson, the founder, said, "WE ARE ALL ONE BIG FAMILY, GOD'S FAMILY!"

Truly Blessed...

Hi my name is Joseph Tarr, and I started sponsoring three girls through Friends of the Orphans. Two are from El Savdor, and one is from Mexico. I like to write to them and receive their letters back. It changes me to see how children in poor countries need help. I think many people should learn more about Friends of the Orphans' Sponsorship program and do the same. I have been truly blessed to sponsor Rosa, Ariel and Edith. 

Rosa

Edith