When you make the difference in the life of a child...you make a difference in your own life as well.

Read this wonderful sponsorship testimonial by Vic Roers from St. Paul, Minnesota.


On February 7, 2012 my life officially took on more meaning. My NPH story originally began in August of 2011 when my employer offered me $1000 in grant assistance to travel to NPH Honduras. At that time I discovered Friends of the Orphans and arranged to travel with them to Honduras. It was a week that would change my life forever.


While in Honduras I connected with a shy seven-year-old named Carmen. Carmen arrived at NPH Honduras in May 2011 and seemed to be right at home with her new family. While she speaks no English and I speak very little Spanish, we were still able to communicate and connect with each other over the course of my ten-day visit. LOVE speaks its own special language. Quality time and lots of hugs went a long way with making a connection with Carmen. I can smile fluently in Spanish... and I smiled at every opportunity! Carmen and I were able to spend a fair amount of time together as the children were on break from school during my visit. I joined her for the evening meals when possible and we had an opportunity to dance and sing and play every day. By the end of my third day at NPH Honduras it was clear to me that I would be traveling back to Honduras again and again.


Another highlight of my visit was becoming acquainted with a very special priest by the name of Father Ken Hume, who the children affectionately refer to as "Padre Tortilla". Padre Tortilla is from Oregon and sponsors 14 children at NPH Honduras! His sponsorship commitment really inspired me! After a review of my finances, I felt that if Padre Tortilla can sponsor 14 children on his retired income, I could certainly find a way to commit to sponsoring ONE!


Upon my return to Minnesota, there have been numerous opportunities to share the NPH experience with friends, family, co-workers and my church community. Going forward I will be speaking to local schools and social organizations to educate them about NPH and share the sponsorship opportunity! On February 7th I officially became a sponsor/Godmother to Carmen. I am pleased to share that several of my friends will be joining me in beginning their sponsorship journey through Friends of the Orphans as well. It has given me great joy to match up children with loving and encouraging sponsors!


While I miss Carmen and the other children at NPH Honduras every day, I have come to appreciate the longing that I have in my heart. It speaks of a very real love that knows no language or limits. Carmen chose to invest in ME. You see.... when you arrive at one of the NPH locations, the children know that you will be there for only a short time. They also know that when they have connected with you it will be sad for them to say "good-bye" when you leave. That said... they are still willing to invest in you!!


On February 7th I became a Godparent to a very special young lady. Will you sponsor a child? Please join your local Friends of the Orphans regional office in celebrating National Godparents Month - activities are planned throughout the month! When you make a difference in the life of a child... you make a difference in your own life as well. Go...make a difference!

You are the one who shines for me...

Below is a sponsorship testimonial from Godparent, Alison Burke. 


Being a godparent has changed my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. My passion to support Friends of the Orphans came about after the death of my friend, housemate, and classmate, Molly Hightower. I was devastated to learn of her death. I wish I could have gotten to know her more because she was an amazing young woman who had so much to offer. I was also heartbroken to see how much pain and suffering the earthquake caused in Haiti. I was inspired by Molly�s work at NPFS and wanted to do my part to help the children. Over the next year after the earthquake, I learned more about Haiti and Friends and how I could help. I made the decision to become a godparent after determining that it was the best way I could contribute to Friends. I became a godparent in early 2011.


When I first thought about sponsoring a godchild, I wanted to choose a young child that I could watch grow up. I changed my mind as soon as I saw Steeven�s picture. His smile warmed my heart so much that I knew he was the godson for me. Steeven is 12 years old. He lost both of his parents in the earthquake, so he went to live with his aunt. She could not take care of him, so she asked an NPFS social worker to take custody of him. I am so grateful to have Steeven in my life. His letters are so sweet, and they inevitably arrive at a time when I am in dire need of a reminder of life�s blessings. Steeven�s letters make me feel so appreciated and loved and remind me that there are more important things in life than school and work.

Below are pictures Steeven has drawn and my favorite lines from letters he sent with them.

�It was a great pleasure to know you today, and I thank you for having picked me as your godson�I send you a little drawing of thanks. I wish that you love it.�

I knew I was meant to be Steeven�s godmother when I saw this picture. I drew that flower all the time while growing up.


�I hope everything is alright for you in the name of God. By my side, everything is alright in Jesus name�Thank you because you accept to be my god father. I hope God will protect your steps so that you could have a happy new year�Your godchild who loves you so much!�

�I give you thanks for your nice letter and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year 2012. I hug you tightly.�

�Do you know why I don�t need a candle on Christmas? Because you are the one who shines for me.�


I always carry a picture of Steeven with me, and I had a bracelet made with his name on it that I wear almost every day. These are both constant reminders of how blessed I am to be Steeven�s godmother. I plan to visit Steeven when I am finished with graduate school. Until then, I will communicate with him via mail, continue to learn Creole in preparation for my trip, and help support Friends in any way possible.


Choosing to be a godparent was the best decision I have ever made. I was hesitant at first, which is why it took me a year to finally commit to being a godmother. I was concerned about the monthly monetary commitment because, at the time, I was a full-time student with no job. Laura (NW Regional Manager and Child Sponsorship Coordinator) was very understanding of my situation and assured me that giving the minimum amount of money per month would still do a lot to help the children. After learning about all that Friends does and how my money would directly benefit the children of NPFS, I knew I was ready to make the commitment. I am so glad I made the decision to sponsor Steeven. Upon becoming a godparent, I was welcomed into an organization that I consider to be my family. I am so blessed and grateful to be part of Friends. I encourage you to consider becoming a godparent, as it truly will be the best decision of your life.

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

Volunteer Extraordinaire

Below is a story shared by Southeast Regional Child Sponsorship Manager, Sherman Humphrey, about an extraordinary supporter, Natalie Duran, or as Sherman describes, Volunteer Extraordinaire!


Natalie Duran is committed to making a positive difference in the world, and has proven this through her support of Friends of the Orphans. We have Natalie to thank for connecting the Friends SE office with the Latin American & Caribbean headquarters of Federal Express (FedEx LAC). Since 2006, thanks to Natalie�s advocacy of Friends of the Orphans, FedEx has donated $50,000 to support the children of Nuestros Peque?os Hermanos, provided emergency overnight shipping of medicine to patients in Haiti, participated in regional events, and donated over 15,000 children�s books.


By introducing Friends of the Orphans to the Community Relations Board at FedEx LAC, Natalie put the Friends of the Orphans mission on the radar of this extremely charitable, and socially responsible, worldwide leader in shipping and logistics. Since 2006, the relationship has continued to flourished.


In 2011, FedEx invited Friends of the Orphans to partner with them for the annual FedEx Entrega program. This program, which aimed to collect over 15,000 children�s books for NPH Mexico, Guatemala and Dominican Republic, was a huge success. Over 15,000 books were collected and delivered to the three homes, in addition to an advertising and PR campaign both in the United States and abroad. In Miami, for example, FedEx presented the organization with a check for $10,000 �to encourage the love of reading in children� at a Books & Books reading event with Miami Heat player James Jones.


But Natalie�s support and advocacy of Friends runs deeper. She has also been a frequent volunteer at the Friends warehouse, helping to pack Haiti-bound containers with critical need supplies. In 2010, Natalie arranged a shipment of seventeen pallets of relief supplies from Miami to Haiti just days after the devastating Haiti earthquake (one of the first shipments of relief supplies to enter the country, from anywhere in the world!). Not only did she help to ship the pallets � she also came out to pack them!


Friends of the Orphans is extremely grateful for Natalie�s support! THANK YOU NATALIE!

Natalie directing volunteer crews while packing containers for Haiti.

Natalie on the phone, coordinating the shipment of 17 pallets of relief supplies to Haiti in the days following the 2010 earthquake.

Thank you to all our supporters like Natalie who helps to transform the lives of the children we support.


To learn more about volunteering, click here. You can also contact your regional Friends office to find out more about how you can help! 

Elle and Molly

Last fall, Molly and Elle, two girls from Seattle, were looking for a service project to do at their high school, Bishop Blanchet. After connecting with Friends staff, Molly and Elle started a project to get the entire student body involved in child sponsorship. 


They hosted an assembly to share the project, and Blanchet�s Community Periods (homerooms) paired up, appointed representatives, and chose their new Godchildren. 


School-wide fundraisers have raised money for their sponsorship donations, and the students have become engaged in writing to their Godchildren. The project has continued into this new school year, with Elle and Molly introducing the new freshman class to the project. Their school event hosted Juan Manuel Pineda of NPH El Salvador for an all-school assembly, where he shared his story and his music.


Thank you so very much to Elle and Molly for being great Friends!!!

Here is Elle with Juan when he visited their school.

Do you want to learn more about how you can help spread the word? Click here!

Choose love rather than hate...

Father Rick Frechette shares some of the great accomplishments of the work of Friends and NPH in Haiti, now 2 years after the devastating earthquake.


"Choose love rather than hate,
a smile rather than a frown,


Choose to build rather than to destroy,
to persevere rather than to quit,


Choose to praise rather than to tear down,
to heal rather than to wound,


Choose to give more than to take,
to respond rather than to delay,


Choose to bless rather than to curse,
to pray rather than to despair."


[unknown]


Dear Friends,


This time last year, I wrote about our beloved chapel, St. Philomena, which had stood through the destruction and shock of 2010. She was cracked and weakened, and held up by struts, inside and out, which looked like crutches. A church on crutches�a fitting image in a country where so many people were left limping, or limbless, or worse.


�Choose to build rather than to destroy�


During 2011, the chapel enjoyed an artistic renovation, and a beautiful painting of resurrection now covers the once broken stones of the back wall. The front wall was repaired and secured with additional support. Throughout 2011, we find ourselves to be guided by the spirit of Resurrection, as we rebuilt so much of what had fallen, and even more beyond that. Building up healthcare, education and outreach services, building up programs and people, such that of all our leaders are Haitian, many of them hailing from our original home and school, St. Helene. The post earthquake programs of 2010 have flourished and continued to grow to serve the marginalized and unfortunate, and give dignity to thousands.


�Choose to heal rather than to wound�


As we reflect on the second anniversary of the earthquake, which is also our 25th year in Haiti, we can see very clearly the fruit of our labor in all we have accomplished.


-The Fr. Wasson Angels of Light program for vulnerable and displaced children permanently cares for 180 children daily, while an additional 700 children from the community attend the onsite primary school.


-St. Helene in Kenscoff opened their doors to over 60 new children.


-A housing complex was built for our high school and university students.


-The new maternity program cared for and delivered 4,799 babies.


-Neonatalogy gave life to 640 premature and endangered babies.


-Our cancer center has served 140 children providing them a second chance in a country where cancer is s death sentence.


-Public health services reach 20,000 people still living in the deplorable condition of the tent cities.


-The Rehabilitation programs of St. Germaine and Kay Elaine assisted 1,500 adults and children.


-More than 1,600 jobs are provided with each person supporting a family of four.


�Choose to give more than to take�


We gave:


-3,000 bags of rice weighing 25 kilograms each


-852,000 loaves of bread


-199,000 packages of pasta


-1,728 trucks of water


-thousands of burials, too many to count.


-thousands of cement blocks to make homes and cobblestone to build roads.


"Choose to love rather than to hate�


On this 25th anniversary of our programs in Haiti, it is important to remember our mission. Fr. Wasson built NPH on the gospel values of unconditional love and acceptance, and of indebtedness to the community. Work and responsibility continue to be cornerstones of the home. 


�Choose to persevere rather than to quit�


In memory of Fr. Wasson, and his commitment to children, at a moment when the earthquake dead were being recounted under high publicity, I imagined the many children of Haiti asking to be counted as the living�


�We are God�s children
The fruit of the earth
destined for greatness
we�ll show you our worth
Count us in as the living
The eager, the bold
Count us in as true friends whose proud stories are told
Count us in as the grateful for life and for bread
count us in we beg you
count on us, it�s our promise
Let�s begin!"


To view a slide show video of our work, click here. 


Fr. Rick Frechette, CP

Coffee and Conversation with our International Volunteers!

Stacie Henrickson, Office Administrator/Volunteer Coordinator in the Northwest Region of Friends of the Orphans shares about their recent �Coffee and Conversation� event, held quarterly and featuring a different topic each time. This quarter�s topic was the International Volunteer Program.


One of my favorite aspects of Friends of the Orphans is our International Volunteer Program. I love being able to travel and experience the NPH homes vicariously through our 60 amazing international volunteers. Each week I take time to read a few of their blog updates and step directly into NPH and all the adventures and challenges they are facing. One of my favorite blogs is Carrie Daut�s - technically, she was a volunteer and is now an employee, but she still counts in my book. 


So, when I found out the topic for our last quarterly �Coffee and Conversation� event of 2011 would be the International Volunteer Program (bonus: the event was at Starbucks Headquarters with free coffee), I marked my calendar right away.


About 20 Friends of the Orphans supporters gathered to hear from a panel of four former international volunteers:


Jim Hall, NPH Honduras (2002-2003) � Jim lived in Honduras with his wife Chris and son Isaac. He is now on our Regional Board of Directors and a child sponsor. Jim recently launched his own photography and video business.

Joe Cotton, NPH Nicaragua (2005-2006) � Joe served as President of our Regional Board of Directors and is also a child sponsor. Currently, he is enrolled in the Masters Program at the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry. He is also an experienced youth minister who works with the King County Detention Program.

Angela Klaassen, NPH Honduras (2008-2010) � Angela graduated from the University of Portland and now lives and works in Seattle. She is a child sponsor and will be helping to launch our Associate Board for young professionals who want to support Friends of the Orphans.

Malia Cranmer, NPH Guatemala (2000-2001) � Malia is now a pediatrician and is also a child sponsor. She recently hosted our annual former volunteer gathering and also brought a table of guests to Faces of Hope this past spring.


It was so wonderful to hear from such a varied group of former volunteers � they served in different homes, held different positions, some returned several years ago and others more recently, and they have followed very different career paths. Even with these differences, they all shared some of the same joys (being part of a big family and spending quality time with the kids) and frustrations (language barriers and culture shock when coming home). It was also enlightening to hear the unique experiences of each volunteer � for example, Jim built relationships with the maintenance team and still sends money each month to help support one team member�s children through school. And we�re pretty sure Joe is the only volunteer who has ever opened a locker and found a live owl! He had some of the older boys to thank for that one.


The audience also asked a few challenging questions, for example, is there a negative impact on the kids from having volunteers come in and out of their lives? The panel agreed that the kids are happy to have attention for any length of time, and the kids also feel volunteers are part of a big family and know that when one family member leaves, another will come to spend time with them. In addition, all of the panelists keep in touch with children and/or staff at the homes and sponsor a child, and some have even been able to return to visit.


Guest peque?o Emir Rica?o, in Seattle for a year participating in the International Leadership Program, was able to share what international volunteers have meant to him at NPH Mexico � that an additional person cares about him and takes an interest in his life � and really reinforced how impactful and important this program is.


I believe everyone, myself included, walked away from this event feeling warm and fuzzy thinking about the kids at NPH and how great it is that people will volunteer for a year to help others feel cared for and important. 


If you are in the Seattle-Bellevue area, we encourage you to keep an eye on our Northwest page for upcoming events, including our quarterly Coffee and Conversation events next year, and events featuring the International Leadership Program Participants.