She told me that she was so grateful to have me in her life and that she loved me so much...

Jordan Hightower shares her story of sponsorship with us! Thank you Jordan!


I felt compelled to become a Godparent at an NPH Faces of Hope event when I saw a table of beautiful, smiling faces. Perusing the photos of the many children who had so much love in their hearts, and who simply wanted to share that love, inspired me to get involved. That night I wrote a letter to a little girl, Nadine, whose story drew me in.


Nadine had lost both her parents in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti when she was only seven years old. Her biography described her as a little girl who, despite the tragedy and heartache, was full of light and who loved to go to school and learn. I couldn�t wait to get to know her! 


About a month later, I received a hand drawn picture that now hangs in my classroom and a note so beautifully colored and so joyful that it took my breath away. Nadine relayed to me that she loved to play with balls in the play yard and to sing. She told me that she was so grateful to have me in her life and that she loved me so much. And I had no doubt it was true! Nadine�s letters continue to bring me joy, always arriving, fortuitously, on days when I need a bright light or a pick me up.


I had the good fortune to travel to Honduras with NPH this past summer and every child I met, I wanted to sponsor alongside Nadine. Although I am not sure I will ever visit Haiti, my good friend Rachel recently did and brought me back pictures of Nadine. (She is pictured below with Nadine.) She also gave me a great gift � Rachel used some very expensive cell phone minutes to call me with Nadine, and I got to talk to her in my somewhat broken French. It was an afternoon I will never forget!


The opportunity to become a godparent through Friends of the Orphans is accessible and affordable. It will enliven your life in ways you can only imagine!

There is hope for Haiti, and that hope as it has always been, is the children.

Check out what Dr. Michael Koster, Friend from the MANE region, has to say about our child sponsorship program. Dr. Koster is a pediatric infectious disease doctor who has traveled down to St. Damien�s Hospital at NPFS Haiti many times in recent years to volunteer his service. In January he and a friend began co-sponsoring Nacia from Haiti. He just returned from a recent trip to Haiti and was able to meet Nacia for the first time. Below is his account of his journey. 


I have been to Haiti five times in the last two years. I have seen the destruction of the earthquake and the extreme poverty of downtown Port-au-Prince. I don't think this is anything one gets accustomed to, but seeing Haiti is different than hearing or reading about Haiti - every time. I have been to many poor countries in my life - India, Cambodia - but Haiti is still the extreme in terms of poverty, overpopulation, and lack of infrastucture. You will not see any foreigners taking tap-taps, the local taxi system, but there are plenty of UN and other vehicles that transport the numerous NGO employees and volunteers around. 


I had become involved with St. Damien hospital through a Brown alumnus Patrick Moynihan, who runs a top-notch free boarding school in Haiti for underprivelged children. On my first visit to Haiti in March of 2010, I was introduced to Father Rick Frechette, the national manager of NPFS Haiti and founder of St. Damien Hospital. When I first laid eyes on St. Damien Hospital it was like a jewel in the rough. As a pediatric infectious diseases doctor in a children's hospital in the United States, it was reassuring, if only a familiar scene, to see humanity shining in such a place. It is without a doubt the premier and only children's hospital in Haiti; the level of care and commitment of the medical, nursing, and administrative staff is unparalleled. Father Rick and the staff at St. Damien model the power of individual commitment and perseverance. I have since come to realize that, in Haiti, NPFS not only runs two hospitals, but also a rehabilitation clinic, and several orphanages.

A colleague and I, prompted by the kindness and generosity of a family who adopted an HIV positive patient, decided to sponsor a child through Friends of the Orphans in this family's honor. We co-sponsored Nacia this November and from the first letter and picture we have been rewarded beyond words. I knew that I would be traveling back to Haiti this January and wanted to have the chance to meet our new godchild. I had the delightful opportunity to ride up to the Kenscoff Orphanage with Maximo, the driver of a Land Rover defender 120, a tough truck. He was a pleasant gentleman, and he picked up several weary travelers along the way, which only solidified to me that he was a genuinely good guy. The travel from St. Damien in Tabarre to the orphanage in Kenscoff was about a 2 hour drive, and it lead straight up into the mountains of Haiti. As the port disappeared, the countryside opened up to a rural landscape with steps on the side of mountains and areas of agricultural bounty. The smog and pollution melted away into the cold air of the mountains as palm trees gave way to evergreens. 


When you enter the gates of the orphanage, an oasis opens up, almost seeming as if a mirage has appeared. There are enough buildings to house and school over 850 children. The campus is enormous and the backdrop is endless wooded mountainous area. Once we reached the orphanage, we stopped first at the Kay Germain house, a home for disabled children. Right away a teenage boy with spastic quadrapelgia caught my eye as he mustered up a salutation. Having grown up in a home with 2 adopted brothers with disabilities, and countless foster children, I jumped right into tickling and teasing this young man. We were both pleased with our interactions, and he was mimicking my English greetings with a giggle in his voice. I could tell right away that this was a place where all children are loved. 


I was eager to meet Nacia and trotted behind the volunteer leading me to her class having time outdoors. I had grabbed some things to give to her and was happy that I had brought some skittles, stickers, and animal flash cards. These were the biggest hits, as everyone in their "house" or classroom shares everything. So I passed out some candy and started tacking clothes with stickers, which quickly became stickers on kids noses, faces, foreheads...I was literally swarmed with the young kids - and as a pediatrician and father of 2 young kids, I was so delighted to have all this attention. Nacia was in the bathroom for the first 10 minutes of my visit with her class, and when she saw the raucous I was hopeful she might find it amusing that her godparent was such a clown. After all the goodies were handed out, I started singing and chanting with the children. They sang me several rounds of alouette, but were most pleased when I pretended to fall asleep, snore and then they would startle me awake. They asked me for dormie, dormie, dormie (sleep, sleep, sleep)....now I am sure they have all sorts of fun and imaginative play with each other, but I hope that my silliness offered them a little more laughing material that day. 


I was able to spend about 2 hours with the group of children before the sun started to set and dinner was approaching. With the interactions of the kids I had a little glimpse of Nacia, and her personality. She is feisty, as one of her schoolmates tried to take her animal flash card, she let them know that it was hers, gave a real menacing face, and then went right back to smiling again. I had been away from my own kids for about 2 weeks and seeing her and her classmates was a real breath of fresh air to me!

I think some people have mixed feelings about the no-adoption policy of NPFS. How can you deny these kids families? To which I say - you have never seen such a large family! As someone who has dedicated his life to the health of children all around the globe, there is no better program to invest in the future of children than NPFS. While individual efforts and the dedication of people like Father Rick are vastly important, the most meaningful way to support excellent programs like NPFS and Friends of the Orphans is through sponsorship! I have been lucky enough to have a complete experience of my sponsorship, with the opportunity to meet Nacia, but I know that it's only through continued support that all the kids have a chance to shine. Also important to note, I have meet many graduates from the Kenscoff orphanage with my time at St. Damien, some now employed by NPFS and some whom have gone on to become doctors and nurses. There is hope for Haiti, and that hope as it has always been, is the children.

An eternal source of hope and inspiration...

Here is Rachel Prusynski's "Godmother Blog" about her godchild and her time in Haiti.


I lost a variety of possessions buried in the rubble of a fallen building, along with my ability to tolerate heights and my best friend in Haiti�s 2010 earthquake. But I gained a passion for an achingly beautiful and painful country and its people, a few Creole phrases, and a new family member in the earthquake�s aftermath. My godson, Kervenson, lost his family in the earthquake when he was 10 years old and was abused in a tent camp before being welcomed to the NPH family.


Kervenson and I first met when I returned to Haiti on the one-year anniversary of the earthquake. I arrived to the orphanage shortly after choosing to be his godmother and before my first letter had reached his home, so my appearance on the peaceful St. Helene campus caused quite the ruckus as 400 children went to hunt down Kervenson and produce him to me. A wide-eyed little boy with tiny legs and knobby knees in a ski cap and oversized sweatshirt shuffled up to me with a shocked expression. He listened as I struggled through my Creole explanation of who I was and why I was showing up at his home to offer him a bag of gifts and company for a few days of walks in the mountains, treats like sodas purchased nearby, and hopeful conversations with whispered hopes from my shy godson and joyful encouragements from his besotted godmother.


I returned again to Haiti a year later and was overjoyed to see how much difference a year of education, the NPH family, and proper nourishment can make! Kervenson had grown inches and was full of the spunk and confidence I would expect from a 12-year-old who is the first in his class at school. No longer as wide eyed, Kervenson laughed instead of whispered and chatted with me as much as my Creole skills would allow. He plucked my heartstrings with the tears he tried to hide both times I arrived, sniffling and smiling and wiping his eyes on his sweatshirt sleeve. Every few hours, he asked, �when are you coming back to Haiti?�


Between my trips, Kervenson and I have gotten to know each other through letters that never cease to lift my spirits as he tells me of summer vacation, his grades in school, and his goals for the future. He posted the pictures I sent him up in his cubby at school and made sure to show me during my latest trip.


Kervenson endured much more than I can comprehend and much more than a young boy should, but like so many of the children in all the NPH homes, he provides an eternal source of hope and inspiration. I can�t truly capture how amazing it feels to be a small part of what he was able to gain after losing so much.

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!"

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