"Godparents, I give thanks to God for your life and unconditional support during all these years, for watching me grow and being close to me despite the distance."

Below is a letter from Guadalupe at NPH Mexico to her godfather.

Dear godparent, 

You will remember that 15 years ago I began my experience of life at NPH. I was only 11 years old at the time. The first time I arrived at NPH I felt happy, and I thought it was a place full of opportunities for me to find out who I was and have a professional career. 

I lived through many adventures in the NPH house. Before I came to NPH, I want you to know that one of the saddest moments of my life was the death of the person I had called mother. I was separated from my father when my mother grew ill. If I hadn’t had the opportunity to go to NPH, I don’t think I would have finished my professional career. 

In the end, the most important thing was that I became part of this family. I will never forget some of the most fun experiences of my life, which included being at NPH and breaking the piñatas during the Christmas holidays, going through the haunted house that the directors and caretakers made, and looking for hidden eggs over Easter. When I was at the house I remember that I always dreamed of studying and of being a good nurse. I imagined being a nurse in the NPH home in Haiti. 

Today, I have met my best friends at NPH. Now I have completed my studies at NPH and have graduated with a degree in nursing. I want to tell you that I am so excited, and I think it was well worth all the effort. In this new chapter of my life, my plan is to put my career into action. I want to do the best I can and do it with dedication, and each day I will be a better person. 

I am now working as a nurse’s assistant in a hospital and also volunteering in the NPH house in Miacatlan. I would like to live in Haiti for a few years. Later, perhaps I would like to further my education, have a good job, and perhaps have my own family. But right now the most important thing in my life is to finish my year of service and keep gaining more experience in my profession. 

I want you to know that you have meant so much to me. Godparents, I give thanks to God for your life and unconditional support during all these years, for watching me grow and being close to me despite the distance. Your presence in my life has made everything better. 

Now I will say goodbye but, as always, you will remain in my heart. 

With much love, 
Guadalupe