Supporter Voices

After an unforgettable year volunteering in Guatemala, I was seeking ways to remain connected with the pequeños. By sponsoring Socorro* and Leonardo* , I am able to continue the relationship we started in Guatemala and carry that into the present. It brings such a smile to my face when I receive any bit of news, a hand-drawn picture, or a heartfelt letter. Sponsoring Socorroand Leonardo* has allowed me to feel connected to both the boys and the entire home beyond the year I spent there.  -Kristina Nicchi 

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"Three years ago our family made our first visit to NPH Honduras.  We accompanied our friends, the Stevens family on a visit during the Christmas holidays in 2011.  Since that time we have returned each year to continue to deepen a wonderful, growing relationship between our family and the children and staff at the Rancho.  Our two small children; Alice (7) and Muriel (5) love to spend time with their friends and god sisters there.  I feel that those relationships provide our children with a perspective that is otherwise very difficult to teach.  During the year our girls frequently talk about their friends at the Rancho and our experiences there.  With each trip to the Rancho, as we grow closer to the children, I find it is more difficult to return home.  I hope to someday arrange for our family to take an extended stay at the Rancho but for now we enjoy the memories of our last visit and count the days until our next." -Mike Einhorn 

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

Pequeño Voices

“My godparent visits me because he misses me and wants to see me, and because he loves me. My godparents love me very much because I am their goddaughter.” -Livia*, 6 years old, attends NPH Mexico Kindergarten

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“I love when my godparent comes to visit me because we spend nice times together chatting, playing, laughing and going for walks. My godmother supports me and is at my side in both the good and bad moments. I am not sure what I would do without her. Thanks to her advice, I am here and keep moving forward in my life. My relationship with my godmother is great because I feel safe with her and trust her. She supports me and inspires me to keep moving forward. I feel like my godmother is a part of my family because she worries about me even when she is not at my side. We still keep in contact by writing letters and that makes me happy. She supports me and is always in touch with what is happening in my life, she is like a mom to me. I love and admire her very much.” -Aida*, 18 years old, attends NPH Mexico high school

 

 

 

 *All child names are alias names.

Supporter Voices

Being a sponsor through NPH allows a child to receive a home; one that is not just the physical structure, but also includes all the values, education, and love that comes from a family. By giving to NPH, I know that these children have opportunities that are otherwise not given to them. As a sponsor, I am a part of that greater picture. NPH depends on donations, but sponsorship allows for a direct connection and relationship with the pequenos. On a personal level, as a former volunteer, I saw how special the godparents are to the children. Children would frequently go through their cards or photos that they have received and tell me stories about each of their godparents trying to find an common ground between me and them. They would look at the pictures and ask about other countries and culture. For the children, their godparents are special to them, and they pray for us. I look forward to receiving updates on my children, and they do as well. 

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I've volunteered at multiple organizations and sponsored a child through a separation organization as well. However, it wasn't until I met my godchild through NPH that I truly felt a direct connection to the impact I was making in someone's life. The greatest part about sponsoring a child is that you don't realize the impact that they will have on your heart. Part of my heart will forever remain in Honduras with my godchild. She has taught me so much and is a constant reminder to live life intentionally and with the happiness and innocence of a child. NPH has given me the opportunity to create a loving relationship with my godchild, and I appreciate it more than I thought possible. I instantly become excited the second I see an NPH email update or letter in my mailbox, hoping that it is from her. I show off her picture to everyone I know just like she is a part of my own family. I loved her the instant I saw her picture, but the second I was able to wrap her in a hug was an absolutely indescribable moment. We had a blast hanging out all week long when I was able to visit this past December, mostly with her laughing at how awful I speak Spanish and painting our nails. Leaving after the week was over was extremely hard, and both of us cried. I just didn't want to let go of her. But I knew that I would do whatever I could to visit again, which thankfully I am able to do this summer! I miss her smiling face every single day and cannot wait to hear her laugh! She is a blessing in my life, as I hope I am to her. Sponsoring her is one of the best decisions I could have made and highly encourage others to seek this incredible relationship. NPH is a family and you will forever be a part of it, if you so choose to be! 

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Pequeño Voices

 

 

 

“We get excited for our Godparents to visit because they can spend time with us and that makes us happy. We appreciate them because they are good to us and they support us.” -David*, Abraham*, Evenson*, 12 years old, attend NPH Mexico elementary school

 

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“I appreciate my Godparents because they support us so that we have a place to live, an education, and because they care about us. ” -Michaelle*, 13 years old, attends NPH Mexico elementary school

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“I am thankful to my godparents because they gave me a diary that I write in every day. I write what I liked about the day, about school, if I went swimming and other the activities I did that day, and who my best friends are.” -Ramona*, 8 years old, attends NPH Mexico elementary school

 

 

 

 

 *All child names are alias names.

 

 

 

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 fútbol with my Guatemalan friends. Later that day I met up with Donald*, the Pequeño I sponsor, and met my dad’s Pequeño Stefany. I had never had a girl Pequeño 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 pequeño will have changed, and it is a unique experience for myself and for the pequeños 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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Supporter Voices

My name is Alli Harvey, and I began sponsoring Abril* from NPH Nicaragua last summer when our youth group took a trip to the NPH house there. I was a little unsure what it would be like with the language barrier and never having sponsored someone before, but meeting Abril for the first time took all my nerves away. She was fun, sassy, and always tried to include me in games and activities. I could rely on her to help me out as I stumbled through Spanish conversations, point me to where I needed to go, or blow bubbles with me during free time. Mostly, Abril taught me about love and generosity. She was always thinking of me and willing to share everything she had. She taught me the joy in sharing whatever I have, whether big or little, to help others. At the end of the trip, I was able to leave with her some of my items (sheets, my pillow…) and I was grateful to know that I could help her in even that small way. We’re still able to write back and forth, and I hope to go back to NPH Nicaragua to visit again soon! “You may only be one person in the world, but you may be the world to one child.” – Padre Wasson 

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My name is Lillie Romeiser, and I had the opportunity to travel to NPH Nicaragua last summer, where I met my Godchild, Oliverio*.  Between my butchered Spanish and Oliverio's only recent attempts to learn English in school, communicating was not exactly easy. Nevertheless, we made a quick bond, augmented by our mutual love for soccer (or should I say futbol!), for playing games, and for the Lord. I never will forget the way he smiled up when I showed him my glow-in-the-dark Frisbee - the luxuries of America! Although I was his older Godparent, he took care of me during my week in Nicaragua, always making me feel welcome at his home, ensuring that I ate well and enjoyed the food, and never being afraid to share his affectionate hugs. Oliverio and I have very different backgrounds, yet at the end of the day, none of those differences matter. What matters is that we care for each other, we give to each other, and we grow together in love, even with 3,000 miles between us. I am grateful to be able to continue supporting Oliverio through a small gift each month. After all, I receive from him so much more than I give, through his example for my life and, most importantly, his friendship. I might have given him a glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, but he has lit up my life in a way that is hard to find here in America - no batteries required.

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Hi, my name is Luke and I am 15 years old. I have visited the NPH home in Mexico twice and the NPH Guatemala home once. On my most recent trip to Mexico with my school I encountered a heartwarming smile. It turned out that Erline* was the five-year-old girl welcoming me to her home. Later during my trip I met Erline in the Kinder area and our bond grew from there. After numerous piggyback rides and hours of swing pushing I knew that I wanted to become more acquainted with Erline. I wanted to sponsor Erline. I wanted to watch this little girl grow up and do the things she loves. Without sponsoring, I wouldn’t have this special opportunity to remain in her life. I feel more involved with the home in Mexico now that I personally sponsor Erline. I plan to visit the home again this summer to be at the High School graduation ceremony, and I will again be able to spend time with Erline. I’m so glad that I now have the ability to support Erline, and I wouldn’t give our friendship up for the world.

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

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Supporter Voices

This photo is of Marily* and me from Easter 2013. I was the volunteer in Santa Ana, the teenage girls’ house in the Dominican Republic. At the NPH-DR home, each child gets one hard-boiled egg the day before Easter to decorate as he/she sees fit. Besides the fun of decorating, these eggs are yummy treats on Easter day! At 5:00am on Easter morning, I was sneaking around the backyard of Santa Ana artfully hiding each egg as many wandering eyes peeked out through the back windows. When they were finally hidden, the girls all burst out of the house searching for the eggs and in no time at all, each girl had found her beautifully painted egg and was tearing it apart to eat it! All of the girls, except Marily. She had realized that I, the volunteer, didn’t have an egg and decided to offer me hers to eat, even though it meant she wouldn’t have one. She wouldn’t hear of anything else. I’m still amazed by her selflessness and humility. Thanks for supporting the homes that bring up children like Marily and teach us what sharing is really about!

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Allow me to introduce you to Adriano* – one of the many children that call NPH home. I met Adriano while working as an international volunteer at the NPH home in Guatemala. At 14, Adriano is an old soul. He is observant, independent, introspective, and incredibly curious. Adriano and I became fast friends over a stack of the school library’s outdated National Geographic issues. He often spent his free time in the library where I worked, devouring articles in the daily newspaper and magazines, particularly interested in science, culture, and the ways of the world. He plans to study physics in college. At a young age he is both dedicated to working towards his goal and is quite aware of the opportunities available to him at NPH. He has the opportunity to live in an encouraging and safe environment, where his goal to go on to study in college is not just a dream, but quite obtainable. Since leaving NPH in July 2013 I have become Adriano's “madrina” (godmother/sponsor), allowing us to maintain the relationship we formed during the year I spent in Guatemala. We exchange letters, interesting articles, and when I find a book I know he will enjoy I send it his way.

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Hola! Me llamo Katie Lawler. I started volunteering in the NPH Chicago office in 2010 and had the wonderful opportunity to visit the homes in Guatemala and El Salvador the following year. It was in Guatemala that I met Isadora* and Patricia*, who were undaunted by my elementary Spanish... they just took my hands, led me around the grounds of the home, and patiently explained (and re-explained, and acted out...) everything. I was impressed by the huge gardens. They loved showing me the animals, including "Dylan" the goat! I'm thrilled to say that I'll be volunteering at NPFS Haiti for a year starting this July. I minored in French and have been working as a neonatal ICU nurse for the past 8 years, so I have been invited to work with the staff in the NICU at St. Damien in Port-au-Prince. I can't wait to be more involved and put my commitment to these incredible kids in action.

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

Supporter Voices

My name is Kevin Mee and I have been down to NPH Mexico 4 times. My first visit was summer of 2011, and that is where I met Alexis*, one of my godsons. My first time down, I spoke absolutely no Spanish. Despite all that, Alexis, along with the other pequeños of NPH Mexico, were filled with such joy seeing me and the other visitors that it made the language barrier not as big of a deal as it was. Every time I go down, I am renewed with energy and once again realize the important things in life such as laughter, friends, and family. I would not trade my NPH experience for anything else.

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Hello, my name is Anna, and I am the chair of the NPH Associate Board in the upper Midwest. This is my godson Kelvin*. I met him while visiting the NPH home in Mexico in 2009. On my fifth trip to the home in 2013, I got to see him again. I was amazed how he grew and matured! He's been an inspiration. He works hard in school, and soon he will be graduating. Each time I return to Mexico, I see him with all his friends and it makes me happy. I am passionate about the great environment NPH fosters for these children. Thank you so much for your support!

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I met my godson, Eddy*, a few years ago while I was visiting the home in Mexico. He was one of the many pequeños I met while down there but I was quickly drawn to his kind and gentle spirit. Eddy is the sweetest young boy and was always ready to give me a hug. After becoming his godmother, we spent a year writing letters back and forth until the next summer when I visited again. My favorite memories are of playing games, reading books, coloring, going to church and eating meals with Eddy. I have been so blessed to have met him.

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

Supporter Voices

I am a member of the Upper Midwest Region Associate Board for NPH. I became involved with NPH during college when I joined the NPH club on the Notre Dame campus and traveled to the Honduras ranch for a week. Since then, my husband and I have started sponsoring Vicente*, a pequeño from Honduras. We have both returned to the ranch to visit him and to help at the Holy Family Surgery Center. Vicente, although shy upon first meeting him, loves to clown around and make everyone laugh. We've loved getting to know him, and cannot wait to get back to Honduras to visit him. Here's a picture of my husband and I with Vicente when we gave him a tour of the surgery center!

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My name is Bridget Holtz, and I spent 19 months volunteering with NPH USA in Haiti, from August of 2011 through March of 2013. My primary focus while in Haiti was to teach three Haitian nurses how to administrate the clinic at the Angels of Light Program. The little one in the picture with me is Daphnee*, who had parasites and severe emotional trauma after suddenly being separated from her mother. Daphnee was terrified of being held, was withdrawn and irritable, and cried constantly. I was very concerned when I first met her, because medical tests showed little physically wrong. So, we undertook a healing program for her, treating her parasites, assigning one staff member to be her "mom," and loving her as much as possible. Within weeks, we saw a massive change in her, and she became my shadow through my entire sojourn; Daphnee was at my side or in my arms. Daphnee has the kindest, gentlest personality. Thanks to your tremendous support, these children are excelling at life, receiving an education and much-needed guidance, and are experiencing love and stability. Such crucial elements to life are in rare supply in their impoverished home neighborhoods and broken families. These children are the future of Haiti.

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During my first year volunteering in 2003 at NPH Nicaragua, I became inseparable with these adorable twins named Gracia* and Emilia*. At barely two years old, they had come to NPH severely malnourished, and in need of some serious love. I spent practically every minute that year with them. After finishing college in 2006, I returned for another year with NPH. This time my husband and I were tios (the main caretakers) of eleven of the orphanage’s youngest boys. I managed to still spend lots of time with Gracia and Emilia, and I was so proud of how they had grown into excited young readers. I was lucky enough to spend yet another year in Nicaragua in 2013. At thirteen years old, Gracia and Emilia are currently the top students in their grade. They dream of studying together at university, and I believe they can do it!

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