Duluth Tribune Covers Graduation of NPH Mexico Pequeno in Minnesota!

Below is an amazing story from Larry and JoAnn Lawinger who have been sponsoring Zetina, from NPH Mexico for many years, and for the past 7 years Zetina has lived in Minnesota with them while at school pursuing his nursing degree! He just graduated from St. Scholastic in Duluth, MN, and the Lawingers were beyond excited to share in celebrating with their godson.  
 
JoAnn and I wanted to tell you how proud Zetina made us at his graduation last week!! He has become a fine young man - all on his own.  

The school invited the Duluth Tribune to come in and do a story on Zetina, and we were asked to come and sit in on it. How he answered the questions posed to him with such care and compassion for the home literally brought tears to my eyes. The love he feels for the kids at NPH and for all those who help to take care of everyone there was just heartwarming. He has  grown from that young child (7 years ago when he first arrived to Minnesota) into a fine young man any parent would be proud to call “son”!

Both JoAnn and I are so proud of him. His outlook on life is so mature and inspiring. I should tell you that the paper was so impressed with him – that the article was moved to the top center on the front page. We are so grateful for the wonderful past 7 years with Zetina. You have no idea how hard it is going to be to put him on that plane ride back home in a few weeks!!

Read the full article here.

I felt so blessed to be a part of this trip...

Below is a testimonial from Teresa Turner who recently visited the NPH home in Mexico with her friends who are godparents to children there. Check out what she had to say about her visit!

In July, I traveled to Cuernavaca with my friend Emma, her family and a small group of other Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos supporters. Emma had told me about the great work done by NPH and I was anxious to gain my own perspective. We planned a short trip, Wednesday to Sunday. But we timed the trip so as to be in Mexico to attend the school graduations. 

The graduations took place on Friday. On Thursday we were able to visit the home in Miacatlan where the children live as well as go to school. Walking into the grounds of the NPH home we met children who knew no strangers, only friends. These children were so happy to have visitors and made us feel welcome in their home. Emma, who had been to the home previously, gave me a tour around the grounds so that I could see where the children slept, went to school, ate, and played. Throughout the tour there were children hard at work completing their chores in anticipation of graduation day. Their attitude was positive and inspiring. I was left with the impression that they were part of one big united family. It was a very different scene than the one that I had pictured. I had incorrectly thought that children separated from their parents could not live a happy life. However, I saw a place where a solid community was founded and consequently a loving environment was provided to these children. 

Friday, we eagerly bused back out to Miacatlan in the morning for the graduation ceremony. The graduation day was wonderful. We sat outside on concrete bleachers that overlooked a sport court. The decorations were perfectly festive. I felt honored as I sat there amongst so many proud parents, supporters, and friends of the gorgeous children graduating. We watched and cheered as the Kindergarten, 6th grade and 9th graders preformed a graduation dance in beautiful authentic Mexican wear. It was a very emotional day for most of the children as they were called individually to accept their diploma from the head of school and each child had their picture taken. One could see from the expressions on the faces of these children’s how special they felt at that moment. The staff and supporters of NPH made this an unforgettable day for these children. 

After the graduation ceremony we preceded to the chapel where mass was celebrated. The mass was beautiful with the children’s choir offering enthusiastic songs. After mass we all shared a meal together and we were again made to feel as though we were part of their family. I felt so blessed to be a part of this trip. I went on the trip thinking I would be seeing things like a tourist but I came away realizing that these children need much more than that from us, they need loving friends. The distance between us is not as great as it may appear on a map.

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 Quinceañera (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 Dominican Republic!

1. In June, we graduated the entire eighth grade class at our home! These fifteen students proudly wore their caps and gowns and celebrated their educational accomplishments with the entire NPH Dominican Republic family. This is our fourth year in a row with 100% of the eight graders passing their national exams. We could not be more pleased with our students and their hard work. In addition to this accomplishment, we now offer 9th and 10th grade at our on-site NPH School. In the upcoming years we hope to offer all grades at our school. 

2. In July we celebrated the first high school graduation of two of our female students. Mireya and Débora graduated with their peers from their nearby high school in San Pedro de Macoris and afterwards celebrated with their friends and family from NPH. They are both now in their year of service. Mireya is working as Activities Coordinator, and Débora has taken on several roles in the NPH School. Both young ladies have big plans for university, and we plan on supporting them as much as we can so they achieve their goals. 

3. In February we hosted the NPH International Family Weekend for the first time. Event Coordinator and longtime NPH supporter, Katherine Harig, organized an incredible week for sponsors, staff and supporters from all of the NPH homes and offices. Our visitors experienced the culture of the Dominican Republic, the home and most importantly, got to meet and spend time with our children. 

4. In late January we completed the construction of our new multipurpose center. We now use this building frequently for family dinners, performances, and celebrations, or on a rainy day when we need a space for activities. 

5. Thanks to the support of donors like you, we are proud to say each house in our home now enjoys a mini-library stocked with over a hundred books in each and aimed at the age and gender of each house. The children really enjoy reading, and now with their new mini-libraries, they are able to find the joy of reading on their own terms.

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 Pequeños 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 “Pequeño Tour” in 2012. It was wonderful to have this experience to share some of their culture with people from another country.

"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

"The organization means a lot to me in that it has transformed thousands of children’s lives, and in return, they have transformed my life, too!"

Below is an article from the Featured News of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association about one of our very own Sponsors! 

Finance employee finds fulfillment in supporting disadvantaged youth 

During a visit at a neighbor's home, photos of international children taped to the refrigerator door sparked the interest of James Williamson, Finance. Deeply intrigued, Williamson peppered his neighbor with questions about the children. It turned out that the children were abandoned, disadvantaged, or orphaned, and Williamson’s neighbor sponsored them through an organization called Friends of the Orphans. Williamson was very moved. “I decided that [sponsoring] was something I wanted to do for the children in need,” he said. 

That was 12 years ago. Williamson was soon paired with nine-year-old Juan Manuel, his first “godson.” Juan Manuel, like Williamson, is deaf. Through the organization’s financial support, Juan Manuel was able to attend a private high school that specializes in educating special-needs students. 

“I had my proudest moment in 12 years by attending Juan Manuel’s graduation in Mexico last July,” Williamson said. “It was a very poignant experience.” 

Williamson currently sponsors four godsons in Mexico—Juan Manuel, Brandon, Luis and Miguel—as well as two godsons in Nicaragua, Noel and Yader. He recently began sponsoring another godson in Guatemala named Jimmy. Williamson knows conversational Spanish and is able to communicate with the children by email. Additionally, he frequently video-chats with them through a bilingual sign language interpreter. He tries to meet all his godsons in person. 

Friends of the Orphans is dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children through the support of Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH), an international network of orphanages in nine Latin America countries and the Caribbean. (Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos translates to“Our Little Brothers and Sisters.”) Friends of the Orphans contributes to NPH through volunteering, sponsorship and fundraising efforts. Currently, more than 3,500 children live at the NPH homes. In addition, NPH’s community outreach programs assist more than 90,000 children and adults annually. NPH also has special external programs that assist over 2,000 students. Since its founding in 1954, NPH has helped over 17,000 children. 

A sponsor, recognized as a “godparent,” provides the child with financial support via monthly donations to Friends of the Orphans, as well as emotional support by establishing a personal relationship with the child. NPH provides the child a home, education, health care, food, clean water and clothing. NPH’s goal is to prepare its children to become productive and caring members of society. In return, the child is expected to give back one year of service to NPH after completing his or her high school education. For children who want to attend university, they must provide at least two years of service. NPH pays for their entire university education. 

At the end of June, Williamson plans to visit the NPH Mexico home to meet Luis and Brandon, whom he has recently begun sponsoring. Both boys are 14. “I look very much forward to it,” Williamson says. 

Williamson reflects on his 12 years of sponsorship with Friends of the Orphans and his dedication to his godsons. “The organization means a lot to me in that it has transformed thousands of children’s lives, and in return, they have transformed my life, too!” 

 James Williamson traveled to Mexico last summer to attend Juan Manual's high school graduation. Williamson calls it his "proudest moment in 12 years" of sponsorship.

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 Pequeños 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!