"The children's pain is washed away because of others' love for them."

Below is a letter great Friend, Madison, wrote to Friends of the Orphans on the last night of her mission trip.


Thank you for this opportunity to witness and take part in this amazing experience. At first I didn't know what to expect; speaking a different language and traveling alone (without my parents or family) to another country was a very large leap to take in my life. Now, I've never been to such an amazing place. Some call it home, others, it is the last place left in the world for them to go; it is like a passage into a new life; and some like to think of it as the answer to their prayers. NPH has changed me as a person, throughout my heart, soul and mind.


I am now fully understanding of how thankful and gracious I should be for what I receive, my family, my belongings, my home, my life. When some people say they are thankful for these things, they don't understand what it really means. Once you go through and witness the life of the pequenos, you may not look at life the same way as before. This happened to me. I don't feel bad for them, only what they have gone through because the place they are at now is almost magical. The sun shines on the trees' leaves and creates a mystical glow, the bright flowers float to the ground, the smiles and laughter of the children must make God smile as well, birds singing their bountiful tunes and the triumphant wings of butterflies. The children's pain is washed away because of others' love for them. I thank you so much for this.


Love,
Madison

“Do you have a letter for me?”

Bill Griffin is a member of the Northwest Regional Board. He and his wife, Cathy, have sponsored their Godson, Erick, for 14 years. They both volunteer locally for Friends and have hosted pequeños from NPH in their home a number of times. Bill was inspired to write this blog post by the many sponsors who tell him they have never written to their Godchildren because they don’t know what to write. 

Can you take a few minutes and write a letter to make your Godchild very happy? 

Our Godchild, Erick, from Honduras, was just 10 years old. He could barely read or write. How were we supposed to write a letter to him? 

So we sent a short letter about our kids and dog. A few months passed and we received a very simple drawing, signed “Erick.” So we wrote back thanking him for his drawing, asking about his life at the Ranch. We also sent a picture of his photo mounted on our refrigerator, so that he knew he was part of our family. A few months later, we received another drawing with some words. We did not understand how important these letters were to Erick – that some strangers really cared about him. We treasure his first “art/letters” to us. 

We began to receive his report cards. He was struggling with life and school. Our next letters told him how proud and excited we were because he was working so hard, even though those math and English classes were really tough. We started asking all kinds of questions about his life and interests: about school, how many classes each day? Does he play soccer? Like music? Any special ceremonies, birthdays, holidays – how did they celebrate? What chores did he have to do? 

After a few years, Erick’s letters started to get a little longer, although he didn’t feel any real urge to use spaces, capitals or periods. It was a challenge for the translators. 

We try to send photos or some funny animal picture along with our letters. Photos would be of just the family eating, or kids hanging out together or maybe some sights around the area or the local school, or the dog, etc. 

We would always try to explain how he is part of our life: his picture on the refrigerator, saying “Good Morning” to him while getting ready for the day, letting him know that family, friends and neighbors are asking about how he was doing, etc. Erick took woodworking classes and also has some artistic abilities. He tells us about his projects. He has become a leader and is a very good example for the kids because he understands where they are coming from. 

Last year, Erick took off a wooden cross that he had carved and always wore and gave it to one of the Friends of the Orphans staff [who visited the Ranch] to give to us. Recently, he was having some girlfriend problems and asked us for advice on how to handle it! 

No, we have never met Erick in person, but it just shows how important your letters and caring can be. Even if you have never written, write a letter today. 

Your letters to them are like long-distance hugs! 

Just ask about their daily lives. Tell them about your lives. Ask them to write to you because you really treasure their letters. 

Click here for more correspondence tips!

“We are called to LOVE and BE LOVED by doing SMALL THINGS with GREAT LOVE.” –Mother Teresa

My name is Sara Joyce and I’ve been an employee of Friends of the Orphans for a little over a year. When I jumped on board, I knew the work we were doing was both necessary and good. Though sitting behind a desk eight hours every day and having this head knowledge, I was still unable to see clearly the impact that each one of us in the Friends/NPH family truly makes in the lives of these individual children. 


The last week in March I had the privilege of traveling to NPH Honduras with a group of seminarians and students from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. This trip surpassed my wildest expectations. I could tell you extensively about the beautiful children, the wonderful staff, and volunteers that I met, but I’d prefer to tell you my favorite story: That of my encounter with one particular child, mi ahijado (my godchild), Osman Ariel Aguilar Avila. 


As I walked along a path at “The Ranch,” I came across a boy who seemed to be crying. Internally I debated: Do I stop? Should I keep walking? Is my Spanish good enough to get me through figuring out what’s going on with this kid? Without really thinking what this interaction would actually look like, I stopped. At that moment, I had no idea the effect that miniscule decision would have. After inquiring and consoling him in my arms while he explained his various ailments to me, his tears dried up and looking me right in the eyes he said, “Como se llama usted (What is your name)?” 


He wanted to know everything about me. Where was I from? How old was I? Why was I visiting Honduras? My favorite color…and the list went on. As we walked and talked while I quizzed him on English (and he tested my Spanish skills), I asked him my own list of questions about himself and as I did his smile grew more radiant. You see, not only did he want to know about me, but he also wanted to be known and he rejoiced in the opportunity. At one point he asked me, “Eres mi madrina?” Without giving it a second thought I told him yes, that now I was his godmother. Never in my life have I seen a more beautiful, pure, and joyful smile than I did at that moment. 


The next three days I spent nearly every waking hour with Osman. I ate lunch in his hogar (the house he lives in with the other 12-13 year old boys). I helped him with chores, we walked together, went to Mass together, played together, we laughed, and had wonderful conversation. I found out that Osman’s father had died recently, his mother abandoned him, and his sister was too poor and sick to care for him. But, interacting with this beautiful 12 year old boy, you would never guess that the slightest thing was troubling him. I also found out how compassionate, caring, intelligent, and funny he is. In spending three days with Osman, my heart was stretched. He taught me about selflessness, about sacrificing for someone else’s good, about joy in the midst of suffering, and about hope. 


Before we said our final farewells we exchanged letters and bracelets. I told Osman how much I loved him, would miss him, how special he was, and that he had the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen. Graciously he said thank you, cried again in my arms, and reciprocated the sentiments. While saying good-bye to him left me with a heavy heart, I left knowing that he is surrounded by a family that gives him an opportunity to love and to be loved daily. And while I said my farewell to him, I know that it was not a final good-bye, but “hasta luego (see you later).” Though I may not be able to visit NPH Honduras as soon or often as I would like, I am able to continue being a real part of his life since returning to the States by sponsoring him. 


I may not be able to sustain the entire orphan home in Honduras financially or interact with Osman on a daily basis, but I give as I can. That’s what it’s about—letting the love we encounter in these children permeate every other aspect of our lives. By sponsoring Osman I am able to remain in contact with him, be a support who he knows cares deeply about him, encourage him to be the best that he can, and challenge him to love more intensely. And while in some way I do all of these things, the gift that Osman gives to me is far greater than that, and something I will never take for granted. We can each do our part, and while this looks different for each of us, I invite you to ask yourself the question: How can I make a difference in the life of a child in need?

Welcome Elzer!

Jose Elzer Sabillón came to NPH Honduras with his older sister at the age of four. Since graduating from university and receiving his teaching certificate, Elzer has been working hard and gaining experience teaching in Tegucigalpa. Knowing Elzer, his love and dedication to NPH and the rest of his younger brothers and sisters, he was approached to help us in two key areas; projects and visitors. 


Jose Elzer is incredibly bright and dedicated. He is fluent in English and has the unique perspective of having grown up on the Ranch at NPH Honduras. He has had the opportunity to travel, visit other NPH homes, speak at fundraising events and assist Friends' initiatives in the US. This experience, his personality and work ethic, along with his heartfelt desire to serve his NPH family, makes him uniquely qualified to take on these roles. 


As Projects and Visitor Coordinator, Elzer will help to provide visitors, offices, and the entire international community direct access, based in personal experience, to the realities of life in our home. It is our hope that this perspective will help make more tangible still, the work that we are all together striving to accomplish for our children. So please welcome Jose Elzer to his new role! We are so proud of him and grateful to have him as part of our family. 

Stars in our International Leadership Program

Check out this wonderful letter written by Ms. Emily Hudon who taught two of our students from the International Leadership Program in Seattle this past Spring!

"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.

Let's Read! World Book Day celebrated at NPH Dominican Republic!

This past April, El Día del Libro (World Book Day) was celebrated at our NPH Dominican Republic home. This day celebrated reading through a variety of activities that encouraged our children to enjoy reading. We reinforced this in the several weeks following with many events and programs that fostered the children's imaginations and improved their reading skills. 


Our volunteers have read stories in the park to large groups of our younger children, and they all gather around and listen intently as the volunteers share their favorite childhood stories and also read from current popular books. 


For our older children, our Activities Coordinator came up with a great competition. She asked our older children (5th grade and above) to read their favorite books and turn in a book report. In all 33 were completed and turned in. The most creative, thoughtful and informational reports won a prize, and all who participated got a small gift as well. The children are still writing book reports hoping another contest will soon be announced. 


During this time all our children also took field trips with their classes to the Santo Domingo International Book Fair. This event, located in the heart of the capital, was an excellent experience for everyone. They heard readings by popular national and international authors and had free time to explore and browse through hundreds and hundreds of books. 


We've definitely noticed in the past weeks, the children are asking their volunteers and caregivers to read to them more and more. Volunteers have also commented that their children have made vast improvements in their reading skills! 

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!  

A debt of goodness...

Below is a wonderful story shared by great Friend, Sharon Li, who recently celebrated her child's 9th birthday and instead of asking for gifts, they came up with the idea to ask their friends to support our mission. 


My child's name is Skyler Li. He is just 9 years old. I have been taking him to volunteer since he was 5. We volunteer for Hidaya, packing shipping containers with clothing, toys and housewares that are distrubuted to the poor in Pakistan. We also volunteer with a Buddhist organization visiting the elderly, and I have organized a small group of 3 children to visit another group home for the elderly where the children sing songs and play their violins. 


When I was 6 years old I used to write letters to Father Wasson. I was a child, so of course I wrote only brief, silly things about my day. Father Wasson must have been very busy himself with more important things, but he ALWAYS replied to me and reminded me to remember the poor. I did. I donated my toys. After writing for several years, I grew older and stopped writing. But I never forgot the poor and have volunteered myself since high school. 


Later, as a young mother, I remembered Father Wasson and wrote again to thank him for shaping my young life and inspiring me to give and have compassion. Our lives are always changing. In times when I was in need myself, I have received the grace, mercy and compasssion of others. I cannot pay back those who extended kindess to me, but I can give kindness to others who are in need. I believe that every kindness shown to me creates a debt of goodness that I need to pass on to others. 


Now, as a woman in my 50's with another young child, I still remember the poor and to always give back and create good karmic connections. What Father Wasson did some 50 years may have seemed very small and insignificant at tthe time; afterall, what can writing a letter to a 6-year-old do? It planted a seed that has been passed on to countless others for so many, many years. I believe that everything we do creates a cause and effect. Karmic affinities that are built will have their good result. 

Eau Claire Triathlon in the Upper Midwest Region coming up!

YOU STILL HAVE TIME!  

On June 10, 2012 Eau Claire will host its third annual sprint distance triathlon. Since our first race two years ago, beginners and veteran triathletes alike have used our race as a great way to get their summers started with a bang! Competitors have the opportunity to compete individually or as part of a team. The race course includes a swim in Halfmoon Lake, a bike ride through the rolling hills of western Wisconsin countryside, and a run through historic Carson Park.

Race Director Andy Ottum has done a lot for NPH over the last 3 years. Andy said, “When we dreamed of bringing a triathlon to Eau Claire, we wanted to create a first class event, that inspired people to become physically active, and most importantly, raised money to support Friends of the Orphans, a non-profit organization whose mission we strongly believe in.”


Everything you need to know to register for the Eau Claire Triathlon is located at www.eauclairetriathlon.com. You will also find descriptions for the available event competition categories and all forms and waivers you are required to complete and submit when you pick up your race packet.


Not interested in racing? We need your help on race day in order to create the best race experience possible. All volunteers will receive a volunteer t-shirt, free food and drinks at the post race party, and $15 off a race entry in 2013. We are looking for volunteers in the following positions:
• Packet Pickup
o Saturday PM
o Sunday AM
• Set up
o Transition Area
o Bike Course
o Finish Area
o Stage/Sound System
• Aid Stations Support
• Swim Course Lifeguards
• Body Marking
• Medical Professionals
• Transition Area Support
• Finish Line Support
• Cleanup


E-mail volunteer@eauclairetriathlon.com if you have any questions about volunteering.