Maggie and Josue

Below is a blog post from great Friend, Maggie Ellis, in which she shares about her trip to Mexico and visiting her godchild. 

The Starbursts, Jolly Ranchers, and digital camera bounced around in my drawstring backpack as my friends Kathleen, Peggy, and I walked out of our dorm area. Night was beginning to fall, but there was no chance for us sleeping anytime soon. It was our second trip down to Casa San Salvador, so everything felt like home. In the mornings we would go to breakfast, which usually consisted of leftovers from last night’s dinner. Then, we led Vacation Bible School for the chicos and chicas, where we would sing songs, perform skits about bible stories, and create endless crafts. After, we would head to lunch and then participate in activities with the pequeños like basketball, futbol, and swimming. 

Now, the sky was a dark indigo with a burst of bright light coming from the cage walls around a slab of concrete the size of a soccer field. Yes, this was the best time of the day. Crickets chirped and pequeños scurried around us in their thin pajamas waiting for the games to start. We continued down the path where I recognized a small boy leaping through an open area of grass. My sandals slapped the lumpy cobblestone as I ran up to him. “Josue!” I cried out as I lifted him into the air. Although it was dark, his little teeth shined brightly as a smile spread across his face. 

Josue was a member of my Vacation Bible School group and the cutest thing to walk the planet. When I asked him why he had been running around the grass, his face immediately lit up and responded with one word: “Luciérnagas!” (Fireflies). Seeing how happy it made him, I knew what I had to do. For the next few hours, I abandoned my fear of bugs and ran around with him catching “luciérnagas.” He was so excited every time a new bug was placed in the container that he would shake and clap his hands. When it was time for him to go to bed, he gave me a quick hug and ran off into the dark Mexican night. 

As the week went on, Josue and I became inseparable. I would look for him at VBS, and he would wait for me on the edge of the pool. I knew that I could get his attention by singing a Christina Aguilera song, and he knew that with one sad look I’d give him candy from my backpack. The boy had me wrapped around his little 6 year-old finger and certainly wasn’t going to let go. When it was time to say our goodbyes at the end of the week, I gave Josue a picture of us that my mom had printed out the day before. He looked at it, smiled, and handed it back to me. “No, this is for you,” he said. “So you can remember me.” After much convincing and reassuring that I had my own copy at home, Josue finally took the picture and placed it near his pillow. 

The next day on our flight home to Minnesota I thought to myself, “How was I supposed to leave this little boy who had brought me so much joy? How would he be reassured that I would remember him?” I knew there was only one thing I could do. The day after I came back from Mexico, I decided to use some of the money I’d earned over the past summer and become Josue’s madrina. Ask anyone who knows me, and they’d tell you I’m pretty stingy when it comes to my own money, so it was a pretty big step for me. 360 dollars later, however, I can already tell you that it’s going to be worth it. Although Josue can’t read or write yet, I’ll still receive a picture he’s colored in place of a letter (which I will proudly hang in my college dorm room this year!). I can’t wait to watch this little boy grow up and certainly can’t wait for another trip to Casa San Salvador.

"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

We are rewarded and receive far more from the children than we can possibly give to them.

Scott Lane, great Friend and Sponsor, shares his thoughts about his latest trip visiting the pequeños of  NPH Nicaragua! The children are truly amazing, and you can get the chance to meet them when they visit the states on their upcoming tour to the Midwest. Learn more here!

Reflecting on our third trip to the NPH home in Nicaragua, I am once again reminded of the faithful, loving community that is for us indeed our extended family there. We are surely ‘one and holy’ as a Church at NPH Nicaragua. 

The preparations for Semana Santa were in full gear the week we were at the home. We participated in Stations of the Cross and Sunday Mass. These were of course as familiar to us as if we were at home in Chicago. We were further blessed to participate in the pilgrimage to the National Sanctuary of Jesus Del Rescate in Popoyuapa. 

We were amazed by all the changes from the previous year. The home now has a full time, resident priest from Spain. We renewed and deepened existing relationships with Angela, the nurse from Switzerland; and made new ones with Tina, the art therapist from Holland, and Lilly and Verena, the occupational therapists from Austria. In the past year, the home has completed the school building, computer lab, a large and modern clinic, two additional houses, and a fabulous guest house. 

This amazing amount of work and progress are only possible through the generous support of dear Friends of the Orphans from around the world. So many people are making a significant difference, and we are privileged to witness such faithful, loving support transforming lives child by child exactly as Father Wasson envisioned. 

And, yes, that brings me to the centerpiece of all the effort, support, and love - the pequeños. Everyone’s efforts are laser focused on the love, care, and development of the children at the home. While it’s hard work, it is such a joyful and fulfilling mission to be a part of. It is a highlight of our year to once again meet with our two goddaughters and their friends. We are rewarded and receive far more from the children than we can possibly give to them. 

Our friends ask us if we are on a ‘Mission Trip’ by which they mean building homes and other such worthy causes. We build relationships, provide support, play games, lend a hand, teach English, help with homework, and live our faith by trying to do many small things with great love. Love does conquer all and that love, every day, starts with the tias and tios that care for the children. They are at the front lines of everything that happens in the NPH family. The transformation of our children’s lives begins with them. They truly amaze and inspire us. 

Lastly, we are so excited that our family is coming to Chicago this fall. To welcome those, who have been so loving to us, to our community and home will be an incredible experience. Please come out to see, support, and meet the pequeños of NPH Nicaragua! “¡Somos una gran familia!” (“We’re a big family”). And, my big Nicaraguan family is coming to town! Your life might just be the one that is transformed. 

Introducing the NPH International Leadership Institute Class of 2013

Rodolfo (NPH Honduras): Rodolfo is currently completing his final year of service in My Good Shop at Rancho Santa Fe. He explains that, “NPH is everything to me, it is my first family, a place where I am happy and proud to live. My NPH family has taught me to fight for my dreams and that I am an important member of our family and our society.” During his time in Seattle, Rodolfo hopes to learn about leadership and improve his English abilities. He wants to be a good representative of his NPH family and learn more about the work of Friends of the Orphans and others who help NPH. Following his time in Seattle, he plans to study Economics or Accounting at the university level. With this degree, he hopes to work for NPH in the future either in one of the homes or helping to raise money. He comments that, “in the future there will be many more little brothers and sisters, and I want them to have everything that I had when I was their age so that they can achieve their dreams. It is because of NPH that I am who I am today and I am thankful to God, Father Wasson and everyone who supports our NPH family.”

Dora (NPH El Salvador): Dora is in her third year of university in Santa Ana, El Salvador where she is a studying Psychology. She explains that, “the NPH family is a blessing in my life, and I am so grateful to Father Wasson and all our supporters who make it possible for us to continue growing and have the chance to have everything we need. Thank you so much.” During her time in Seattle, Dora hopes to learn more about leadership skills and improve her English. She is also interested in meeting more of the people who support our family from a distance! Upon graduating from the Leadership Institute next June, she will return to El Salvador to complete the final two years of her degree in Psychology. Afterwards, she hopes to serve NPH as a psychologist because she feels that will be a good support for the children. She has never felt obligated to work for NPH, but rather does it out of love and gratitude. She says, “I will always be willing to help meet the needs of our home.”

Celson (NPH Nicaragua): Celson is currently completing his year of service in agriculture and transportation. Prior to that he completed high school and a professional accounting course. As he looks ahead to the year in Seattle, he hopes to learn more about leadership and improve his English, as well as identifying and learning how to overcome difficulties he may face. He even aspires to have the chance to try his abilities at ice-­skating! Celson says, “NPH is unconditional love. To me, this has meant a place where we are secure, protected, where we can trust in people who want the best for us and are willing to come alongside us as we learn to overcome the difficult moments of our past.” Upon returning to Nicaragua next July, Celson plans to enter university to study Mechanical Engineering. After completing his studies, he can see himself working for NPH directly or perhaps becoming a godparent to one of his little brothers. He explains, “as Pequeños, we can never forget that we are part of this large family even when we leave the home. We identify NPH as our family and this makes us proud and grateful to everyone who has helped us.”

Jacinto (NPH Guatemala): Jacinto is a high school graduate and currently completing his second year of service the NPH home. He has been working as caregiver and is currently in charge of the youth leadership group at NPH Guatemala. Jacinto is eager to join the Leadership Institute in order to improve his leadership abilities. He hopes to learn how to overcome the obstacles that come with any leadership position. On his application for this program, Jacinto wrote, “I think the most important leadership qualities in NPH are to be patient, loving, understanding, flexible, keep the feeling of family.” Upon returning to Guatemala, Jacinto hopes to study Systems Engineering. After completing his studies, he would like to gain experience in the workforce and then return to NPH to work for the well-­being of our children.

Corresponding with your Godchild!

The children eagerly await any correspondence from their Godparents. We strongly encourage letter writing as it helps create a special loving relationship. Even short notes will elicit a smile from your Godchild. 


To send a card or letter, simply place it in an unsealed envelope and mark it with your Godchild’s full name, country and your name. (Please do not put return addresses on the envelopes.) Then place the unsealed envelope and its contents into another envelope and mail it as follows: Child’s Full Name c/o Friends of the Orphans 134 North LaSalle Street Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60602-1036. 


We will have your message translated if necessary, before sending it on to the NPH home of your child. Please allow 10-16 weeks for return correspondence from your Godchild. 


Here are some writing tips: 

• Keep your letters simple. 
• Write about things your Godchild will understand, such as family, pets, hobbies and activities. 
• Encourage your child’s learning activities and special interests such as art, dance and sports. 
• Emphasize things you have in common. As time goes on, you will discover shared interests, perhaps a favorite school subject or a love of music. Because of your significance in the life of the child you sponsor, these common interests will enhance the child’s self-esteem. 
• Please avoid discussing material possessions, which will emphasize differences. 
• Send pictures of yourself and your family. Such photographs will become prized possessions. 
• Send postcards or photos of where you live and places you have visited. Postcards and photos are fun and educational for your Godchild. However, please help us safeguard your family’s privacy—do not include any direct contact information (including but not limited to: home, work or e-mail addresses) anywhere in your correspondence. 
• Flat paper items are the only things we can forward to your Godchild. Bookmarks, pages from coloring books, stickers, flat magnets, photos, postcards and prayer cards are all acceptable. Items such as jewelry or anything that changes the shape of the envelope can be confiscated by customs officials in other countries. 

________________________________________ 
For more information on corresponding, including phrases in Spanish/Creole, please visit www.friendsoftheorphans.org/correspond or call 1-866-690-1703. 


Thank you for being a sponsor!

Great Friend, Tricia Daly, awarded for her above and beyond work!

We are thrilled to announce our long time volunteer and Friend, Tricia Daly as one of the 20 recipients of 2012 Outstanding Nurses Award, given by the Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Readers were asked to nominate nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty in all areas of health care. Over 100 nominations were reviewed and Tricia was chosen to be one of the “Best of the Best”.


Tricia is currently a Registered nurse working in United Hospital with Allina Health. She is quoted in the article to say:


“I strive to do little things every day. Whether that means reassuring an anxious patient or bringing a patient a warm blanket, I make a conscious effort to make them feel someone truly cares.”

“My inclination to care for others extends beyond the hospital. I travel to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, twice a year with medical-surgical brigades at the Holy Family Surgery Center located on the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Orphanage. I’ve cultivated a love for other cultures and fervor for serving marginalized citizens who need quality health care.”


Tricia has a true passion for others and we are so lucky to call her a Friend. 


Please join us in congratulating Tricia Daly as one of the top 20 nurses in the Twin Cities.
To read more about the 20 recipients of the 2012 Outstanding Nurses Award, visit Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.

It's amazing how universal a smile or laugh can be...

Below is a blog post from Upper Midwest volunteer, Katie! She shares about her trip to visit NPH Guatemala and how it inspired her to do some of her own fundraising back home! 


Last June, I was privileged enough to travel down to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos in Guatemala with my church sponsored youth group. The nine days that I spent at the orphanage were ones that I will never forget. When we first arrived onto the orphanage grounds, we were greeted by the hundreds of kids cheering and clapping complete with a full marching band. I had never in my life been more overwhelmed than I was at that moment. The kids were patting the bus as it rode in, and as soon as my feet hit the ground I was bombarded with hugs. 


The next few days I met young boys and girls with such vibrant personalities and good-natured humor that I was never without a smile on my face. I met María, who was a strong young girl that could hold her own in a fútbol match with the boys. I also met Pablo, who had a fascination with photography and loved to take silly pictures of himself. Then there was Alejandro, or Ale Flo as he called himself, who dreamed of becoming a DJ when he was older. I also was able to spend time with some of the special needs kids of the orphanage. We went horse back riding with them on a trail in the local village of Parramos. I was surprised at how easy it was communicating with all of the kids, with my little Spanish and their little English--it's amazing how universal a smile or laugh can be. 


When I was given the option to participate in another mission trip to various other locations in Central America, there was no hesitation in my choice to return to NPH Guatemala. I will be returning this summer, and every day I look forward to it. This year when I go down I will be able to meet Wilson, a child that my family began to sponsor after I returned from my first trip. 


I also was motivated to do some fundraising for NPH, and this winter I raised over $650 for the orphanage and also helped my youth group in furthering our coffee sales to fund the upcoming trip. Traveling to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos truly changed my outlook on life, and it is a mission I see myself supporting for many years to come!

"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?