The Way of the Cross by Father Rick Frechette, NPFS Haiti

It was a long, hard way that she walked, the mother of Ronel.

And like the long, hard walk of Christ, it started with a very bad verdict.

“Crucify him.”

Ronel, at 8 years old, had cancer of his kidney.

Marise was tormented, and pondered in her heart what this might mean for her little son.

So began her way of the cross.

Weeping came easy now, for this strong and weathered woman.

Like dewfall on her cheeks, and river mist shrouding her eyes.

Marise would become known for this sorrowful look.

Jeremy is very far from Port au Prince, by water or by land

(travel by air is not a choice for poor people).

Mother and Son travelled the long road, with other poor women who also hoped that Port au Prince might bring some kind of relief from their woes. 

It was a rough trip for Ronel, like being on a very bad road when your whole body aches with the flu. Christ was buffeted and stricken. Ronel was not without his literal hard knocks.  Hundreds of eyes gawked at his gaunt and pale smile . 

The journey ended, thank God, by an encounter with our team of good Samaritans at St Damien Hospital.

Help took a rough form. As Christ on the Cross was offered a sponge soaked in gall to quench his thirst, before long the bitter gall of chemotherapy became a staple for Ronel.

As Christ’s side was pierced by the sword, Ronel’s side was lanced by the surgeons spear, for the removal of the tumor.

As Christ anguished for many hours in the heat of the day, Ronel was blasted with the wild energy of radiation to burn the cancer away. 

“Thank you for helping my son,” said the bewildered Marise.

God be praised, Ronel seemed better.

And so, back to Jeremy went the world’s newest Lazarus.

Resurrection!

Long, lazy days in the family “lakou” at Jeremy. 

New memories  of sunny days and balmy breezes, of grandma working hard in the fields, looking often to see if her precious young treasure was alright, as he lounged on a hammock, held up by two coconut trees, which shaded him and gave him drink.

Paradise regained!

As Marise started to recuperate her widows mite, to renew herself with the energy of her friends, both lost during her difficult months away from the marketplace in the face of tragic illness.

The sun rose and the sun set in Jeremy

For many months.

Ronel studied and worked,

Ronel laughed and played.

Ronel began to grow tired,

Ronel started to become pale.

Marise could not NOT notice,

Try as she might.

Back to Port au Prince, guided by hope. 

Battered again in crammed busses, walking through the hospital gates to the same good Samaritans,

But this time their jaws dropped and their hearts tightened.

It was too late. Very sadly, Ronel was beyond help and was going to die.

This is when I met Ronel. He was in agony.  His eyes were like deep lakes, trying to drink in understanding. His body was skeletal, his belly bloated. Marise held him in her arms, and the weight of his body on hers, and the weight of his illness on her heart were very obvious. She was the sorrowful mother. “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nourished you!” 

Heaven and earth were locked in an embrace, under the names of love and sorrow, under the names of Marise and Ronel. This was holy ground. Fools need not tread here.

The wish was to return to Jeremy. Marise was telling Ronel they would go back to the sunshine, to the cool breezes, to grandma and the shade of her trees. She pulled me aside to say that grandma’s hammock was the best place for Ronel to die, though she appreciated what we had done. She sobbed as she explained that if she went to Jeremy now she could start to save for a new shirt for Ronel’s burial, for a coffin to be made, for a grave to be dug.

I packed them some pain medicine. I packed some food and drink, I gave money for the tickets and to help later with the funeral. And they left after  we had a simple prayer together.

Marise had the idea, I discovered later, to be at Portail Leogane late at night, and be first in line for the morning bus. She would sleep in line, on the ground, holding her place, holding Ronel, so as to be sure of a seat on the first bus.

And so she did. She sat on the ground, against a tire, cradled her son, and fell asleep.

Marise slept lightly, but deep enough to dream. She dreamt she was flying a kite, in the calm blue sky with light winds. Birds were singing, children were laughing, an old, wizened women looking on smiled her approval and enjoyment of the scene.

The kite soared, and out-powered the string.

The string broke, and the kite was lifted by the spirit-wind higher and higher,

And became lost to her eyes in the strength of the brilliant light of the sun.

Marise woke up. Two hours to go until dawn.

Ronel was dead in her arms.

Pieta.

Stabat mater dolorosa, juxta crucem lacrimosa, dum pendabat filium.

Two hours to wait. Two hours to grieve, to ponder, to pray.

To grieve on public display in the streets.

Public transport would start up before sunrise, but would not accept a corpse.

Even if you paid two seats.

Marise made her way to us, for a third time since she began her way of the cross in Jeremy, nearly two years before. She arrived on foot, carrying the lifeless Ronel in her arms.

I was preparing for the morning mass as she walked into the chapel, and in wailing and grief, gave me her precious son, for the mass of the Resurrection, and burial.

HIS WAY was to walk our way.

He was born in a manger, on a bale of hay,

Noticed only by those who loved him

And by those others whom the Holy Word describes  as wise,

Who understood the language of  a rogue star.

HIS WAY was to walk our way,

And brighten it by the heroic witness and sacrifice,

Of mothers and of strangers,

And to quicken the way with many small resurrections

HIS WAY was to surrender to the tragedy he could not control

to conquer it, and ransom its energy, transforming its terror into healing,

HIS WAY was to be buried in a borrowed grave,

and to rise again quietly and unannounced,

leaving only the sign of the folded shroud that had covered his face….

…and when needed, for people like Marise,

the sign of the soaring kite with the broken string.

RESURREXIT SICUT DIXIT, ALLELUIA!

He has risen as he promised. God be praised.

Happy Easter to you, with shared faith!

And may God bless and reward you,

for all the Ronels and Marises who come to our doorstep

who have bee helped by your generosity.

Fr Rick Frechette CP

March 10, 2013

Port au Prince, Haiti   

New Years at NPH Honduras

Below is a story submitted by wonderful Friend and Sponsor, Marcia Van Vreede.

What? Celebrate New Year’s Eve with over 400 children... Where? In Honduras - you’ve got to be kidding! Nope, that’s what we did, and it was fabulous! The evening began with a special dinner prepared by the high school, university, and year of service students. In fact, all of the work on the Ranch at this time of year is done by them. After dinner there was a chocolate bar (they all seem to love chocolate!), time for photos, a dance, a huge bonfire (our godson helped build it), the traditional burning of the old man (an effigy for the old year), fireworks, lots and lots of firecrackers, and sparklers. The festivities last until 3:00 am if you can make it that long! Of course, all of this was accompanied by many smiles, hugs and wishes for a “Feliz Ano Nuevo”.

My name is Marcia Van Vreede, and my husband, Dale, and I have been fortunate enough to have made several trips to NPH Honduras since September 2010. That is when we finally made the trip to meet our godson, Bryan. We had been exchanging letters with Bryan since the year 2000. Our trip was a life changing experience and we decided that building this relationship with Bryan and NPH was something we wanted to do. What a rewarding journey this has been.

In his letters, our godson had told us how Christmas and New Years were celebrated at the Ranch. Last year (2011), his letters became real. In Bryan’s words, "It was the best Christmas ever!" Sharing this experience with Bryan, our new goddaughter, Estefany (we added another godchild in June 2011), their siblings, their friends and all of the children at the Ranch was truly remarkable.

Since I was a young girl, my cousin and I wanted to help orphaned children. We believed that every child deserved to be loved. (We might have been influenced by Shirley Temple movies!) Anyway, what a privilege and honor it is to be a part of Friends of the Orphans and NPH. They have made my dream come true - providing shelter, clothing, food, education, faith formation, family, and love to orphaned and abandoned children. Whether your special place is in Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador or one of the other homes, it is the same in this way – the children are laughing, growing, learning and loving. God’s love is a powerful thing.

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there" – Barbara Bush. While we are at the Ranch, we share in the simple things that bond all families together – watching soccer games, playing water balloon toss, watching movies, sharing meals, attending Mass together, playing cards or Farkle, letting your goddaughter style your hair, making and eating cookies and bars. All simple yet profound!

The homes and children still need our help and support. There have been some huge budget cuts in the past couple of years. We can attest to some of those cuts in Honduras. They are eating less meat and more rice and beans! More budget cuts are impending in 2013 and although eating less meat is a hardship, having to cut staff and educational programs is worse. Our support is needed more than ever. While many of you may not be able to share the same experiences that Dale and I have, please be assured that your participation in this worthwhile endeavor is appreciated and put to its best use. May God continue to bless all of you in your generosity and support.

The transformation that the Friends and NPH family has allowed Kervenson to undertake is amazing, astounding, and fulfills every hope and dream I have for him...

Below is a testimonial from Rachel Prusynski, great Friend and Godparent, who shares her personal and touching story about her own experience in the Haiti earthquake and meeting her godchild, Kervenson. 

On January 12, 2010, I was trapped under the rubble of the six-story Father Wasson Center in Pètionville, Haiti. I was rescued from the building with just a broken arm and multiple lacerations. My friend Molly Hightower, who was volunteering for a year with special needs children for NPH Haiti, was not so lucky. Needless to say, my two-week vacation to visit my best friend from college and meet the children she loved ended quite tragically and unexpectedly, and I have spent the last three years since the earthquake trying to honor Molly’s memory through fundraising efforts and return trips to Haiti. I have also fallen in love – deeply and desperately – with the country that lost so much on January 12, 2010. I’ve also fallen for an adorable orphan named Kervenson.

Kervenson lost his family on January 12, 2010 at the age of ten. He literally had no one, and was being abused in a tent city when NPH workers found him and brought him to the Angels of Light earthquake relief program. Once it was fully determined that Kervenson had no family left, he was transitioned to the permanent orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, where he lives in a gray house with pink trim, a dozen or so boys his same age, and a caregiver who is quick to smile and assure me that Kervenson is a well-behaved young man.

Kervenson and I first met in January 2011, when I returned to Haiti for the one-year anniversary of the earthquake to participate in celebrations and memorials. After the earthquake, through my own process of grief and recovery, I decided I wanted to sponsor a child who had somehow been traumatically affected by the earthquake. Kervenson certainly fit that description, and I detected remnants of his suffering in the shy, gangly child who was far too small to be ten years old. Despite spending multiple days together walking through the grounds and sharing the joys of a cold soda, Kervenson rarely spoke unless it was in hushed whispers, except to ask me when I would return.

I write this story during my fourth trip to Haiti after having visited Kervenson for a third time. The confident, tall, and polite twelve- year-old I just spent time with is almost unrecognizable from the sad child I met two years ago. Kervenson is learning English and jumped at the chance to practice greeting me in my language. He told me about his trip this last fall to Italy, where he visited Rome, met Andrea Bocelli, and walked onto the soccer field at FC Milan. He said thank you about fifteen times while opening his Christmas present and asked me to send him pictures and a book in English so he can continue to practice. This time, I couldn’t get him to stop talking. He showed me a watch from his godmother in Italy that he met during his trip, although he diplomatically assured me that I’m still his favorite godparent. And of course, he immediately asked me when I would return.

I can’t tell you that my sponsorship experience is selfless. My physical recovery from the earthquake was swift, but the emotional trauma of being trapped in rubble and losing my best friend was more difficult to shake. Having Kervenson in my life means that I have a family member who knows exactly what the earthquake felt like. It also means that Kervenson has someone all to himself – whom he doesn’t have to share with his 400 brothers and sisters in Kenscoff – that also understands the event that changed his life forever. I hope and dream for Kervenson that his experience in the earthquake is easier for him to shake. I want him to grow up knowing that he can be whoever he wants to be, and I want him to have the necessary support and encouragement to fulfill his potential. Especially after this last visit, the transformation that the Friends and NPH family has allowed Kervenson to undertake is amazing, astounding, and fulfills every hope and dream I have for him. I am blessed to be a small part in this transformation and I cannot wait to continue to support and love him as he realizes his own hopes and dreams.

Impressive Art Inspires Others to Support

Yevette, volunteer and talented artist, with her beautiful mural outside of the Upper Midwest Friends of the Orphans office in St. Paul, MN.

Last Spring Yevette came into the Friends of the Orphans office in St. Paul, MN merely looking for volunteer opportunities to fulfill a course requirement. Little did she (or we) know that her volunteer interest would produce such beautiful results and inspire others to support Friends and NPH. Yevette spent countless hours on her project. She researched national flowers from each of the nine countries of NPH. She sketched, painted, and perfected the impressive piece of artwork.

Not even the bitter cold weather could keep Yevette from finishing the beautiful mural that now adorns the entry way. Those of us associated with Minnesota in any way understand that the end of Fall and beginning of Winter severely limits outdoor activities, but not for Yevette. She was dedicated to finishing this amidst the chill before the worst of winter hit; gloves, hat, paintbrush, and all. We are so grateful for her commitment and creativity!

Now, as many people pass by the office, they often stop in admiration of her work. This intrigues these passerbys to learn more about our mission and help support the children of NPH! Yevette has created a beautiful talking piece as not only an entryway to our office, but as a way to engage new support from potential donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.

The entire Friends of the Orphans’ Staff would like to THANK YOU very much for all of hard work, Yevette! You did a wonderful job and have inspired others by your work. We have loved working with you as a volunteer. Mil gracias! :)

Now not only was I writing and reading, but dreaming...

Below is a speech from Merlin Antunez from NPH Honduras. You will be amazed by his story. 

Today I will share with you my story of how I came to NPH and how it changed my life along with my brothers' lives forever. 

I come from a family where both of my parents only had an elementary education. My father was a farmer and my mother a housewife. My parents could not afford to send me to school and until the age of 6. I only had one day in kindergarten. The kindergarten also served as a grocery store or a movie theater depending on the day of the week. We had a decent life but could not afford the basics of medicine and food, and as a result I became ill and ended up in the hospital many times. I lost two brothers to pneumonia before they turned one year old. I remember holding onto my mother’s long dress as my father and some strangers buried my second brother who died of pneumonia, a moment I will never forget. Soon afterwards my father became very ill and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. We had to sell some of his belongings to pay for a local shaman’s advice since it was cheaper than a doctor. The medication that my father needed cost more than the average family’s income in Honduras. At that point we stopped having regular meals. The stress of my father’s illness soon caused my parents’ divorce in 1985. The court appointed full custody of my two brothers and I to my father. On that day my mother kissed me goodbye and I did not see her for another 10 years. Several months after the divorce my father realized he couldn't provide for us. He then made the decision that changed our lives forever. He asked a friend to take us to a transitional government orphanage in the capital, a 14 hour ride from our home, and left us there. At the orphanage we attended a public school for some months, but without love, attention and the basics of books, paper and pencils we didn't learn anything. It was a very difficult situation. 

We stayed there for 9 long months until the day we were blessed by a visit from Reinhart Kohler, co-founder of NPH Honduras. He came to the orphanage and we were chosen to be part of the first group of children to join the NPH family in Honduras. Looking back I can now say that was the luckiest day of our lives. 

It was a cold and foggy morning when I came with my two brothers to the home for the first time. When we arrived we were shown to our very own warm bed, and were given breakfast of pancakes with honey and butter, and to this day it is still my favorite meal. 

We were greeted by smiles and hugs from strangers whom were very happy to see us. From that day on I called NPH “home”. Although I had moments of sadness because my parents were gone, somehow at 6 years of age I understood I had other things to worry about like my future and planning out my life. I finally had the 24 hour a day support I needed from my new family and now I wanted to do more. 

I learned to read and write and was considered one of the best students in my class before the end of my first year at NPH. I visited my first grade teacher 20 years later and she still remembered me for being the intelligent but stubborn little boy with the curly hair. For the first couple of years NPH did not have its own school until I was in 3rd grade when I finally had a classroom to attend with my own chair, desk, notebooks, pencils, crayons, books, snacks and recess. What else can a child ask for? It became easy to succeed when you had loving support and are provided for every day. One day while playing on the tire hanging under the mango tree at my new home I decided I was going to study hard and become a doctor so I could help my sick father. 

When I made the decision to become a doctor I did not keep it a secret, I told my friends and the people taking care of me, “Listen, I have decided to become a Doctor. Maybe I can heal my father,” I said those words as if it was a treasure I had just found on my way to the bus that would take me to school that morning and repeated it all the time. Caregivers and friends were very supportive of me. Just a few short months before I could not even write my name, now not only was I writing and reading but dreaming. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and in my new home I knew I would get the support I needed to make my dreams come true. 

During my time at the home I had wonderful Godparents from Germany, Holland, United States and Switzerland. My God Mother Renata and I still keep in touch. I met her 16 years after sponsoring me when I had the chance to go to Germany. It was an amazing day and I had a wonderful time and I thanked her often for sending me the delicious chocolates in my childhood. 

I finished my first nine years of school while also learning English and German from my caregivers at NPH. For high school I was given a full scholarship to a private school in the city. After high school I did my three years of service at NPH, the third one as a nurse assistant at the NPH clinic. With the support of NPH I attended the National University of Honduras and graduated in 2009 as a general physician. For the next two years most of my patients were the children of NPH (my brothers and sisters) and the villagers. The villagers received medical attention and medication practically for free, one of the many ways NPH shares with the community. During those 2 years I had the opportunity to follow up with patients that had orthopedic surgeries at NPH surgery center; it was then that I fell in love with orthopedics. In December 2010 I decided to become an orthopedic surgeon. I still have 14 more months before I accomplish that goal. 

26 years have passed since I entered my home at NPH. When people ask me if I think if I made the right decision to become a doctor working for low income areas, I smile and say I have no doubts at all. I really enjoy working for people in need; the best way they can pay me is with a smile. My favorite patients are the poor ones that are humbling and tell me their heart-breaking stories. Their relatives sleep on the floor next to them, often bringing them meals since the government cannot afford their medication, tests, or a physician. 

Every story I hear reminds me how much I have been blessed by NPH. I work at least 90 hours a week with no regrets. I love what I do. I love being a doctor. I am a living example that NPH helps so many children and families. NPH gave me an opportunity to change my life forever and I took advantage of it, and so did my two younger siblings. One is now an English professor and a father, the other one is an electrical engineer. Perhaps you will be surprised to hear that none of our generations in the past five centuries had a University degree. 

Following the values Father Wasson instilled in us we have managed to heal deep wounds. Today I help cover my father’s expenses and I also provide him with medicine every month. My brothers and I are currently working together to build a new safe home for our family. We reunited for the first time as a whole family after 24 years. Of course none of our dreams would come true without your generosity and unconditional support. I achieved my dreams! I DID IT! And I know my little brothers and sisters still at the home can too with a bit of faith from you, and for that I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.

The whole time I wished I was back at NPH...

Below is a story from wonderful Friend and sponsor, Tatum Zeitchick.

My name is Tatum and I’m 15 years old. I have a Godson at NPH Nicaragua named Alex. He is 9 years old and very loving. My best friend the summer of 2012 asked me to tag along with her to Nicaragua. In my head I was thinking "Tanning, Beaches, And Boys!" Soon I found out that we were going to be staying at an orphanage, which I was thrilled about, but also a little nervous because I do not speak Spanish!

In the first hour we arrived I met Alex. He was on my friend Kent's back and had stolen his baseball hat. He was saying he was some famous Nicaraguan baseball player. I started to make conversation with him. Through my friend, of course, who knew Spanish. I connected with him right away and we never left each other’s side the whole time I was there. The departure was devastating. I had tears in my eyes as I hugged him goodbye not knowing if I would ever see him again. He looked at me and said in English when will you come back? I told him I hope soon.

I then got to enjoy the sunny beaches at San Juan Del Sur, but the whole time I wished I was back at NPH. The second I walked in the door of my home after I returned to Minnesota, I asked my mom to take me to the Friends of the Orphans office. I walked in and asked to sponsor Alex. They gave me a picture and info on him, and I was so happy that I would be able to write to him! I went home and wrote probably three letters and sent them that day.

The month after I left NPH, it crossed my mind that I wanted to go back!! I started searching for flights and talked to the visitor coordinator on Facebook about dates that I could come back. I talked to my mom about it and asked if she would want to come down with me. I planned the whole trip and paid for both tickets because money was tight. After three long plane rides I was finally in Managua, Nicaragua. Just an hour away from seeing Alex and all the wonderful kids!

I finally got to NPH and ran to Alex’s house. I walked in and a child named Roberto recognized me right away and gave me a huge hug. The other kids then went yelling for Alex. Alex didn't know I was coming back to visit at this time. The look on his face was priceless and amazing. He kind of just stood there not really processing it that I was really there. After he did, he ran up to me and jumped in my arms. He then took me to his room and lifted up his mattress and pulled out all the letters and pictures I sent him. We then walked around the orphanage and all I could hear was "Tatiana!!" (my Spanish name). I will never forget that day. I stayed at NPH for five days, then it was time to go home. As of now, a month later, I am planning my next trip in June and cannot wait.

Top 5 Accomplishments of 2012 from NPH Bolivia!

1. In 2012 NPH Bolivia focused on getting sustainable projects off the ground and running. The children began to plant a vegetable garden this spring, which now yields a considerable harvest. They have been working with an agricultural expert to learn how to run the garden independently. About twenty of the older children are being trained in special leadership workshops to teach the other children and surrounding community members sustainable agriculture practices. 

2. This year we were able to buy a flock of "Ovejas de Pelo," short-haired sheep adapted to the climate in places like Bolivia. We expect the sheep to multiply and eventually help enrich the menu at the orphanage. Our new flock of sheep has begun teaching the children new responsibilities and how to care for livestock. 

3. The Austrian Embassy in Lima began funding a reforestation project on our NPH Bolivia site this year. The benefits are numerous. Most noticeably, the fruit- and shade-bearing trees--which now occupy a formerly deforested area--work to enhance the quality of life. This project allows the children to visually learn about the great benefits of sustainability. 

4. The connection between sponsors and godchildren has grown stronger and deeper this year. In contrast to previous years, we’ve had several godparents from other countries visit NPH Bolivia in 2012 to spend time with the children they sponsor. We feel very fortunate that sponsors are willing to travel to our home. 

5. The connection between NPH Bolivia and other NPH homes has also grown stronger and deeper in 2012. Three of our older children participated in important NPHI leadership workshops at other homes. Two of them went to Guatemala and one of them went to Honduras; we also sent an older child to the NPH-wide soccer tournament in Mexico. Thanks to these travel privileges, the children have felt more like part of the global NPH community, which was at first difficult to achieve because of NPH Bolivia’s remote location.

Top 5 Accomplishments of 2012 from NPH Peru!

1. This year, we were able to inaugurate our 7th house which functions as the third boys´ house. 16 of our boys can now move in and make space in the other two houses which were full. Now, everyone can feel more comfortable and have more space. Additionally  sidewalks now connect all the houses and the National Director´s house, as well as a volunteers´ house were completed. 

2. We were able to build 17 tables and 34 benches where our children can now study and eat together. We were also able to plant more than 150 trees and grass around all our houses to beautify the space. 

3. We secured an agreement with a private pedagogical institute this year. The students that are about to graduate in Pedagogical Science are now able to complete their university internship at NPH Peru. They provide tutoring to our children daily. In this way we help the students with real work experience while the students give back to our home and teach our children free of charge. 

4. We were able to install a water treatment system that allows us to drink water safely straight from the tap. Our water was contaminated by bacteria and parasites, as it is in almost all of Peru. This put our children´s health at risk. Now, everybody can drink as much water as they need safely, and we save a significant amount of money because we don´t have to buy bottled water. 

5. This year we were able to get some local donations from the regional government in Cañete. They provide us with rice, tuna, sugar, beans, oil and other important ingredients that help feed our growing children.

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.