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.

Happy Mother's Day!

At all of our NPH homes, even though many of our children come to us because their biological mothers can no longer take care of them, our pequeños are not motherless by any means. They have many "mothers" in their lives, and a strong and supportive family that lets them know they are truly loved.


"To them, I was a mother figure (yes, some of my girls called me “Ma” and “Mommy”), a sister, an aunt, a friend, a teacher and a mentor. What they were to me was an inspiration. Each day, I was encouraged by their ability to overcome any and all obstacles. They made my time at NPH fulfilling, and I was able to fill a void in their lives." -Kelly Hettic, volunteer at NPH Mexico 

"When the sun sets and the moon comes up, our mothers don't tire; they continue their work. As Charly, a Tía from Casa Santa Maria Reina, says, "there isn't a day to say everything that we as mothers have done, because every day is something special for a mother." Every day is Mother's Day; however, on this day we open up and remember all the help, encouragement, and love that each mother has brought into the lives of all the children here at NPH and in Honduras." -Benjamin Katz, Home Correspondent at NPH Honduras

"In their service, the mother figures live out and offer the very core values that NPH works to instill in its children: love, security, sharing, work and responsibility. Their presence of positive motherhood is vital for the healthy growth of our children, many of whom have experienced loss and abandonment by loved ones. Learning by their example, we hope that our pequeños will know the gifts of service, love and responsible motherhood in their own futures." -Hailey Rademacher, Communications Officer at NPH Honduras

Holy Family Surgery Center Medical Brigade at NPH Honduras

Doctors, nurses, medical students, along with various people from many other walks of life traveled to NPH Honduras from April 12-19th to drastically change the lives of hundreds of people by providing necessary medical support for both the children on the Ranch and the outside community that otherwise would be left neglected. The Holy Family Surgery Center is a godsend for the poorest of the poor in Honduras because they are not only provided with access to healthcare, but they are also treated with the dignity that they, as humans, deserve. Stepping inside Hospital Escuela, the public hospital in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, gives a sense of how desperately this is needed. The chaotic, dangerous, and underfunded hospital cannot provide efficient or even effective support to those most in need. If someone needed any type of surgery—after arriving at Hospital Escuela, they would first be required to go across the street and purchase the proper equipment. To those struggling, this is an extra burden and often impossibility. 


Kate Clitheroe, the coordinator for the Holy Family Surgery Center that volunteers at NPH Honduras wrote the following, “During the April Medical Brigade, a group of more than 40 medical professionals came here to the NPH home in Honduras. These specialists (orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, and general surgery) gave consults to over 700 patients and preformed 94 surgeries. Many of these consults were for members of the NPH family and at least 10 surgeries were performed on NPH children and employees. The community members here, our neighbors, give thanks to the physicians, the Daly Family, and everyone who helped during this medical brigade.” 


Here is a brief interview with one woman’s whose life and family were drastically impacted by this wonderful work.

This experience not only impacts the lives of those in Honduras, but it also touches those who participate. Below are reflections from two of the participants from the April Brigade: 


I think this was my 6th or 7th brigade to the Holy Family Surgery Center at the NPH site in Honduras. Each trip brings its own unique challenges and rewards. It’s amazing how far we’ve come from those first brigades when only a few surgical cases were performed. On our latest brigade we performed nearly 100 surgeries and saw 800 patients in clinic, truly staggering numbers. It’s remarkable to witness how people come together over the course of the week to become an effective, efficient team. Folks with no medical background pitch in to become valuable team members, students contribute their youth and enthusiasm, and the long-term volunteers inspire us all with their dedication. Importantly, all this surgical/medical activity is set against the backdrop of the “Ranch:” 300+ children at once smiling, crying, laughing, failing, and succeeding. Each child has their own story to share and inspire us in turn. It’s these children that continue to motivate me to be better, try harder, and return time after time. 


-Michael Forseth, MD 


The Blue Flame 
Traveling the world as a missionary evangelist, my partner was a gifted minister & very successful businessman. We always kept an eye out for people, causes, & missions to support that could qualify as "blue flamers" - called such because that’s the cleanest, most efficient part of a gas fueled flame. Ministries that qualify are surprisingly hard to find. 


So to experience NPH Honduras - the ranch, and surgery center - was a revelation. A self-sufficient ranch, using resources wisely, a home for orphans that is their family rather than a holding tank for adoption. 


Children receiving an academic education as well as being offered not just the spoken word of God, but His love in action. 


A surgery center that is doing more than healing individuals, it is building community. 


Biggest blue flame I've ever seen! 


I went as a volunteer, came home a supporter.


XO, Randy Cleary

Valentina and Anita at NPH Dominican Republic

Read this wonderful post by awesome Friends, Sadie and Suraya Whitley!


My daughter and I planned on visiting the DR soon after our first trip to the NPH home in Honduras (July 2011) but, little did we know at that time, that we would have the honor to meet and spend time with Valentina and Anita. A couple of months before our trip, I had asked my friends that signed up to sponsor a child at the Seattle gala in October 2011, if anyone had sponsored a child in the DR so that we could visit their godchild on their behalf. Lucky for us, one of my friends signed up to sponsor Valentina, and now our trip was filled with excitement and joy to be meeting Valentina and her sister. Thanks to Laura Useche who took the time to contact the NPH organizer for the February Trip, I was immediately contacted by Catherine letting me know that she had informed Valentina and Anita that I would be coming on the trip, and she included a current photo of the girls in the email, showing me how excited they were to meet me. So, I signed up for Godparent celebration day with excitement. 


I met Anita while she was visiting with her godparents from Italy. She turned around and asked me what my name was, and as soon as I said my name and made introductions, she asked me if I was there to meet Valentina. I don’t know how she knew it was me, but she obviously did and this turned out to be thanks to the staff at NPH (Catherine) for informing the girls that they would have a visitor. 


Valentina and I spent as much time together as we could during my visit, and Anita was not far behind us. Anita is a happy young girl who loves to dance. She is quite the hostess as well, as she made sure that my daughter and I were introduced to anyone and everyone we walked by; she always had a smile on her face and was extremely polite. Anita made sure that my daughter Suraya was introduced to all her friends, and at one point, they all disappeared to go play together. 


Getting to know Valentina was a sweet surprise. She is a young girl that is happy with hopes and dreams for her future. She is quite the artist and loves to draw Mickey Mouse all the time. Valentina wants to study in college to help kids in her country that have been abandoned by their parents. She said that being a counselor is a gift to help others, and since she has had great mentors at NPH, she wants to be able to help other kids as well. Valentina and I spent a lot of time drawing and coloring together and chatting about girl stuff. I told her all about her godparent, Kathy H. and how much Kathy would have loved to come on this trip to meet her. Valentina was very excited to have received a letter from Kathy and a photo album that I helped put together with photos of the family. She was extremely grateful and thumbed through the album several times with a smile. She said that she was very grateful to have Kathy as her godparent and very grateful that she got to meet my daughter and I. 


Valentina became my dance teacher along with her sister Anita. We practiced until I got all the steps correctly and then, Anita gave me her blessing and said I could now dance on my own. Then it was my turn to teach Valentina to roller blade. We laughed, we sang, we danced and we shared our dreams together. I promised Valentina that I would continue to write to her and that god willing, I will return to the DR to visit with her and Anita again. 


Once again, I was blown away with my experience at my second NPH home. The work and care they take with all the kids is truly amazing. The environment the kids are growing up in is positive, clean and filled with unconditional love.