One morning, my friend was leading an orphan care training session. “You can lay down your weapons,” she urged us to tell the children. Children from difficult pasts use control and aggression as weapons to protect themselves, she explained. But when we care for children in a way that encourages healing, we are giving them new tools to navigate the world around them.
There was complete silence as the children swirled paint brushes over paper, pouring out their feelings in vibrant yellows, purples and blues. It was a typical day at the Back2Back Community Center of Tres Reyes – where given the choice between play and paint – the children choose art every time. For children who struggle to express their feelings, art can be a beautiful tool to help them grow and heal.
Shashikala’s 11th birthday was quickly approaching, a day she had been anticipating for months. Little did she know, her peers at Back2Back’s Suzuki Samuel Campus were secretly planning and saving their allowance to surprise her on her special day.
This month, I had the privilege of training new Back2Back Monterrey volunteers. About 45 volunteers from local area churches gathered to receive training about providing trauma competent care to the orphans we serve.
Three years ago, Kelly and Madame Kelly, Harvest Care Children’s Home Directors, met Josnel for the first time.
Sometimes children amaze me. Just when you think they are not paying attention or they don’t understand what you are trying to teach them, they say something incredibly profound.
A few weeks ago, Back2Back Ministries hosted an unprecedented training for local children’s home caregivers and directors at the Back2Back Haiti ministry site.
Recently, Back2Back Cancun hosted a cultural event for the children of Bonfil, an under-resourced community we serve. The children enjoyed an evening spent learning about Italy, eating Italian food, and looking paintings and sculptures by Michelangelo.
Moses escapes a curse. Sally is delivered out of slavery. Ronaldo’s silent dreams are heard. Lola, Lily, and Pamela take steps toward hope. Sam and Ellie begin to live without fear.
Nehemiah tells the story of how the wall around the city of Jerusalem was re-built after a period of destruction and exile. It is a story of a bold plan, of divine provision, of hard work by people with different skill sets, of opposition, of perseverance and ultimately – of hope realized.