The sun shone bright on the flat, green turf of the Olympic Training Center in Haiti. The children from Jesus Name and Lighthouse Children’s Homes lined the edge of the field facing a visiting team from Furman University. It was game day, and excitement was in the air. “Every year, there is a soccer match… Read more
Five sets of feet rest on the concrete while eyes and hands work busily beneath the truck. Each teen listens carefully for the next set of instructions, eyes following the hands of their leader, watching each move and memorizing the why behind it. They excitedly ask questions as they come, eager to learn more, soaking… Read more
The huge ball of Saran Wrap sat in the middle of the table. The teens at Jesus Name Children’s Home could see small treats and toys hidden beneath the layers of plastic. Wadson Delvar, Back2Back staff, explained the game to the children. Each of them would get a turn to unwrap the ball of Saran… Read more
The light crept slowly into the dark rooms. One by one, the teens at Lighthouse Children’s Home got out of bed and prepared for their day. They were gathered in Les Cayes, a region in Southern Haiti, for a spiritual retreat. Wadson Delvar and Nixon Felix, Back2Back Haiti staff, were waiting for them at the… Read more
The boys run fast under the heat of the sun on an uneven slope of land. Djackenson kicks the soccer ball hard towards Robenson, hopeful his teammate will make the goal. Robenson kicks the ball and it narrowly misses. A collective “UGH!” fills the air. The ball is retrieved, and the game resumes. This was… Read more
Felt-safety can look different depending on where one is in the world. Large, block walls in America could be perceived as private property, behind it, an expansive estate. Large, block walls in Haiti simply mean safety. When you visit children’s homes in Haiti, and most of Back2Back’s other sites, you will be met with a… Read more
Anchelo was racing through the playground with his friends when he heard the noise. A loud rumble filled the air, and he stopped in his tracks. He lifted his head and shielded his eyes from the sun as the large, silver machine took to the air. He watched it pass over, leaving a trail of… Read more
Monestime raised his hand quickly as Jimmy Francois finished his question. Jimmy, Back2Back staff, called on Monestime and smiled as he provided the correct answer. He asked a second question and when another child from Harvest Care Children’s Home answered correctly, Monestime smiled encouragingly at them. Monestime and the other children at Harvest Care Children’s… Read more
She walks shyly out of her room in a grey dress, looking at her feet more than at the people waiting for her. She sits down, a soft smile brightening her face. The audience coos over her dress, praising her workmanship. She touches clothing on the table softly, drawing her finger along the seam she… Read more
“I don’t want to go to church this morning,” Robensen looked at Wadson Delvar, Back2Back staff, with a small frown on his face. “Why do you not want to go?” Wadson challenged him. “It is too hot, and there are never enough seats,” Robensen said matter-of-factly. Wadson thought for a moment how to respond. The… Read more