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,” Emmanuel* 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,” Emmanuel said matter-of-factly. Wadson thought for a moment how to respond. The… Read more
“We have a gift for each of you as we end our time!” Janice Hickman looked out at the girls sitting around her. “It’s a special gift; it’s the coolest gift! It’s unique and precious. Who wants to see it?!” The girls smiled excitedly and, one by one, followed one of the Haiti summer interns… Read more
“You can drop me off here!” Stanley* looked at Lauren Neal, Lighthouse Children’s Home staff, with a huge smile. Lauren watched him walk to the house just ahead, ensuring his safe arrival. Stanley’s confidence and excitement at arriving to his new foster home allows Lauren and the Back2Back staff to feel assurance this is the… Read more
“Bon anniversaire!” Everyone sang out as the two boys at the front table smiled, trying to patiently wait to eat their piece of cake. Samuel* and Evens* are celebrating their birthdays today. Birthday celebrations are a special way Back2Back recognizes each boy and girl. Birthday cake is cut into slices and passed around as each… Read more
It’s a sunny, humid day in Haiti. Jesus Name Children’s Home sits amidst winding, bumpy roads, marked by a red gate. Two honks of the horn and the guard slides open the door allowing entrance. The boys’ rooms and the girls’ rooms reside in two separate buildings with a kitchen and eating area in the… Read more