The teens all stood at the front of the room. The girls looked out at Ruth and Michael, their Hope Parents, some additional Back2Back staff, and family friends who came for the celebration of Bethany Hope House’s Second Anniversary. “Michael and Ruth wanted to have a small get together with the people who’ve supported their… Read more
Sele sat at the kitchen table with the book cracked open. She read each line carefully then set about mixing imaginary spices in a small bowl. Katharina, Co-Director at Rukuba Children’s Home, watched Sele create the imaginary dish, mixing spices and preheating the oven. “Sele is one of the most creative children I’ve ever seen,”… Read more
The teens sat in a circle with their eyes on Patience, an eleven-year old girl living at Destiny Children’s Home. “Even when we can’t see God, we should trust and believe He is there,” she shared softly. Nearly every head in the circle nodded in agreement. Sixteen-year old Josephine lowered her gaze into her lap… Read more
“Pleeeeeeeease, can I stay a little longer?” Japheth looked at his caregiver, Sunday Yashim, from Kids with a Vision Foundation Children’s Home. “Pleeeeeease?” He smiled at Sunday for good measure as he waited for the answer. “Okay. You can stay until tonight!” He smiled at Japheth, pleased to see his excitement. Japheth, 15, is the… Read more
Jennifer looked around the room. Friends who had become family sang “Happy Birthday” to her and smiled as she went to make a wish and blow out her candles. The thirteen-year old girl felt emotion well in her throat, unsure how to convey gratitude outside of a small smile. Everyone clapped and waited patiently for… Read more
Stephen, a tutor at Igmin Kibe Education Center in Jos, Nigeria, watched the young man come around the corner. His hair was neatly cut, his school uniform freshly pressed, new socks and shoes on his feet, and a bright smile lit up his face. “Yusuf, you are looking so good these days! What’s your secret?”… Read more
“Come here, Selnan, let’s say our ABC’s together,” Israel, Rukuba Children’s Home Director, called to the small boy. Selnan walked over and sat with Israel. They said their ABC’s together and then worked on his first grade homework. Israel smiled at the young boy’s progress. Selnan arrived at Rukuba Children’s Home at the age of… Read more
Azubike Kalu, Back2Back staff, looked down at the big brown eyes standing before him. “Meschach! Sorry, Abednego! Or . . . Shedrach? How are you this morning? Did you sleep well?” A small smile stretched across the four-year old boy’s face, but he never answered Azubike’s question. This morning was the first morning for a… Read more
Danladi, one of the Nigerian Hope Students in Calvary House, listened intently as the list of names was called out. He waited nervously to hear his own. Recently, Danladi’s school had been selected to nominate three participants for a local math competition. He was hopeful he would be picked. He felt his stomach drop as… Read more
A visiting guest, Kali, a physician’s assistan sat across the table from 15-year old Peace. Kali knew Peace was struggling with pain, but the young girl sat quietly before her. “Staff members informed me Peace had been experiencing a lot of pain, but she was very brave when we first sat down together,” shared Kali…. Read more