“Alright, everybody!” Alphonsus calls out to the children sitting behind him on the bus. “We’re here. Have a good day! Be respectful, pay attention!” He smiles at each child as they exit the bus in their school uniform. They turn and wave goodbye to him, knowing they will see him in a few hours for… Read more
Eight-year old Henry strode into the clinic with confidence. It was his first time receiving a medical check-up at a health clinic, but he didn’t flinch when they took his weight and blood pressure. He handled it so well, staff let him go into the exam room alone. A few minutes later, though, Henry cried… Read more
Swanta carried the large bag of letters on her shoulder. As she got closer to Igmin Kibe Education Center, she imagined the children’s excitement at receiving new letters from their pen pals. She got to the door of the center and poked her head in. “Do you have letters for us?!” the children asked with… Read more
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