“Come here, Bako*, let’s say our ABC’s together,” Israel, director of a partnering children’s home, called to the small boy. Bako 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. Bako arrived at Rukuba Children’s Home at 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
Abeo*, one of the Nigerian Hope Students, listened intently as the list of names was called out. He waited nervously to hear his own. Recently, Abeo’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 the third name… Read more
Their tears could be heard throughout the home. Three siblings sat tightly together, cocooning their mother with their little bodies. The family visit lasted an hour, all the children in Possibilities Children’s Home receive a visit with their biological parents and family members each week. This sibling set of three recently moved into the home… Read more
A large pitcher of watermelon water sits on the table. The heat of the day lingers in the space of the open-air restaurant, and three men sit watching an American home renovation show subtitled in Spanish. A lime green wall is the backdrop for the kitchen where Luz and her two sisters, Diana and Lily,… Read more
Luis* ran up to Sammy as she entered the room. “Sammy, Sammy! I have something for you.” Sammy watched Luis pull his other hand from behind his back. “You left this yesterday.” The five-year old held a magnetic train car in his hand, lifting it up to Sammy. “Thank you so much, Luis!” “It may… Read more
“Jesús can return to his classes for the full day. We have seen incredible improvement in his work and behavior,” the principal of the school shared with Back2Back’s Education Coordination, Gabriela Nieto. Gabriela smiled, excited to share the news of Jesús’ improvement with staff member Matt Metzger. His academic and behavioral growth is a testament… Read more
Jose Luis could sense Dionicio’s nerves sitting next to him. The Hope Parent and student were sitting in the doctor’s office waiting to be called back to an exam room. They were hopeful a doctor could help with his pain. “A few months ago, staff began to notice Dionicio standing differently – as if he… 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
Long, white tables were set up in rows. The light from the Cancun sun filled the room. Mothers and fathers, and the occasional young child, filed in and found a seat at the table. A calculator, notebook, and writing utensil waited at each spot. These tools were provided to encourage the tracking of monthly income… Read more