As we crested over the hill to the Rancho de los Niño’s property in Mazatlán, Mexico, I could see the rooftops of the new homes Back2Back was constructing for the sixteen children with disabilities living there. My eyes couldn’t help but fill with tears as we pulled in. It had been months since I had… Read more
They arrived at the Back2Back India Hope Campus in 2014. Living together previously at House of Compassion Children’s Home, the three boys came as friends, hopeful for what would come next in their stories. Ganesh, Goutham, and Sandeep began to make the new campus their home, becoming acquainted with other children. Slowly, strangers became trusted… Read more
Jose Luis watched Chef Tano Williams as he moved around the kitchen. The windows were wide open, letting in sunlight and laughter from the playground. Jose Luis looked at the spices Tano set on the counter. He pictured the kitchen in his family’s home, realizing most of the spices the chef used for his dish… 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
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
“What do you need done today?” The team of moms awaited an answer, cleaning supplies and energy in hand. “Well, I haven’t moved my refrigerator in a long time. . . the space probably needs cleaned,” came the response. No further discussion was necessary, the women just got to work. Back2Back staff Lili and Rosario… Read more
Victor’s back was to the kitchen in Rancho de los Niños Children’s Home. He watched Ada, a volunteer at the home, as she got up. His big, brown eyes followed her until she walked out of his line of sight. He heard her enter the kitchen to prepare his lunch. He slowly leaned back as… Read more
Our adopted, teenage son, Tyler, had only been home three months when I got a text from an unknown number. “Tyler forgot his soccer shoes and can’t play in the game unless you bring them to school.” “Ok, I will look for them and be right there,” I responded to the stranger. I found them… Read more