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
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
Luis watched his mom collect pesos and count back change to the customer, who had just purchased a pair of shoes. She smiled at Luis’ mom before leaving. He watched his mom write down the purchase on a yellow pad of paper. There’s gotta be an easier way to keep records of what we sell,… Read more
Samantha looks at the crowded tables and listens to the loud chatter as it fills every crevice of the dining hall. She smiles as she watches the children eating their food and laughing alongside friends that sometimes feel more like family. Samantha and Raymundo have been working at Salvation Army Children’s Home for a little… Read more
Letter from the Director It’s been a year of blessings! In 2017, Back2Back, along with its Board, strategically decided to dive deep in four major programs across all sites. God has given Back2Back expertise and blessing in the Hope Education, Strong Families, Foster Care, and Transition Programs. Each site is focused on seeing children toward… 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
At the recent Open House in Cincinnati, Cancun Site Directors, Erick and Julie Mowery, announced that after six years in Cancun, they will transition back to the United States in late 2017. Erick and Julie will continue their work as Back2Back staff to expand the Strong Families program, which began under their leadership in Cancun,… Read more
A rural village sits within walking distance of Back2Back’s India Hope Campus in Hyderabad. There, in homes with open doorways, many families live and work in agriculture, hopeful for rainfall to bring their crops to harvest. The homes sit close together and line a combination of cement and dirt “roads.” This is the village where… Read more
“Kevin just doesn’t have an aptitude for learning.” Kevin’s mother, Luz, felt a weight settle onto her shoulders. His teacher continued, “He doesn’t complete his homework and he doesn’t participate in class; he shouldn’t have been moved forward in school.” In September of 2016, Luz spoke with the staff at the Community Center in Tres… Read more
This month’s guest writer is Kaden Kimple. Kaden submitted the following essay last fall to Power of the Pen, Ohio’s Interscholastic Creative Writing Program for Middle Schools, while her mom was on a mission trip with Back2Back Ministries. When I think of super powers, I think of strength, speed, flight, brains, and maybe the ability… Read more