At age 13, Happy is the youngest girl at Bethany House, a Back2Back Hope House. When she first arrived, Ruth, the House Parent, noticed how much the little girl would eat. “At meal time she was always eating much more than she actually needed,” recalls Ruth. “If the other children had leftovers, Happy would eat… Read more
Mariah slowly opens her eyes. Surrounding her, small voices fling hopes high to a Father – and she feels her heartbeat quicken. Ashwini’s black veil carefully covers both her head and Mariah’s, honoring an Indian custom of women covering their faces in prayer. Ashwini prays aloud next to Mariah, praying over her new friend and… Read more
Citlally, a student in Monterrey’s Hope Program for the last year, has been praying for her little sister, Paola, now 15. She’s at a point she needs to make a decision about her next steps. Together, they grew up in Del Norte Children’s Home along with their seven other siblings. Recently, their mom decided… Read more
Square blankets lie on the floor as carefully folded clothing is stacked in the center. The children gather the goods they possess and set them down carefully around the folded clothing and then slowly gather the corners of the blanket and tie a knot. Today is moving day. New, freshly painted bunk-beds await their sleeping… Read more
Godwin looked into the faces of the children sitting at tables waiting for their letters. They were preparing to read and respond to their sponsor letters when Reuben approached Godwin, his face set with determination, his brow drawn tight as he sought out a solution to his problem. “Uncle, how do I get sponsors?” he… Read more
STINT: a short-term, international staff position lasting from 3 months up to one year My adventure to becoming a STINT-er began in the summer of 2015 when the opportunity to intern for Back2Back Cancun, seemingly, fell into my lap. I had other plans of how to spend my summer, but through a beautiful orchestration of… Read more
Neha, a Hindi word meaning love, is a quiet girl with soft, brown eyes, who watches intently as people talk and laugh around her. Receiving a smile from her is a gift – it happens slowly and is always intentional; her smile is something to be savored. At fourteen, Neha lives with nine “sisters” around… Read more
A boat, affectionately called “La Cucaracha,” cuts through Caribbean blue waves on its way to a small island near Cancun. On board, a group of young girls from throughout Cancun rock back and forth. Some carefully peer over the side, keeping their balance on their knees. Others, like Ami, grip their lifejackets dedicated to looking… Read more
Madhu’s eyes glitter when he grins. He laughs musically, the corners of his eyes crinkling, as he speaks eagerly to whomever is around. He pulls people in naturally, without even realizing his capabilities. So it is no surprise he would return to his home village over the long break from school and begin to share… Read more
The white-walled classroom holds desks with blue seats and small pieces of wood for note taking. To students who attend everyday, it is simply another room allowing them to further their education. To the children of Del Norte, the bright room with the projection screen whispered of future endeavors, of dreams realized, of a new… Read more