When people ask me how I got involved with Orphan Helpers, the answer is almost humorous. Even though I’m from Pittsburgh, PA which is only a few hours from Newport News, Va I never knew about Orphan Helpers until I actually went to Honduras!

In February 2010, I went to San Pedro Sula, Honduras on a week long mission trip with a different non-profit. I went thinking it would be a great opportunity to serve some less-fortunate people. God’s plan for me that week was much bigger than I ever could have dreamed! While I was visiting Casitas Mujeres Adolescentes, the bright red “Orphan Helpers” shirts that our devoted employees Betty, Jackie, and Olga wear definitely caught my attention. Even though I didn’t have much interaction with them during the week, the Orphan Helpers logo had piqued my curiosity.

As soon as I got back to Pittsburgh, I searched for Orphan Helpers on Google. As I read more about it, I felt like God had purposely put those red shirts in my direct line of vision. I eventually contacted Richard Yeargain and after a few months of phone conversations, emails, and even a face-to-face meeting, he gave me the best gift I have ever received. He invited me to spend a year in Honduras as a full-time volunteer with Orphan Helpers. I left in September 2010, and the adventure began!

I spent the first month in San Pedro Sula volunteering in Casitas Mujeres Adolescentes and Nueva Esperanza. It was amazing getting to know the kids in each center on a more personal level and I immediately fell in love with the culture of Honduras.

At the end of October, I traveled about 5 hours south and went to live in the Hope House in the capital city, Tegucigalpa. The girls in this house have all spent time living inside the government run orphanages but have since been placed in this transitional home. Once the girls are brought to the house, they are challenged to grow in their faith, receive an education, and regain some normalcy to their lives.

Going to Tegucigalpa was a huge leap of faith for me. I had never been there and I didn’t know anyone. But again, God had a plan to transform my life, and now I’m so thankful He put me there. Honestly, I met a lot of resistance from the girls during the first few weeks. Having a new person in the house meant “change” and it wasn’t well received. However, one of my biggest goals in being there was to implement an incentives program to encourage the girl’s positive behavior. It was hard work, but it paid off. Some of the rewards we put in place included outings to the movies, swimming, shopping, etc. We even opened a merit bank in which the girls earn tickets for their good behavior and at the end of the week, cash them in for great prizes. The excitement in the house quickly spread to all the girls and before I knew it, we were growing closer.

I ended up living in the house for about 10 months and the experience changed my life forever. The girls and I have done everything from crazy pajama parties in the living room, to dancing and singing in the kitchen while we cook. We’ve laughed together and cried together. God used those 10 girls to teach me patience, teach me how to love and they’ve even opened my eyes to a part of myself I didn’t even know existed. When I told Richard I would commit to spending a year in Honduras, I never expected to leave Honduras with 10 “little sisters”. However, during the past year, they have become a part of my family and I love them with all of my heart. 

While I was sitting on an airplane heading back to Pittsburgh at the beginning of September, I began reflecting on the past year. The one thing that stood out to me more than anything is how blessed I am that Orphan Helpers gave me this opportunity. Lord willing, I would like to return and spend even more time serving God in this beloved country. Honduras has become my second home and I can’t wait to go back!

When people ask me how I got involved with Orphan Helpers, the answer is almost humorous. Even though I’m from Pittsburgh, PA which is only a few hours from Newport News, Va I never knew about Orphan Helpers until I actually went to Honduras!

In February 2010, I went to San Pedro Sula, Honduras on a week long mission trip with a different non-profit. I went thinking it would be a great opportunity to serve some less-fortunate people. God’s plan for me that week was much bigger than I ever could have dreamed! While I was visiting Casitas Mujeres Adolescentes, the bright red “Orphan Helpers” shirts that our devoted employees Betty, Jackie, and Olga wear definitely caught my attention. Even though I didn’t have much interaction with them during the week, the Orphan Helpers logo had piqued my curiosity.

As soon as I got back to Pittsburgh, I searched for Orphan Helpers on Google. As I read more about it, I felt like God had purposely put those red shirts in my direct line of vision. I eventually contacted Richard Yeargain and after a few months of phone conversations, emails, and even a face-to-face meeting, he gave me the best gift I have ever received. He invited me to spend a year in Honduras as a full-time volunteer with Orphan Helpers. I left in September 2010, and the adventure began!

I spent the first month in San Pedro Sula volunteering in Casitas Mujeres Adolescentes and Nueva Esperanza. It was amazing getting to know the kids in each center on a more personal level and I immediately fell in love with the culture of Honduras.

At the end of October, I traveled about 5 hours south and went to live in the Hope House in the capital city, Tegucigalpa. The girls in this house have all spent time living inside the government run orphanages but have since been placed in this transitional home. Once the girls are brought to the house, they are challenged to grow in their faith, receive an education, and regain some normalcy to their lives.

Going to Tegucigalpa was a huge leap of faith for me. I had never been there and I didn’t know anyone. But again, God had a plan to transform my life, and now I’m so thankful He put me there. Honestly, I met a lot of resistance from the girls during the first few weeks. Having a new person in the house meant “change” and it wasn’t well received. However, one of my biggest goals in being there was to implement an incentives program to encourage the girl’s positive behavior. It was hard work, but it paid off. Some of the rewards we put in place included outings to the movies, swimming, shopping, etc. We even opened a merit bank in which the girls earn tickets for their good behavior and at the end of the week, cash them in for great prizes. The excitement in the house quickly spread to all the girls and before I knew it, we were growing closer.

I ended up living in the house for about 10 months and the experience changed my life forever. The girls and I have done everything from crazy pajama parties in the living room, to dancing and singing in the kitchen while we cook. We’ve laughed together and cried together. God used those 10 girls to teach me patience, teach me how to love and they’ve even opened my eyes to a part of myself I didn’t even know existed. When I told Richard I would commit to spending a year in Honduras, I never expected to leave Honduras with 10 “little sisters”. However, during the past year, they have become a part of my family and I love them with all of my heart. 

While I was sitting on an airplane heading back to Pittsburgh at the beginning of September, I began reflecting on the past year. The one thing that stood out to me more than anything is how blessed I am that Orphan Helpers gave me this opportunity. Lord willing, I would like to return and spend even more time serving God in this beloved country. Honduras has become my second home and I can’t wait to go back!