HOGAR DE NINAS ORPHANAGE

Joe with the girls on their 1^st Communion

Our parish supports the Hogar de Ninas financially when able, and in the past with gifts, etc for the girls. Joe Self, son of Jim and Dorothy of our parish has made the orphanage his mission. Joe is always looking for a group of 6-12 people to plan a mission trip to the orphanage. If anyone is interested in organizing this trip please contact the office. Besides spending time with the girls, Joe would plan a couple of excursions, as well as a couple of work days. Those who fear the language barrier should not worry as the girls are very friendly and persistent, and will make themselves understood.  He has expressed that it would be an experience that would impact your life and change the way you look at things forever!!

Hogar de Ninas is a girls’ orphanage in Honduras, Central America. The orphanage is located in the mountainous western corner of the country, in the small city of Santa Rosa,and has a very mild climate. There are approximately 60 girls in the home, most of whom were either abandoned or have lost their parents.  It is run by 6 Central American, Franciscan Nuns, one of which is 87 years old. The older girls help care for the younger girls, as well as do much of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry. They are in many ways a family, just a little bigger than ours!!  The home, contrary to what one might think, is not a depressing place, but a lively and fun place.  And with 60 girls, there’s never a dull moment!

Joe has been part of the orphanage for over 14 years.  In a recent correspondence he described his life there as: “My job here is….well….maintenance man, computer teacher, doc, Sunday school teacher, Math & English tutor, bedtime storyteller, construction director, the water guy, the dude with the goods (books, puzzles, cards, crafts), and more.  I guess the title that I am most proud of, is the one I hear when people ask the girls who I am, and they answer, “That’s Cheko!, our friend.”  I am so grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of these girls’ lives and to hopefully be a positive, Christian influence on them.  A friend recently made the comment that it is really something that I have put my life on hold for so long…my life on hold….My years being a part of these kids lives, even with its trying moments, have been the most fulfilling and meaningful years of my life. How could I consider this ‘lost time’?”