Sometimes when you look for a way to give back, you might end up finding much more. This is what happened to Julie Messner.
Miles away from the comfort that we live in, is an area in the Mountains of Honduras, where children have to live on the streets uncared for in severe poverty. Abused, malnourished, and left to fend for themselves, their childhood taken away before it even begins.
Thankfully there is a place that can give them back all that has been stripped from them. Hogar Suyapa was opened in 2004 to care for these children. Run purely on donations, they offer a safe place for the children to sleep, 3 meals a day, healthcare, and education. The kids stay until they are old enough to work and take care of themselves. They’re also given something that cannot be seen nor touched, but can be felt. Faith, hope, and a chance to survive.
Julie, a busy mom of 4, and a Pediatrician who is passionate about kids, became involved with the orphanage 10 years ago through her Church, Prince of Peace. After one visit, meeting the wonderful woman who runs it, and seeing the kids, she knew she wanted to be involved. When she visits, she stays on the property so that she won’t miss a moment.
During our conversation, she told me that they get up early, have a full day, stay up late and when she gets home is still on a high.
To see lives of children that started out so traumatic running around laughing, smiling, thriving, and feeling so loved is so fulfilling for her. In fact, when she’s having a bad day, buying PJ’s, blankets, toothbrushes or other items we may take for granted that brings them such joy, turns her day around.
For more information on Hogar Suyapa or to donate, please go to:
