A D A MynameisJessica,butmostcall me“Ada”.IwasborninPort-auPrince.We’vebeentoldthatmy parentstriedtogettotheUnited Statesbyboattofindwork,butdid notmakeit.Myauntcaredforme andmysiblings,Raphaeland Bianca,buteventuallycouldno longerfeedus.BobbyandSherry heardourstoryandbroughtusto liveintheChildren'sHome.Now,I havefinishedhighschool!Ihopeto becomeadoctoronedaybutam workingaroundLoveAChildfor now.Ispendalotoftimehelping withultrasoundsintheBirthing Center,butIalsolovetohelpwith theyoungerkidsanddancewith mysistersonthePraiseDance Team.SherrysaysIamsweetand alwayssomewherehelping!
B O B B Y MynameisBobby,butinthe Children'sHome,I'mknownas"Ti Bobby,"whichmeans"Little Bobby."MyfatherdiedbeforeI wasborn,andmymotherdied soonaftermybirth.My grandfatherdidnotwantmeand toldmyteenagesistertofinda homeforme.Iwassickand colickywhenPoppieBobbyand MommieSherrytookmein.Now,I amhealthyandstrong!Ifinished highschoolandamnowin college.Iloveplayingsoccer, workingwiththeLoveAChild mechanics,andhavebeen learningphotographytoo!And, eventhoughIcanbealittleshy,I alsoplaythebassguitarinour nightlychurchservicesatthe Children'sHome.Ihopeto becomeamechanicalengineerin thefuture.
C H R I S T I A N MynameisChristian,andIwas broughttoLoveAChildChildren’s HomebyHaitianSocialServices becausemymotherhadmental problemsanddesertedme,and myfatherwasinprisonforlife. I wasonlyfourorfiveyearsold whenIarrived,butIfeltrightat homeonceIgottoknowmynew family. Ilovebasketball,soccer, andmusic.Isingandplaythe keyboardinchurch.Mommie SherrysaysIplaythekeyboard, “likeKingDavidplayedtheharp!”I likehelpingoutaroundLoveA ChildandworkingintheFood DistributionCenter.Itmakesme happyknowingI’mhelpingothers. Oneday,Ihopetobean electrician.
C O L I N MynameisColin,andmyfatherwas deeplyinvolvedinVoodoo.WhenIwas veryyoung,hegotreallyangryand calledmeathiefafterIreachedinto thecookingpottograbthelastbitof ricethathadstucktothepot.Sohe heldmyhanddownontohotcharcoal coalsto“teachmealesson.”Myhand wasburnedverybadly.Theneighbors calledPoppieBobbyandMommie Sherry,whoimmediatelycameand rescuedme.Theybandagedmyhand, gavememedicine,andtookmetothe clinic.WhenHaitianSocialServices werealerted,theyallowedMommie andPoppietoadoptme.WhenIfirst arrivedattheChildren’sHome,Iwas afraidtotakefoodtoeat,butwhenI felttheloveofmynewfamily,Ibegan tolovemealtime!Infact,eatingisnow oneofmyfavoritethingstodo!Today,I amveryhardworkingandoneofthe beststudentsinmyclass.Ialsoloveto playsoccer.I’m“onemeangoalie”on thesoccerfield.Someday,mydreamis tobeanengineer.
D A N I E L MynameisDaniel,buteveryonecalls mebymynickname,“Daniello.”Iwas foundduringaMobileMedicalClinic inthe“mud-hut”villageofOldLetant. Myfatherdiedwhenhewashitonthe headbyarockthatsomeonehad thrownathim,likeabullet.Soonafter, mymotherdied,sosomeone droppedmeoffandabandonedme inthevillage.Thevillagerstriedto careformeandfeedmethebest theycouldtokeepmefromstarving todeath,buttheystruggledtofeed theirownchildren.Sotheyasked MommieSherryandPoppieBobbyto takemehomewiththem,andI’mso gladtheydid.Today,Iamhappy, healthy,andsurroundedbylove! Schoolisastruggleforme,butIenjoy workingwithmyhands,soyoucan alwaysfindmehelpingtodo“odd jobs”aroundthehouse.Mommie SherrysaysI’mfearlessbutlovingly sweet,andGodhasagreatplanfor mylife!
D A N I E L L A MynameisDaniellaBelizaire,and mytwinbrother’snameisDaniel. Whenourmotherwenttothelocal hospitaltodelivertripletsduringa militarycoupd’etat,shewasturned awayatgunpoint.Sheandourother sisterdiedinchildbirthathome.My fathercouldn’tcareforus,andwe wereverymalnourishedwhen BobbyandSherryfoundusand broughtustotheChildren’sHome.I amveryclosewithmybrother,and becausehesufferedsomuchfrom eyedisease,Iamincollegewiththe goalofbecomingan
OphthalmologistsoIcancarefor adultsandchildrenlikeDaniel.Ialso enjoydancing,cooking,andhelping myyoungersiblings.
D A P H L I N E MynameisDaphline,andIwasborn highupinthemountainsofSavaan Roche.MymotherdiedrightafterI wasborn.Myfathergavemetomy aunt,whosehusbandhadrecently beenkilled.Shehadnineofherown children,includinganewbaby,and wasdistraught.Shecouldnotcarefor hernewbabyandme,soshebrought meandmycousinJolinatothe Children’sHome.Now,Imakegood gradesinschool,loveplayingdrums anddoingpraisedances,andlove littlekids!Ioftenspendtimeinour MalnutritionClinicorhelpinthe kitchen.Ilovetostaybusy,sothekids havenicknamedme“Mosquito”, whileMommySherryreferstomeas the“Peacemaker”becauseIalways seektosettleargumentsbetween others.Ithinkaboutbeinga Pharmacistornurseoneday!
D A V I D MynameisDavidNoel,andIwas bornhighupinthemountainsof Covant(nicknamedBelleFontaine). MyfatherdiedbeforeIwasborn,and mymotherdiedafterdeliveringmy twinbrotherJonathanandme.My poorgrandmotherhadnomoneyfor milkorsugar,soshetriedtokeepme andmybrotheralivebyfeedingus saltwater,butwewereseverely malnourishedandneardeathwhen sheandmyunclemadethelong journeydownthemountainon ChristmasEvebyfootandbroughtus toMommieSherryattheChildren’s Home.Whenwearrived,ourthroats weresoswollenwecouldbarely swallow.Wehadtodrinkfroma “dropper.”Ittookalongtimebefore wewerewell.Ilovetoplaysoccer andbasketballandlistentomusic.I amincollegestudyingtobecomean engineer.
D A V I D MynameisDavidDesir,buteveryone callsme“TiDavid”or“LittleDavid.”I wasbornintoaverylargefamily.I wastheseventhchild,andwewere verypoor.Myparentscouldnotfeed allofusorcareforme,soIwascast aside.Akindneighbortookmein,but afterawhile,foodranout,andIwas sufferingfromseveremalnutrition,so shetookmetoHaitianSocialServices andaskedthemtofindahomefor me.Now,Iamgrowingupinabig familyattheChildren’sHome! MommieSherrysaysI’mvery stubbornbutalsosupersweet!Ilove toplaysports;everyonesaysI’ma “naturalathlete!”Soccerismy favorite,andIwouldplayalldayif MommieandPoppieletme!Above soccer,eatingismyfavoriteactivity, andthensleeping!IplayhardsoI cansleephard!Icanbequietand shy,butwhenI“comeoutofmy shell,”Ilovetomakemybrothersand sisterslaugh.I’mahardworker,tough atdominos,notafraidofanything, andIwanttobeamechanicwhenI growup.
D I E U B O N MynameisDieubon,whichmeans “GodisGood”InCreole.Iwasborn withbilateralclubfoot,andI’mso thankfulPoppieBobbyandMommie SherryfoundmeduringaMobile MedicalClinicinDemesseauwhenI wasaboutfiveyearsold.Iwasalso sufferingfromseveremalnutrition.My motherdiedduringmybirth,andmy fathercouldn’tcareforme.SinceI’ve beenapartoftheLoveAChildfamily, Ihavehadseveralsurgeriesonmy feetandspinabifidasurgeryonmy back.Thespinabifidastuntedmy growth,soI’mshort!Mybrothersand sistersattheChildren’sHomecallme “SpongeBob,”whichmakesmelaugh! MommieSherrysaysIhavea “remarkablesenseofhumorandam lovedbyeveryone!”EventhoughI’m abitshy,Iliketosingandgoto church,andI’mreallygoodat quotingscripture.I’vebeenthrougha lot,butI’mdoingwellnow.Ihave finishedhighschoolandoftenwork asapainterforLoveAChild!
D I E U F E R L Y MynameisDieuferlyd’Or,andIwas bornhighinthemountainsina villagecalledCovant.Iwasborn withbilateralclubfoot,andmy mother,RosenaPierre,wastoopoor tocareforme.WhenIwasfour,I wasmalnourished,andIcouldn't walk.BobbyandSherryrescuedme ataMobileMedicalClinicand broughtmetotheChildren'sHome tostay.Sincethen,Ihavebeenable togetmanysurgeriesonmyfeetto allowmetowalkwithoutpain,andI amsothankful.Ioftentravelinto themountainstospeakwithother poorchildrenaboutbelievingin Christandlovetellingthemhowmy lifehasbeensaved.Iama professionalphotographerand workonLoveAChild’sTVcrew.I havealsostartedafewsmall businesseswithmybrothers includingasmallrestaurantand sellingpigs!
D I M E L I A MynameisDimeliaDiesca.WhenI waslittle,Ifellintoacharcoalfire andsustainedsevereinjuries.My scarspreventedmefrommoving normally,andIdesperately neededmedicalcare,somy fatheraskedSherrytotakemein.I spentalongtimeinthehospital, travelingtotheUSforsurgeries thateventuallyallowedmeto movefreely.IcanspeakEnglish betterthanFrenchanddecidedto studyadministrationatan English-speakingcollegein Jamaica.Iloveworkingatmy churchandSherrysaysIwilldo verywellinadministration!
D O R I S S A N T MynameisDorissantBurnette. Aftermymotherdied,myfather abandonedme.Fortunately,a lovingneighborfoundme wanderingaroundmyfamily’shut, andaskedMommieSherrytotake mebecausenooneinthevillage couldcareforme.EveryonesaidI wasabeautifulbabyboy.Today,I likegoingtoschoolattheLoveA ChildSchoolandplayingwithall mysiblings.Likeallmyyoung brothersandsisters,Istaybusy aroundtheLoveAChild Orphanageandhavealotof energy.Ialsolovetoplaysoccer, andI’msothankfulIcangrowup inabig,lovingChristianfamily.
E R I C K A MynameisEricka,andmymother becamereallysickaftermydelivery anddiedshortlyafterIwasborn.A womaninanearbyvillagecaredfor meforseveralmonthsbefore MommieSherryfoundmelyingona dirtfloor,malnourishedand coveredwithsoresfroma contagiousskininfection.My speechanddevelopmentare delayedbecauseofthesevere malnutritionIsufferedasababy, butIamahappy,lovinggirlwho lovestosmile,sing,andgoto church!MommieSherrysaysI“talk withmyheart”becauseI sometimescan’tspeakwell!I attendschoolwithmybrothersand sisters,butIgoataslowerpace, “marchingtomyownbeat”and givingitmyall!IlovetheLordand havecompleteconfidenceinHim tohelpmeovercomemy challenges!
E S T H E R MynameisEsther,andI'velivedat theLoveAChildChildren'sHome sinceIwasababy.Mymotherwas verysick,hadnoplacetolive,and thoughtshewasdying,soshe broughtmyoldersisterWidlene andmetotheLoveAChild'sgate andaskedMommieSherrytotake us.PoppieBobbyandMommie Sherryputmymotherinthe hospital,andwhenshewaswell, theygaveherajobinthe Children'sHome.Now,Iamin collegetobeadentalhygienist.I loveanimals,somydreamwasto beaveterinarian,butthereareno schoolsforthatinHaiti.Iam excitedaboutthepathIamon!I alsohavethe"giftofdanceand singing"andlovemusic,praising theLordthroughdanceand dressingup!I'mtoughatsports, especiallybasketball,andcan "clobber"theboysonthecourt!
F A B I E N N E MynameisFabienne,andIwas borninPetionville.Myfatherand motherabandonedmebecause theycouldnottakecareofme. PoppieBobbyandMommieSherry haveraisedmeintheChildren’s HomesinceIwasaboutfiveorsix yearsold.IlovetosingfortheLord inchurchandontheLoveAChild RadionStation.MommieSherry saysIam“sweet,giggly,shy,and kindtoeveryone!”Mynicknameis “TiDous,”or“LittleSweetie!”People canalwaystellwhenI’mnervous becauseIlaughalot!Igraduated highschoolwithtopgradesand amincollegetobecomeadental hygienist.Ilovecookingand assistingintheMobileMedical ClinicsandtheDentalClinicwhen I'mnotinschool.Igetlotsof practicecleaningallofmy brother'sandsister’steeth!Ieven cleanPoppieBobby’steeth“freeof charge!”
F A B I O L A MynameisFabiola.Aftermy motherdiedwhenIwasvery young,mystepfathercouldnot takecareofmeandmybrother Jacque.Sometimeshewould leaveusalonefordayswhilehe lookedforwork.Wehadnofood andbecameseverely malnourished.Hedecideditwas bestforusifhegaveusup,sothe HaitianDepartmentofSocial ServicescontactedMommie SherryandPoppieBobby.Wenow liveattheLoveAChildChildren’s Home,wherewearehappyand loved.IenjoycookingHaitianfood, jumpingrope,puttingtogether puzzles,anddoing“praisedances.” I’malsoverygoodatplaying cards,sogoodthatalloftheboys areafraidtoplaywithme!Ilove helpingintheMalnutritionClinic andhopetobeapediatrician someday.Untilthen,Iwillkeep “reachingforthestars!”
F R I T Z N E R MynameisFritzner,andIwasbornin Covant,avillageontopofthe highestmountaininHaiti.Mymother diedimmediatelyaftermybirthof “childbirthfever,”andmyfatherup andleft.WhenIwasaboutfour monthsold,PastorJustincarriedme allthewaydownthemountainto theChildren’sHomeandasked MommieSherryandPoppieBobbyto takeme.Theyimmediatelyadded metotheir”family,”savingmylife.I wasafraillittlebabywhenIarrived, buttoday,Iamdoingverywellin schoolandgrowinglikeaweed! MommieSherrysaysI’mastallasa coconuttree!Iloveplaying basketballbecauseImakeallthe baskets!Icanbealittlequietand shy,butI’ma“ladies’man”andlike toriseearlytohelpthecooksand momsinthekitchen!TheysayIhave a“calmspirit”andamverykind, helpful,andhard-working.I’malso goodatplayingthebassguitarand wanttobeacarpentersomeday!
G E O R G E S MynameisGeorges,andIcametothe Children’sHomewhenIwasoneweek old.Mymotheralreadyhadmany childrensosheplannedtodeliverme inthehospitalandabandonmethere becauseshecouldnotfeedonemore child.However,HurricaneGeorges cameasshewasdeliveringme,and shetookmetoBobbyandSherrysoon after.Shelaterpassedawaywhile deliveringmyyoungersister,Stephanie. MyfatherbroughtStephanietothe Children’sHometoosincehecouldnot careforher.LoveAChildistheonly homeandfamilywehaveeverknown. BythetimeIwasten,Ilovedlearningall abouttheheavyequipment.WhenI finishedhighschool,Igotmoreformal trainingandnowworkfulltimeforLove AChildandoverseemovingcontainers fromtheDominicanRepublic.Sherry saysIamkind,lovable,andthebest heavy-dutyequipmentdriverwe’ve everhad!Iamalsomarriedandhavea beautifulson!
G I N Y I A MynameisGinyia,thenickname myfamilygavemebecausemy realnameisverylong.Mymother diedduringmybirthwhenshe hadaC-section,andmyfather desertedmetogotothe DominicanRepublicandnever returned.My17-year-oldcousin caredforme,butitwasastruggle. Whenshecouldnolongerdoso, shebroughtmetoHaitianSocial Services,whothenaskedMommie SherryandPoppieBobbytotake me.Iloveplayingwithallofmy sistersand“babysitting”the youngerkids.I’musuallyreally quietunlesstheboysteaseme! ButIcan“holdmyown”withall mybrothers!Iespeciallyliketo jumprope,playwithdolls,and dance.MommieSherrysaysI’m “graceful,alwaysinstep,and nevermissabeat!”Idowellin schoolandwouldliketobea nursewhenIgrowup.
H A N N A H MynameisHannah,whichis pronouncedAnnainHaiti,Iwas borninthemountainsof Demesseau.Mymotherdiedright whenIwasborn,andnothingis knownaboutmyfatherorsiblings. Apastorbroughtmetothe Children'sHome.Iwasinverypoor health,andseverelymalnourished whenPoppieBobbyandMommie Sherrytookmein.LoveAChildis theonlyhomeand"family"Ihave everknown.Ilovemusicand singinginchurch.Ialsoenjoy cooking,soyoucanusuallyfind meinthekitchenmaking somethingyummy!Somuchso thatonceIfinishedhighschool,I decidedIwantedtoworkforLove AChildinthekitchen!Mommie SherrysaysI'm"zerostress"and "lowmaintenance,"always respectfulandkindtoeveryone!I lovetheLord,lovepeople,and lovetohelpothers!
J A C K S O N MynameisJackson.Iwasseven yearsoldandsufferingfrom Kwashiorkormalnutritionwhen MommieSherryfoundmeduring aMedicalClinicinSavaanPit.My bodywashorriblyswollenandfor monthsIhadtohavewater drainedfrommynavel.Ihave chronickidneyproblemsandam ondialysiseverynight.Iam thankfultohaveagreatteamof doctorsandnursesbothatthe JesusHealingCenterandinthe DominicanRepublicwhogiveme thebestcare.Ilovegoingto schoolandSherrysaysIam extremelyintelligent.Oneday,I wouldliketobecomeadoctorlike theoneswhohavehelpedme!
J A M E S MynameisJamesFrancois,and mynicknameis“Ti(Little)Pigeon.”
Mymother,Jocelyn,diedandmy father,JosueFrancois,couldnot careformeormylittlebrother“Ti Pikan”.Wewenttostaywith relativesandmyuncletookusto theorphanagetoseeMommie Sherry.I'vegrowntolove photographyandamnow studyingaccountingatINUKA University.
J A M E S O N My name is Jameson. My mother brought me from our village by a little boat across the lake to the Jesus Healing Center. I had really bad eye and skin infections. My eyes were so full of dust and dirt that they were almost swollen shut, and I was in a lot of pain and cried all the time. There were many times I couldn’t open my eyes at all! It turned out I had a rare, severe impetigo-like disease that worsened every time I returned to my village. There were no trees where I lived; it was an extremely dusty, dry area. The doctors said I was having an allergic reaction to all of the dust. So, now I am staying at the Children’s Home and doing much better! Mommie Sherry says I “look like an angel” when I smile! I love to play soccer, sing, and feed the pigeons! I work really in school and make great grades. I hope to become an engineer someday.
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MynameisJeanEdwouard,andmy parentswerekilledinahurricanenear FondParisien.Iwenttolivewithrelatives inthemudhutvillageofLeTant.ThoughI wasnotbeingphysicallyabused,Iwasa restavekslavechild.MommieSherry foundmewhenIwasaboutsixyearsold duringa“fooddistribution.”Shewatched mehaulingheavybucketsofwater, makingafireallbymyself,anddoingall thecookingforthelargefamilyIlived with.Sheknewshecouldnotabandon meandhadtorescuemefrommy “invisibleprison,”somyrelativesagreed withherthatIwouldhaveabetterlifein theChildren’sHome,soshelegallytook mehome,andtheLordchangedmylife! MommieSherrysaysIam“humbleand kind,withasweet,gentlespirit!”Ihave finishedhighschoolandamstudying SpanishsoIcanattendacollegeinthe DominicanRepublic!Ilovetosewand wanttobeaprofessionaltailorand clothingdesignersomeday.
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MynameisJeanGardy,andIwasvery youngwhenmymotherdied.Myfather hadnojobormoney,soheasked BobbyandSherrytotakeme.WhenI arrived,theyrantheorphanageina small,rentedoldhouse“burstingatthe seams”withotherorphanedchildren likeme.Irememberwhenweallmoved intothenewChildren’sHome.Icould notbelievehowmuchspacewehad!It wasoverwhelming,inagoodway!Ilove toplaysoccerandhelpwith constructionprojects,andhavealways lovedmathand“crunchingnumbers. I’veeventaughtallmybrothersand sistershowtosaveandmanage money.Somehavebeenbetterlearners thanothers!Theycallme“TheBanker!” MomSherrysaysIwas“bornwitha businesshead”andama“genius”at money.Iamstudyingaccountingat UniversityandworkinginLoveAChild’s AccountingOfficewhenI’mnotawayat school.
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MynameisJeanRichard.Mymother becameillwhenIwasyoungand couldn’tcareforme.BecauseIhave cerebralpalsyandneededspecialcare,I wassenttoanorphanagefor handicappedchildren.Unfortunately,the orphanagewasdestroyedinthe2010 earthquakethathitHaiti,soIwas welcomedintomynewfamilyatthe Children’sHome,andIhavebeen blessedeversince.Iuseawalkerbutcan walkshortdistanceswithoutitnow becauseGodmakestheimpossible possible!Ioftenuseabiketogetaround, makingmefasterthanmybrothersand sisters!Ihavealwayslovedmusicand enjoyteachingothershowtoplayvarious instruments;however,thekeyboardisa greatsourceofjoytome.I’vecompleted afouryearcourseinmusicand computertechnologyandwilluseitto teachstudentsatLoveAChildandhope tofurthercareer!
MynameisJob,andIwasborn highinthemountainsofCovant. Mymotherdiedduringchildbirth, andmyfathercouldnotcarefor me.Iendedupbeingbroughtto theChildren’sHome,whereI becamehappyandwasableto eatandgrow!SherrysaysIam“as tallasacoconuttree!”Ilove sports,playingbassguitar,and goingtoschool.In2024,Iwas diagnosedwithararebone infectioninmyleg,andIam thankfulIwasabletogetthebest careandasuccessfulsurgery.I havesincebeenworkingwiththe LoveAChildplumberandthinkI wanttobeaplumberor electricianoneday.SherrysaysI wouldbeagoodoneandthatI amcalmandhelpful!
J O L I N A MynameisJolina,andIwasbornin themountainsofSavaanRoche.My fatherwasshotandkilledwhenI wasaninfant,andmymothercould nothandlethestressoftakingcare ofmeaftermyfather’smurder sincetherewerenineotherchildren inthefamily.Apastorbroughtmy cousinDaphlineandmetothe Children’sHome,wherePoppie BobbyandMommieSherrytookus in.Iloveplayingallkindsofsports.If it’scompetitiveandinvolves running,I’mallinbecauseI’moutto win!I’mlikea“chargingrhinowith fingernailpolish!”MommieSherry saysI’m“onetoughcookie”whois “tough”ontheoutsidebut“tender” ontheinside.WhenI’mnotdoing schoolworkor“mowingdown”some ofmybrothersonthesoccerfieldor basketballcourt,Ilikecookingwith mysisters.TodayIwanttobea pediatricianandIspendlotsoftime helpinginthepharmacyatthe JesusHealingCenter.
J O N A S MynameisJonasandIcamealong wayfromthevillageofDemesseau. Mymotherdiedduringchildbirth, andmyfathercouldnottakecareof me.BobbyandSherryfoundme duringaMobileMedicalClinicandI wassosick.Irecoveredwellatthe Children'sHomewithmybigfamily. SherrysaysIwasaquietkidbut "alwaysthere"whensomeone neededhelp.Lateron,Iwasoften underthehoodorwheelsofa brokendownmachine.Igraduated highschoolandhavelearned mechanicsandalsolovesoccer anddominoesforfun.
J O N A S MynameisJonas.PoppieBobbyand MommieSherrymetmewhilebringing foodtomyvillage.Myparentshaddied, andIhadnoplacetoliveorfamilyto careforme.AHaitianladyinmyvillage tookmeinasa“restavekslavechild,”as sheneededsomeonetoworktheland.I sleptoutsideandworkedtendinglarge gardenswithgrownmen.Iwasoften beatenbecauseIhadnotworkedhard enoughandwasfedverylittlefood. Thankfully,Iwasrescuedandbroughtto theChildren’sHome.Idon’tknowhowold Iam.MommieandPoppieguessI’m “abouttenoreleven.”Untilnow,Ihad neverhadashower,neverhadafull meal,neversleptinabed,neverbeento school,andneverhadahug.Ihadto learnsomanythings,likehowtoholda pencil,howtoputonshoes,howtodraw numbersandletters,howtoread,howto play,howtosmile,andhowtobeloved.I amexcitedtoliveherewithmynew familyandfinallyattendschool.Ilike plants,wateringthegardens,andcaring fortheturkeysandotheranimals. MommieSherrysaysI’masweet“gift fromGod”and“oneloveablekid!”
J O N A T H A N MynameisJonathanNoel,andI wasborninBelleFontaine.My fatherdiedbeforeIwasbornand mymother,LodaineSainda,died afterdeliveringmytwinbrother Davidandme.Mygrandmother triedtokeepusalivebygivingus saltwater.Wewereneardeath whenMommieSherrybroughtus totheorphanage.Now,Iloveto singinchurch!Ialsolovetoplay soccerwithallmybrothers.I finishedhighschoolwiththe highestgradesandamstudying cinematography.
J O S E P H MynameisBabeto,buteveryone callsmeJoseph.Whenmymother died,myfatherabandonedmy twinsisterSarahandme.Iwas veryillandsufferingfromasevere formofmalnutrition.Thedoctors thoughtImightnotlive,butthe Lordhealedandhelpedme.Being broughtdownfromthemountains totheChildren’sHomesavedmy life.MyLoveAChildbrothersand sisterswelcomedmewithopen arms.Iwasgivenmedicalcare, deliciousandnutritiousfood(I lovetoeat!),andlotsoflove.Iam ahardworkerandenjoyhelping onthe“paintingteam.”Ifinished highschoolandamstudyingto beadieselmechanic.MomSherry saysIwillmakeagreatmechanic becauseI’m“steadyandcareful andloveallthatmechanicstuff!”
K E N S O N MynameisKenson,andIwas borninPort-au-Prince.Myparents diedwhenIwasveryyoung,soI wastakentotheChildren’sHome.
Today,Ihavecompletedhigh schoolandamstudyingtobea “professionalmechanic.”WhenI’m not“gettingmyhandsdirty,”I havea“passionforfashion”and lovegettingdresseduptogoto churchorsomeplaceotherthan underthehoodofacar!Ialso enjoyplayingsoccerand basketballwithmybrothersand sistersandlisteningtoGospel musicduringmybreaksfrom fixing,patching,orrepairinga broken-downvehicleorother equipment!
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MynameisKenzy.Myfatherdied beforeIwasborn,andmymother diedduringchildbirth.Iwassmall, sickly,and“closetodeath”whena kindHaitianPastorbroughtmeto PoppieBobbyandMommie Sherry.Ihadmalariaandabad skininfection,andthenIlearned thatIalsohavesicklecellanemia, soIhavetohavealotofmedical care.EvenwhenI’msick,Itryto smileandlovetoplaywithmy brothers.MommieSherrysaysI’m sosweetandhuggable,witha sneakygrinandmischievouslook inmyeyes,whichkeepsheronher toes!Ilovegoingtoschool,putting togetherpuzzles,workinginthe garden,andeatingcandy!Iwant tobeadoctorwhenIgrowup,soI canhelppeoplewhoaresicklike me.
L I O N E L MynameisLionel.WhenIwasabout eightornineyearsold,myfather,a Voodooman,gotmadatmeandheld myhandinapotofboilingwaterto “teachmealesson.”Hethentossedme outonthestreetwithabadlyburned hand.Thankfully,thepolicefoundme and,togetherwithHaitianSocial Services,broughtmetotheChildren’s Home,whereIcouldgettreatmentfor myhandandbewelcomedbyaloving family.Myhandeventuallyhealedbut wasstillin“badcondition,”andmy fingerswere“meltedtogether,”which mademesadbecauseIcouldn’tplay thesamesportsasmybrothersand sisters.ButGodmovedmountains,anda miraclehappened!MommieSherryand PoppieBobbyfoundateamofthebest doctorsintheDominicanRepublicwho broughtmyhand“backtolife!”Icannow bendallmyfingersandamsograteful!I loveplayingsoccerandbasketballwith mybrothers,somethingIneverthoughtI wouldeverdo.Ihopetobecomeagreat mechaniconeday,butfornow,Ienjoy helpingtocleanthemachinesand vehiclesatLoveAChild.
L O V E L Y MynameisLovely.Ataboutfivemonths old,Iwasfoundabandonedandcrying, sittingonapieceofcardboardinthe street.Mymotherhaddiedfromaserious illness,andmyfather“discardedme” whenhefoundoutIhadthesame incurableillnessasmymother.Asweet ladywhosoldHaitiangiftitemsonthe streetsofPort-au-Princefoundmeand namedmeLovely.Shethentookmeto MommieSherry.Iwasextremelyfrail, severelymalnourished,andHIV-positive, soIneededalotofongoingspecialized careandmedicaltreatment.Today,Iam doingsomuchbetter!Ienjoysingingand goingtochurch.MommieSherrysaysthe Lordhasblessedmewitha“goldenvoice, likeanangel.”MyfaithinGodisvery importanttome,andIknowtheLordwill healmesomedaybecauseheisaGodof miracles!Ilovehangingoutwithmy sisters,doingourhairandnails,andother “girliethings,”asPoppieBobbycallsit!I amincollegeandhopetobealawyerto helpthepooroneday!
L U C S O N MynameisLucson,andI’mfrom thevillageofCovant,atopHaiti’s tallestmountain.Mymotherdied fromabadinfectionrightafterI wasborn.Theycalledit“childbirth fever.”Iwasjustfourdaysold whenthevillagePastorbrought mefromthemiddleofnowhereto theChildren’sHomebecausemy fathercouldnotcareforme,ashe alreadyhadmyfouroldersiblings tofeed.MommieSherrysaysI’m “afunnylittleguy”and“super smart!”I’malways“thinkingabout something!”Iworkhardinmy classesatschool,andIwanttobe adoctorormechanicwhenIgrow up.Iwearglasses,soeveryone saysIlooklikea“littleprofessor!”I loveplayingdominoesandsoccer withmybrothersandsisters.I’m thebestgoalieever!Ialsoenjoy goingtochurchandreading.I thinkIknowmoreBibleverses thanMommie&Poppie!
M A C K E N S O N MynameisMackensonBurnette.I wassufferingfromKwashiorkor malnutritionwhenBobbyand Sherryfoundmeinthemountains ofCovantduringaMobileMedical Clinic.Myfatherwassosadto givemeupbutknewIneeded help.Heallowedmetogetcare andgrowupattheChildren’s Home.I’vealwaysbeensmallfor myagebutstartedgrowingand gettinghealthy.However,whenI wasaround11,Ihadastroke.With adoctor’scare,Ihaverecovered well.ThoughIstillwalkwithalimp andcan’tbeasactive,Iamhappy andashardworkingasIcanbe.I lovetohelpclean,playdominoes, andgotoschool.Ihopetobea Geographyteachersomeday!
M I K A MynameisMika(TiMika).Mommie
SherryfoundmewhenIwas“afraillittle thing”undertwoyearsoldinthevillage ofMadamnBauje.Iwassittingonthe ground,allalone,eatingdirt.Myhair wasred,Ihadsoresallovermybody, mybellywasswollen,andIcouldn’t walkduetoseveremalnutrition.My motherhaddied,myelderly grandmothercouldn’tcareformeany longer,andmystepmotherdidn’twant me,soMommieSherrybroughtmeto theLoveAChildChildren’sHomeand savedmylife.TodayIamhealthy, strong,andveryoutgoing.Ilovedolls, cooking,andjumpingrope,andIcan playa“meangameofdominoes.”I alsoenjoysinginganddancingand evenleadthechildren’sworship servicesatnight!Iseemtoalwaysbe laughingandeveryonesaysIhavea smile“ayardlong!”Idowellinschool andsometimesthinkIwanttobean agriculturalistand,atothertimes,a pediatrician.OnlyGodknowswhatHe hasplannedformylife,butfornow,I amblessedtobeapartofsucha lovingfamily!
M I K A MynameisMika.Whenmy motherMerciliadiedsoonafter thebirthofmytwinsister (Mikalange)andme,myfatherSt. Cappecouldnotcareforus.We werebornhighinthemountainsin aremotevillagecalledCovant.My fatherbroughtustothe orphanagewherewearehappy.I amquietbuthardworking.Iloveto playsoccerandcook.Iamagood studentandhopetostudy computerscienceoneday!
M I K A E L MynameisMikael,andmy nicknameisTiMikael(Little Mikael).Mymotherdiedshortly afterIwasborn,andmyfather wasverypoorandcouldnotcare foranewbornbaby.Iwasinvery poorhealthandsufferingfrom malnutritionwhenmyfather broughtmetotheChildren’s Home.Today,I’mstrongand healthy.Iliketoplaysoccerand basketball,andIamreallygoodat dominoes.Ilovemusicandaman up-and-comingdrummer!I’man earlyriserandhardworker,andI likestayingbusy,whetherit’s sweeping,mopping,orpainting. You’llneverseeme“hidingfrom work,”likesomeofmybrothers andsisters–Ha!
M I K A L A N G E
MynameisMikalange.Iwasborn highinthemountainsinavillage calledCovant.Mymotherdiedsoon aftergivingbirthtomeandmytwin sister,Mika.Myfathertriedtocare forus,buthecouldn’tfindworkand hadnomoneyforfood,sohe broughtustotheChildren’sHome. Wewerebothverytinyandsick fromseveremalnutrition.Mommie SherrysaysmysisterandIareas differentasnightandday,butwe havebroughtthemgreatjoy!Iam outgoing,hardworking,andalittle bitmischievous!Certainlynotthe shy,quietonelikemytwin.Poppie Bobbycallsmea“rascal”becauseI liketoplaytricks,aggravatemy sister,andamalwaysupto something!Ilovemusicandam learningtoplaythedrums.I’malso agoodcook,agreatdancer,anda “meansoccerplayer!”Allofthe boysareafraidofme!Ihopeto becomeadentistoneday.
M I L I A N A MynameisMiliana.MommieSherry foundmewanderingaroundallby myselfinsomescrubbushesinthemudhutvillageofMadamnBauje.Iwasthe “pictureofneglect,”severely malnourished,dirty,andverysickly.I didn’tevenhavethestrengthtocryor lookupatherbecauseIwassoweak.I hadnervedamageononesideofmy face,ahorribleskindiseasethatlooked likelittle“treetrunks”growingallovermy body,andIconstantlychewedthesideof myhand.WhenIfirstcametothe Children’sHome,Iwasafraidof everythingandwasveryshyand nervous,andstayedtomyself,butit didn’ttakelongformeto“comeoutof myshell,”asMommieSherrysays!I’ve beentotheStatesmanytimestoreceive medicalcareformyskincondition.The treatmentshavehelped,andit’sgotten somuchbetter,forwhichIamso thankful.However,thereisnocureright now,sothegrowthsalwaysreturn.Ipray everydayforacuretobediscovered!I lovegoingtoschoolandhavelearnedto speakEnglish.Iwouldliketobecomea teacherornurseoneday!
M O S E S MynameisMoses.Aftergivingbirthto me,mymotherdroppedmeintoan outhousetodiebecauseshedidn’t wantanotherchild.Amanheardmy faintcries,tiedaropearoundhis waist,andhadtwomenhoisthim downintotheouthousewithabucket torescueme.Thankfully,Iwasstill breathing.Theladiesinthevillage cleanedmeup,andtheytookmetoa charityhospitalforcare.Iwasthen senttoHaitianSocialServices,who calledMommieSherry.Iwasvery skinnyandmalnourishedwhenI arrivedattheChildren’sHome.Today, Iamhappyandhealthy!Ihitafew roughpatchesinmyearlyteens, thinkingIwas“cool,”butwithGod’s grace,MommieSherry’s“toughlove,” andlifelessonsabout“whereGod broughtmefrom,”Ifoundmyway backtomyoldselfandremembered justhowtrulyblessedIam. I'mnowa hardworkeronthepaintingteamand happierthanever!Imightalso becomeamechaniconeday!
N A T A L I E MynameisNatalie.Myfathertook metoLoveAChild’sMalnutrition Clinicaftermymotherdiedbecause hecouldn’tcareforme.Iwasless thanayearoldandneardeath.I wasfrail,malnourished,andvery underweight.Withgreatmedical care,nutritiousfood,andlotsoflove, Irecovered.MommieSherrylooked everywhereformyfather,buthehad disappeared.Now,IliveatLoveA
ChildwithMommieandPoppieand havemanybrothersandsisterswho loveme.MommieSherrysaysmy fatherlosta”valuablegift”because I’ma“supersmartandquietand classy”younggirl!Ienjoyjumping rope,dancing,singingwithmy sistersduringoureveningdevotions, and“borrowing”mybrother’s remotecontrolcar.Everyonesays I’ma“pistol”ontheracetrack!Ihope tobeaPediatriciansomeday.
N E L S O N MynameisWisnelson,butIgoby Nelson.Myparentswereverypoor andintoVoodoo.Theyneverpaid attentiontomeanddidnotgive mewaterorfoodtoeat.Ithink theywantedmetodie.Iwasfour yearsoldwhenMommieSherry andPoppieBobbybroughtmeto LoveAChildChildren’sHome.I wasstarving,naked,andmybelly wasfullofworms.Icouldnotwalk, talkorstandbecauseofrickets.
Now,MommieSherrysaysIam the“sunshine”thatbrightenstheir days!Iloverunning,talking, laughing,dancing,andplaying withmymanybrothersand sisters. I’malsoveryacrobatic andcandoalotofbackflips, cartwheels,andhandstands!I maketopgradesinschooland havebeentoldI’m“smartasa whip.”Iwanttobeamechanic whenIgrowup.
N O A H MynameisNoah.Iwasfound outsidetheLoveAChildgate, “thrownaway,”intheweeds.Iwas abouttwoyearsoldandhadbeen burned,starved,andbadly abused.ALoveAChildmissionary rescuedmeandbroughtmeto theJesusHealingCenter.Icould notwalk,didnotspeak,andwas afraidofeveryone.SocialServices releasedmetoMommieSherry andPoppieBobby.Myhomeisat LoveAChild,whereIamnowsafe, wellcaredfor,andlovedby everyone!Iaminschooland somedaywouldliketobea teacherormechanic.Ilove showingoffmy“dancemoves,” playinggames,singingatchurch, andeating!
R A C H A E L MyrealnameisNazalie,butIgoby Rachael.MommieSherrysaidIwas suchabeautifulbabythatIneededa beautifulname!Myparentswerevery poorandalreadyhadfourchildren whenIwasborn.Theycouldnot affordtotakecareofme,too, becauseIwasalwaysgettingsick withbadheadfungusinfections.So, mymotherbroughtmetothe Children’sHomewhenIwasjustan infantbecausesheknewIwouldbe wellcaredforandraisedinahealthy andhappyhome.Ilovegoingto school,jumpingrope(I’manexpert atit!),anddoingpraisedanceswith mysisters.Ialsolovetoimitateother kidsandpeople,andmy impersonationscanbecomealittle animatedand“crazy,”butallingood fun!MommieSherrysaysIamajoyful andsweetgirlandcallsme“Little MissAnti-Stress!”Ihopetobeanurse someday.
R A P H A E L MynameisRaphael.Bothofmy parentsdrownedandwerelostat seawhenaricketyold“Haitian boat”theyweretravelingin, headedfortheStateswiththe promiseofwork,overturned.My auntcaredformeandmysisters, AdaandBianca,foraslongasshe could,buteventually,shecouldno longerfeedus.PoppieBobbyand MommieSherryheardourstory andbroughtusallthewayfrom Cap-HaitientotheLoveAChild Children’sHomemanyyearsago. Today,Iloveplayingsoccerand basketballand“rockingout”on thebassguitar.EveryonestatesI don’tknowhowtofindthe“low volumebutton!”.MommieSherry saysI’m“verysweet,studious,and hasneverbeenadayoftrouble!”
Mydreamistobeadoctorand helpsavelivesintheJesus HealingCenter.
R E B E C C A MynameisRebecca.LoveA Child’sHaitianDirector,Nelio, discoveredmewhenIwasthree yearsold.Iwasabouttobesoldto amanasarestavekorslavechild. Neliorescuedmeandbroughtme totheChildren’sHome,where MommieSherrywaswaitingto givemeabighugwhenIarrived.I immediatelyfeltsafeandloved.I enjoyputtingtogetherpuzzles, playingdominoes,andlisteningto music.IloveJesuswithallmy heart!MysistersandIhonorHim with“praisedances.”Mommy alwayssayshowbeautifulIam.I hopetobeadentistonedayand lovevolunteeringintheJesus HealingCenterafterschool!
R O D N A MynameisRodna,butmy brothersandsistersatthe Children’sHomecallme“Rod.” My motherdiedwhenIwasjusttwo yearsold.Myfatherbroughtmeto LoveAChildbecausehewas“not well,”sohecouldnolongercare forme.Iwassufferingfromsevere malnutrition.Today,Ilovegrowing up“inabig,bigfamily”atthe Children’sHome!Ienjoysingingin churchservices,caringformylittle siblings,andhelpinginthe kitchen.Ilovetocook!Spaghettiis myfavoritethingtocook…and eat! Ihopetobeanurse someday.Ialsolikereadingbooks, playingbasketball,puttingpuzzles together,andgoingtoschool. MommieSherrysaysI’mextremely intelligentwitha“memorylikean elephant!”Sheonceaskedmehow Igotsosmart,andItoldher,“Just bythegraceofGod.”
S A M U E L
MynameisSamuel.Iwastwoyears oldwhenSocialServicesasked PoppieBobbyandMommieSherry totakemehomewiththem.They weretheretotakehomeanother abandonedchildandwereblessed withmetoo!Nooneknewwhomy fatherwas,andmymothercould nolongerfeedorcareforme.At first,Iwasveryquietandafraid,but nowIlovemyfamilyatthe Children’sHome!Theycallme“Ti Samuel”or“LittleSamuel”because therearetwoSamuelsinmyLoveA Childfamily!Ilovetoworkinthe garden,playsoccerwithmy brothers(andsometimesmy sisters!),andsingloudlyand proudlyinchurch.Mybrothersand sistersallsayIsing“offkey,”butI thinkIsoundperfect!Ihopetobea doctorsomeday.MommieSherry sayssheknowsIwillgofar!
S A N D R A L I N E MynameisSandraline,andIwas bornintheCroixdesBouquetsarea. MymotherdiedsoonafterIwasborn, andmyfather,whohadasmalljob fixingbicyclestopayaladytocare forme,realizedthatIwasnot developinglikeababyshouldandno longerhadanymoneytobuyfoodor payformycare.WhenIwasnine monthsold,fearingImightdie,my fatherbroughtmetotheChildren’s Home.Iwasskinny,extremely malnourished,fullofsores,and alwayscriedbecauseIwasso hungry.Today,Ilovegoingtoschool evenwhenitishardforme.I’malittle “slower”inmanyways,butIalways “giveitmybest!” Athome,Ireally lovetojumprope,playsoccer,singin church,andhelptakecareofmy youngerbrothersandsisters.
MommieSherrysaysI’msupersweet andcallsme“Piwili”inCreole,which meansLollipop!Italwaysmakesme smile!Iwouldliketobeanurse someday.
S T A N L E Y MynameisElieStanley,and sometimesIamevencalled “Kinam.”Whenmymother MarmitaPierreandmyfather PhilemomEliedied,Iwastakento averypoor,run-downorphanage. ArelativecalledMommieSherryto seeifLoveAChildwouldtakeme andI’mgladtheydid!Mommie sayswhenIarrived,Iwashungry allthetimeandwasskinnyand frail.Igothealthy,didwellin school,andwaseventuallyputin chargeofLoveAChild’sdiesel supply.Iamnowattending UniversityINUKAtobecomean electricalengineer!
S T E P H A N O MynameisStephano.Mymother wasreleasedafteryearsinprison butcouldnotcareformebecause shehadmentalproblems.My fatherabandonedmewhenIwas born.HaitianSocialServices broughtmetoLoveAChildwhenI wasthree,whereIbecamepartof areallovingfamily.Ilikeplaying soccer,dominoes,andputting togetherpuzzles.Iwanttobea mechanicwhenIgrowup.Iloveto watch“TheThreeStooges”andtell funnyjokestomakepeoplelaugh! MommieandPoppiesayIhavea smile“amilelong!”
WI D L E N E I’mWidlene,andIremember comingtotheChildren’sHome whenIwasaboutfiveyearsold. Mymotherthoughtshewasdying andbroughtmeandmybaby sister,EsthertoLoveAChild’s gatesandaskedMommieSherry totakeus.PoppieBobbyand MommieSherryputmymotherin thehospital,andwhenshewas well,theygaveherajobhere,too.
Ihaveapassionforcookingand finishedprofessionalchefschool!I lovecreatingspecialnew “gourmet”dishesforPoppieBobby totaste,andIamnowlearning howtomakebeautifulwedding cakes.Ievenplantheweekly menusfortheChildren’sHome andgotothemarkettomakesure theingredientsarefreshand“just right!”IlovetheLord,alwaysput “Jesusfirst,”andhopetosomeday marryaHaitianpastor.
Y O L A N D A MynameisYolanda,andIwasbornhigh inthemountainsintheremotevillageof Covant.Mymotherdiedshortlyaftermy birth,andmyfathercouldnotcareformy sixothersiblingsandme,sothePastorin myvillagebroughtmedownthe mountainandaskedMommieSherryand PoppieBobbytotakemein,andtheydid. TheChildren’sHomeistheonlyhomeI’ve everknown,andIlovemybigfamily.I lovemusicanddanceandenjoy “worshippingtheLord”onthepraise danceteam.Igraduatedhighschooland reallyenjoycookingandhelpingatthe Children'sHome.Mybrothersandsisters havenicknamedme“Spaghetti”because it’smyfavoritefood!And,eventhoughI’m “girly,”onceIhitthebasketballcourt, everyoneshouldwatchoutbecauseIcan bea“terror!”Ihopetoenterthemedical fieldsomedayasapediatrician,nurse,or pharmacist,andIlovehelpinginthe BirthingCenterfornow!
Z A C H A R Y MynameisZachary.Mymothercame withmetotheJesusHealingCenter ClinicwhenIwasabouttwomonths old.Shewassickwithafeverand neededsomemedicine,andIwasalso frailandsick.Oneofthenurses suspectedthatImightbeindanger becausesherecognizedmymotheras “theladywithfourchildrenwhohad diedandanothermissingone.”When wewentbacktomyvillage,the neighborssaidtothenursesthatmy motherwascrazyanddeepinto Voodooandthatshetoldthemshewas planningtokillmewithabutcherknife! So,HaitianSocialServicesapproved PoppieBobbyandMommieSherryto bringmetotheLoveAChildChildren’s Hometolivesafely.Now,Ilovetoeat andamhealthyandhappy.Ilovegoing toschool,andMommieSherrysaysI’m as“smartasawhip”butcanbea“little pistol!”Ilovetoplaywithmybrothers andsisters(theycallme“TiMoso”or LittleBitbecauseI’msoshort!),feedthe turkeys,andsing,evenifeveryonesays it’s“off-key!”IwanttobeapilotwhenI growup.
O E Y
MynameisZoey.Iwasfound “thrownaway”onadirtroadnear thevillageof“NewLetant”three yearsago.Mymotherwasvery poorandcouldn’tcareforanother hungrychild,sosheabandoned me.IwastakentoSocialServices, buttheyhadtoomanyother abandonedbabies,sothey broughtmetoMommieSherry andPoppieBobbyatLoveAChild. Ilovegoingtoschool,andwantto beanursewhenIgrowup.Ilove playingwithdollsandplaying dress-upwithmyoldersisters.I alsoliketosinganddanceand ampartofthe“PraiseDance Team!”Ihavetherhythmbutnot thestepsjustyet!MommieSherry saysI’mascuteasIamsmart andthatIhavePoppieBobby wrappedaroundmylittlefinger!
