AD A
MynameisJessica,butmostcall me“Ada”.IwasborninPort-auPrince.We’vebeentoldthatmy parentstriedtogettotheUnited Statesbyboattofindworkbutdid notmakeit.Myauntcaredforme andmysiblings,Raphaeland Bianca,buteventuallycouldno longerfeedus.BobbyandSherry heardourstoryandbroughtusto liveintheChildren’sHome.Now,I lovegoingtoschoolandcooking.I hopetobecomeadoctorsomeday. Ispendalotoftimehelpingwith ultrasoundsintheBirthingCenter, butIalsolovetohelpwiththe youngerkidsanddancewithmy sistersonthePraiseDanceTeam. SherrysaysIamsweetandalways somewherehelping!
B E T I N A
MynameisBetina,andIwasborn afterthebig2010earthquakeinCite Soleil,oneofthemostdangerous areasofHaiti.Icamefromavery largefamily,andasIgrewolder, therewasn’tenoughfoodforallofus, somyparentsabandonedme.Iwas veryluckytoberescuedbysome niceHaitiansocialworkerswhotook meinandbroughtmetoMommie SherryandPoppieBobby.Iwasvery shyandquietwhenIfirstcameto LoveAChildChildren’sHome,butI quicklycameoutofmyshellthanks toallofmynewsisters!Mommie SherrysaysIhavea“million-dollar smile,”andthekidscallme“Deep Eyes”becauseIhavebigbeautiful eyes!Ilovetotelljokesandam alwaystryingtomakepeoplelaugh! I’mnot“intosports,”exceptfor jumpingrope.Iprefermoreartistic andcreativeactivitiessuchas drawing,playingwithdolls,putting togetherpuzzles,dancing,and singing.Ioftenvolunteeratthe MalnutritionCenterandhopetobea nursesomeday.
B I A N C A
MynameisBianca.Myparentswere killedwhenthesmall”Haitianboat” theyweretravelingoncapsizedas theywereheadingtotheUnited Stateswiththepromiseofwork.My auntcaredformeandmybrother, Raphael,andsister,Ada,butshe couldnolongerfeedus.Poppie BobbyandMommieSherryheard aboutusandbroughtustoliveatthe Children’sHome.Iloveourbigfamily, althoughItendtobequietandshy andprefertostudyorreadinmy room.IspeakFrench,Creole,and Spanishfluently.Ienjoyhelping aroundthehouseandcookingandI ama“mean”soccerplayer.Ilove dressingupandattendingchurch, andMommieSherrysaysIhavethe “voiceofanangel”whenIdosing!For alongtime,Iwantedtobeasurgeon, butIhavedecidedonadifferentpath of“healing”andamnowstudyingto beaPsychologisttohelpothers strugglingwithmentalhealth challenges.
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 mechanicsafterschoolandhave beenlearningphotographytoo! And,eventhoughIcanbealittle shy,Ialsoplaythebassguitarin ournightlychurchservicesatthe 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
MynameisDanielBelizaire,and mytwinsister’snameisDaniella. Whenourmotherwenttothelocal hospitaltodelivertripletsduringa militarycoupd’etat,shewas turnedawayatgunpoint.Sheand ourothersisterdiedinchildbirth athome.Myfathercouldn’tcare forus,andwewerevery malnourishedwhenBobbyand Sherryfoundus.Ihavesevere astigmatismandamsograteful tohavereceivedcorrectivelenses. Ilovegoingtoschoolandworking inthegardenorTilapiaFishFarm.I thinkIwanttobeamechanic someday!
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
MMynameisDieubon,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.Today, whenI’mnotinschool,Iworkasa painterforLoveAChildandamone ofthebestpaintersontheteam!
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 C Q U E
MynameisWilguens(Jacque).After mymotherdied,my“stepmother”did notwantanythingtodowithmeand mysister,Fabiola.Whenmyfather wouldgoouttolookforwork,he wouldbegonefor“days,”leavingme andmysisteraloneandhungry,with nofood.Wequicklybecameverythin andsickly,andmalnourished. Our fatherdecideditwasbestforusifhe gaveusup,soHaitianSocialServices contactedMommieSherryand PoppieBobby,andnowwearehappy andlovedintheChildren’sHome. MommieSherrysaysI’mquiet, studious,andshybut“verywise,”so thekidscallme“Grandpa!”Iliketo “thinkthingsthrough.”Myfavorite subjectinschoolismath.Ilove playingbasketballandsoccerand singinganddancinginchurch!My brothersandsisterssayIdancelike KingDavidintheBible!WhenIgrow up,Iwanttobeamechanic,a teacher,oranelectrician,butIhave timeto“thinkitthrough!”
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.
J E A N E D W O U A R D
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.
J E A N
G A R D Y
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.
J E A N R I C H A R D
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!
JMynameisJob,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
MynameisJonas.PoppieBobbyand MommieSherrymetmewhile bringingfoodtomyvillage.My parentshaddiedandIhadnoplace toliveorfamilytocareforme.A Haitianladyinmyvillagetookmein asa“restavekslavechild”asshe neededsomeonetoworktheland.I sleptoutsideandworkedtending largegardens.Iwasoftenbeaten becauseIhadnotworkedhard enoughandwasfedverylittlefood. ThankfullyIwasrescuedandbrought totheChildren'sHome!Ididnotknow howoldIwas,wethinkaroundten. UntilthenIhadneverhadashower,a fullmeal,sleptinabed,andnever beentoschool.Ihadnevereven beenhugged.Ihadtolearnsomany thingslikehowtoholdapencil,put onshoes,writenumbersandletters, readandevenhowtoplay,smile,and beloved.Iamgladtolivewithmybig familyandattendschool.Ilikeplants, wateringthegardens,andcaringfor theturkeysandotheranimals. MommySherrysaysIamasweet “giftfromGod”and“onelovablekid!”
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!”
J O S H U A
MynameisJoshua.WhenIwas aboutelevenmonthsold,mymother “threwmeaway”inthebushes outsideof LoveAChild’sgate. Iwas severelymalnourished,coveredwith sores,and“lefttodie.” Icouldnotsit orcrawlandcriedconstantly becauseIfeltsomuchpain.Mommie SherryandPoppieBobbysentmeto theJesusHealingCenter,andthey referredmetoachildren’shospital becauseIwassosick.Iwastherefor twoweeks,andthenSocialServices tookmebacktoMommieandPoppie attheChildren’sHometoheal,and that’swhereI’vebeeneversince! MommieSherrysaysIlovetotalkand canbealittle“stinker”witha mischievousgrin,soshealways thinksI’vebeenuptosomething (whichIprobablyhave!) I’mahard workeranddoverywellinschool.I lovetosing,playdominos,put togetherpuzzles,dopraisedances withmysisters,andbabysitourtwo newpuppies!Someday,Iwanttobe adoctorormaybeahelicopterpilot.
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!
E N Z Y
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.
K I D N E Y
MynameisKidneyFrancois,butmy nicknamehasbeen“TiPikan”(Little Thorn).Mymotherdied,andmy fathercouldnotcareformeand myolderbrother,James.Wewent tostaywithrelatives,andmonths later,myuncletookustothe Children’sHome.Whenwearrived,I wasseverelymalnourishedand veryshy.Iclungtomybrotherfor thefirstfewmonths.Iamso gratefulforthisbig,lovingfamily whorescuedme!Sincefinishing highschool,Ihavebeenworkingat theLoveAChildRadioStationand studyingcomputertechnology.I lookforwardtograduatingasa computerspecialist.
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,tiedaropearoundhiswaist, andhadtwomenhoisthimdowninto theouthousewithabuckettorescue me.Thankfully,Iwasstillbreathing.The ladiesinthevillagecleanedmeup, andtheytookmetoacharityhospital forcare.IwasthensenttoHaitian SocialServices,whocalledMommie Sherry.Iwasveryskinnyand malnourishedwhenIarrivedatthe Children’sHome.Today,Iamhappy andhealthyandlovetogotoschool, sing,andplaysoccerwithmybrothers. Ihitafewroughpatchesinmyearly teens,thinkingIwas“cool,”butwith God’sgrace,MommieSherry’s“tough love,”andlifelessonsabout“where Godbroughtmefrom,”Ifoundmyway backtomyoldselfandremembered justhowtrulyblessedIam.I’mnowa hardworkerandhappierthanI’veever been!Mydreamistobeagreat mechaniconeday.
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
MynameisSamuelOrel,andIwas borninthevillageofGreffin,which ishighinthemountains.My motherdiedgivingbirthtome, andmyfathercouldn’tcarefor me.Idon’tknowifIhaveother siblings.MommieSherrysays whenIfirstcametothe orphanage,Iwassufferingfrom malnutritionandcriedallthetime. Now,Iloveplayingsoccerand music.Iplaythebassguitarand thedrums.Ioftenspendtime helpingattheAgriculturalTraining Centerandworkingasapainter forLoveAChild.Ihopetobecome anelectricianoneday!
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!”
W I D L E N E
I’mWidlene,andIremember comingtotheChildren’sHome whenIwasaboutfiveyearsold. Mymotherthoughtshewasdying andbroughtmeandmybaby sisterEsthertoLoveAChild’sgates andaskedMommieSherrytotake us.PoppieBobbyandMommie Sherryputmymotherinthe hospital,andwhenshewaswell, theygaveherajobhere,too.I haveapassionforcookingand amstudyingtobecomeachef!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 myvillagebroughtmedownthemountain andaskedMommieSherryandPoppie Bobbytotakemein,andtheydid.The Children’sHomeistheonlyhomeI’veever known,andIlovemybigfamily.Ilove musicanddanceandenjoy“worshipping theLord”onthepraisedanceteam. (MommieSherrysaysI“glidethrough everystep!”)I’mtopinmyclassatschool andamalwayslookingtolearn,especially differentlanguages.Ialsoreallyenjoy cooking!Mybrothersandsistershave nicknamedme“Spaghetti”becauseit’s myfavoritefood!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.
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!
