Something of Value Report: Beautiful Transformations

God’s work in transforming lives through your love is showcased day by day on our campus. We are watching 9-year-old Jostin’s personality slowly improve as he shyly opens up to the love that surrounds him, firstly that of his little blind friend, Belen, and lately that of our most loving child, Isaias.

Jostin’s social and fine motor skills did not keep pace with his physical improvement. He was diagnosed with epilepsy and probable autism on his visit to a specialist.  He usually kept his distance from the other children walking around in circles, close, yet not entering into their play.  Jostin has been closing the gap lately, especially to Belen when she sings. Then when Belen perceive his presence, she reaches out to hug him tight as she sings, and Jostin relaxes in Belen’s hugs. 

Another marvelous transformation has been seen in 10-year-old Blanca Rosa who came to us with matted hair crawling with lice. Blanca along with her little brother, Elias, 8, are both small for their age and chronically malnourished. Upon arrival, Blanca Rosa looked defiantly around, and realizing she had been brought here to stay until she got better, she began verbally lashing out, yelling in foul language that she was not staying here! She struggled with all her malnourished strength while her little brother looked on.  

Food was set before them, and Rosa began to calm down.  Both ate hungrily.  With their stomachs full, the caregivers began bathing and de-lousing them. This loving car further relaxed Blanca Rosa. This lovely little girl is cooperative and has not reverted to her initial volatile behavior. Both children are a precious and pleasant addition to the nutrition hospital family.  Thank you for your gifts that helped bring about this transformation. 

Sixty years ago as we were getting settled in here in the Lake Yojoa Valley of Honduras, we realized that the overwhelming Public Health need was to improve childhood nutrition. Lack of proper nutrition was the underlying cause of most diseases. That’s when PAHS founder, Dr. Stephen Youngberg, began to focus on the “War on Hunger.”

When, in the 1980s, the community requested that we help them establish a vocational school, we saw the close connection between educating young people and winning the war against hunger. These young people, one by one, are winning battles of that war with their graduation from the Technical-Vocational School where they have acquired marketable skills. It is a significant accomplishment in this war we still fight. We pray that these young people’s accomplishments bring them blessings and great satisfaction in realizing that the next generation of children will not likely be so vulnerable to poverty and hunger. It gives us great joy to report that some of our graduates have jobs making 3 times the minimum wage!

Thank you for your generous support in helping us provide food and education to those in need! Your support has made a significant impact on the lives of many, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.