Thursday 11th July 2024
As dawn's first light touches the mountains encircling Tegucigalpa, I enjoy a cup of tea in the safety and quietness of the WGM Guest House. The day's adventure looms ahead, promising not just a scenic, hour-long drive to Talanga but an immersion into the profound and transformative world of Proyecto Alas. This remarkable ministry works with 68 high-risk children. It is directed by Steve and Lindsey Poulson, the visionaries who’ve been the backbone of this vibrant outreach in Talanga for the last seven years.
En route, we'll stop at two long-time projects that have become near and dear to our hearts over the years. Watching these initiatives flourish and evolve has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Our first stop is at a fantastic project dedicated to boys who have been rescued from the harsh realities of city streets. Love is more than a word; it’s a way of life in the Micah Boy´s Home. These boys find care, support, and inspiration to unlock their fullest potential.
The second project is equally transformative. It focuses on educating children who spend their days working in the city’s rubbish dump. Amidst the rubble and refuse, hope has been sown into their lives through education and the commitment of the workers and volunteers who believe change is possible. This project empowers these young minds, offering them the key to a brighter and more promising future.
As we journey through the winding roads to Talanga, the anticipation of witnessing these life-changing programmes fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement. Each visit reminds me of the incredible impact that dedicated, compassionate outreach can have on the lives of those who need it most and the difference even the smallest of donations can make.
Flashback to yesterday—a day that can only be described as purely magical. I spent time with a group of young adults who once knew the brutal realities of street life but now have grown into confident and caring adults working hard to achieve their dreams. Their lives epitomise the relentless dedication and love poured into them by Steve and Lindsey. Watching them grow from street-savvy kids to competent young adults was an emotional experience I am reflecting on this morning as I write this.
Many of the young adults we’ve supported have embarked on remarkable journeys. Some are now thriving in university, two have become dedicated police officers, and another has joined the army, showcasing their commitment to serving and protecting their country. One impressive individual has even landed a role with the FBI. Several others are future healthcare heroes, currently studying in medical college, while others have pursued careers that align perfectly with their unique talents and passions.
One particularly inspiring encounter was with a young man I’ve seen transition from life on the streets to working within the Municipal Government. He's now responsible for coordinating the city’s gardens and parks, demonstrating his transformation and dedication to creating beauty and order in the urban landscape.
Each of these incredible young people serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that steadfast support and unwavering dedication can have. Their stories are not just victories for them individually but a testament to the long-lasting difference your support continues to make here in Central America.
In the afternoon, I spent time with one young man whose story continues to move me profoundly. His journey has been a battle for survival, and as he retold his story to me, I was deeply overwhelmed by his resilience to keep going despite all he has had to navigate alone. I vividly remember him at eight years old, a fragile boy trying to articulate the trauma that led him to a depressing life on the streets. Each tear he shed came with painful insights into the brutal realities and abuse he endured during his time sleeping on the city streets.
Throughout the years, we’ve done everything we can to provide him with care and support despite his sometimes difficult choices. Yet, through every trial and setback, one unwavering truth has kept him moving forward: the knowledge that we and God genuinely love him.
Yesterday, he struggled to share the full extent of his suffering. If I am honest, it wasn't easy to hear. It was a crucial step for him, as he found comfort in releasing the deep pain he had carried inside for so long. Today, he returns to his university studies in social work, driven by a genuine passion to dedicate his life to helping vulnerable children who are walking a path he knows all too well.
His determination to transform his pain into a beacon of hope for others is nothing short of inspirational. Witnessing his journey from a heartbroken child to a committed young social worker reinforces the immeasurable impact of unwavering love over the last sixteen years.
It feels so good to be back! The familiar sights, sounds, and faces remind me how much I missed my life here in Central America. The past three months on sabbatical were a necessary pause, a time to recharge and reflect, and I’m honestly returning with a renewed sense of purpose and invigoration.
There’s so much I’m eager to share about my journey—a tapestry of experiences and insights that have enriched my life and deepened my calling. But this morning, my heart feels full as I walk alongside those who profoundly benefit from your continued support.
Reconnecting with these incredible individuals, witnessing their growth, and sharing their gratitude is a powerful reminder of our impact together. Thank you for being part of this journey. I’m thrilled to be back and even more excited about the road ahead.
Duncan Dyason is the founder and Director of Street Kids Direct and founder of Toybox Charity. He first started working with street children in 1992 when he moved to Guatemala City and founded The Toybox Charity. His work has been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen and he was awarded an MBE the year he celebrated working over 25 years to reduce the large population of children on the streets from 5,000 to zero. Duncan continues to live and work in Guatemala City.