When a relative called and asked me to be a spokesperson for Friends of Honduran Children, I was immediately drawn to the name. Honduras is the poorest country in the Americas, and that means a desperate existence for its orphans. Those with nowhere to go live on the streets, and they often turn to a life of drugs, prostitution and crime while still in adolescence. Having lived for a short time in Latin America, I had seen first-hand how the cycle of poverty can leave a child with no dreams or aspirations. No opportunity to discover happiness. So I was eager to see the orphanage supported by Friends of Honduran Children and see what a difference it made for these abandoned and orphaned children.

When I arrived I felt I was setting foot in the most beautiful country I've ever been to. Lush green mountains covered in pine and palm trees! A very beautiful mix. But dotting the mountains are slums filled with shacks made from mud and old slabs of tin. Many of the children and single mothers helped by FoHC come from these impoverished areas.

Our first stop was at the orphanage called Pedro Atala. We could hear children laughing and playing from a block away. We stepped through the gate and saw dozens of happy, healthy children playing in groups. I was glad to see that despite coming from troubled backgrounds, they were exceptionally well mannered and respectful of each other. They were sharing, and taking care of each other. One little boy tripped during a game of tag and several older children ran over to make sure he was alright. Of course he was, and so they pulled him up and the game resumed. There was a definite sense of peace and happiness in the orphanage.

It's here that I met Gabriella, the eight-year-old girl I had come to sponsor. Her mother brought her to Sister's orphanage four weeks ago since she was too poor and overwhelmed to care for her. Once she was told I was sponsoring her stay in the orphanage, she began calling me "madrina", which means godmother. This is a common practice for the children there. I took Gabriella to a local market to get a new pair of shoes. When I told her to pick any pair she wanted, it stumped her. She didn't understand the concept of taking whatever she liked, and it took a few reassurances before she chose some colourful sandals. I was happy to learn that many sponsors stay in touch with the children they sponsor through letters. This means a lot to me since I would love to act as a mentor to Gabriella through correspondence.

Throughout the week I spent in Honduras, visiting the many orphanages and schools supported by FoHC, I was struck again and again by how well rounded and polite these children were. Finally I asked one of the organizers how children who start out so wounded and disadvantaged can grow into such happy adolescents, she replied: "The goal is to give [the children] more than just the things that disappear. We want to raise them with a sense of morality and decency, so they can grow up to be proud of themselves." Goal accomplished! I look forward to supporting Friends of Honduran Children for many years to come.

Sincerely,