Despedida Through the Eyes of Fatima

Last Friday the house hosted a despedida (going away party) for the House Director, Orlando, which started at noon and went until all hours of the night. Orlando, or Tio Orlando as he is known here, is not just any member of the NPH family. Orlando grew up in the NPH Honduras home and moved to Guatemala 14 years ago to work here at NPH. He began as a tio, at the age of 19, and since then has been the head of the boys house and the house director. Orlando is a father figure, friend and mentor to many and is going to be missed by all.

The days activities commenced with a presentation in the comedor by teachers, faculty, volunteers and children. As the presentations began I was asked by some of the girls in my section if they could take pictures with my camera. They LOVE to take pictures and have a blast doing so....so i figured why not. As the day continued with dances, skits, speeches and songs I could see my girls out of the corner of my eye snapping shots and looking at them with big smiles and a glowing sense of pride. After every few photos they would come running to me to show me the image that they had captured.

They day continued with a big family style lunch followed by an afternoon of fútbol (soccer) matches. Faculty, volunteers, staff, and children formed teams to compete and have a last farewell game with Orlando. The fútbol matches led into a preformance by the orchestra, more skits and songs and a dinner for all! All the while my girls are running around in fits of laughter capturing the day on film.

The despedida came to an end late that evening, with cake and a disco dance party, after a fun day full of activities. In true NPH style the party ended with cake for everyone and cake being smashed in Tio Orlando's face....just a little! It was an amazing day filled with many emotions, both happy and sad, and many hugs and tears as NPH Guatemala bid farewell and best wishes to dear Tio Orlando.

Here are some of the photos my girls took throughout the day!

Jan, director of NPH, giving his goodbye speech.
Look at the size difference!!!!

Orlando sitting with some of the kids watching the presentations.

Orlando surrounded by the baby house!

Orlando and the students in bachillerato (high school) presenting their gift.

Cake in the face!