Last Friday was Tio Orlando’s despedida. Orlando is an incredibly special man here at NPH. Having grown up in the NPH Honduras home himself, he moved to Guatemala and began working as a tio here at the age of 19. Now, after 14 years of dedicating his life to NPHG (and several promotions - he's now Director of the House), he has decided to take the next step in his life – moving to España to be with his girlfriend, a former volunteer. While we are all happy that Orlando is moving on with his life, it also makes everyone here incredibly sad. Orlando has been an amazing role model for the children here, has dedicated his life to giving back, and has always, ALWAYS been the voice of the children. No matter what the circumstances, you could always be sure that Orlando would be here for each and every child. To watch out for them, to lead them in the right direction, to show them support and love.
How do you begin to say goodbye to a man who IS NPH? Who has grown up with the children. Seen them at their best and worst. Helped them through so many difficult times. Welcomed them with open arms. Watched them become young adults.
This was the difficult task we were faced with on Friday. How to truly honor Orlando and all that he has done for NPH.
The ceremony itself lasted all day from noon until nearly 8 pm. Included were tons of songs, dances, poems, presentations, gift giving, and displays of heartfelt affection. I don’t quite know if words would do the evening justice, so here it is in pictures…(I took about 760 so here are the best of the best…) Buena Suerte, Orlando - nos vemos pronto!
Oscar playing emcee for the evening
Jan presenting Orlando with a gift from the office administration
Part of the presentation given by the clinic staff
Linda, Enma, Mariela, and Adela snuggled up and looking cute
Orlando with Tacuch and Luis
The volunteer presentation - aka Annika and Thayer holding flags and dancing :)
Karla and Orlando doing their thing
The volunteers watching...
The crowd!
Astrid and Annllie
Marta, Georgia, and Elmer
Sebastian, Jorge, and Cesar
Solomay and Concha
The boys showing some love...
With one of my favorite students, Alexander :)
Juan Carlos and Alex
Alvaro and his tio
Some of the teachers at lunch
Tio Ivan and Fredy!
Josefa, Olga Michelle, and Linda, all new girls in my section :)
Debora with Tia Fruc
Benjamin doing his thing on the cancha
GO TIO ORLANDO!
Axel - aka the best maintenance man EVER (and a pretty good soccer player too ;-))
Gaspar showing off his breakdance skills
Gustavo busting a move!
Guillermo and Darling - being adorable as ever :)
CANNOT get over how adorable Cubo is!
Performance by the orchestina
Orlando receiving his wall-hanging
Signs made by the baby's house
BRAYAN!!!
Presentation by the año de servicios
Orlando surrounded by the baby's house
Everyone watching the tio's performance
Oh why yes that IS Tio Sergio in blackface...we are quite politically correct here in Guatemala...
"Tio Orlando," "Padre Wasson," and "Ismar" in the tio's skit
The tio's presentation to Tio Orlando
Bachillerato's presentation
Kids from bachillerato and año de servicio together
Girls from Fatima presenting the final banner
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