Friends of the Orphans - Alfredo Hernandez

Our Stories: Staff

Alfredo Hernandez
National Director, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Peru
Former Pequeño
Taking Advantage of Opportunities
October 2005

Alfredo and Betty Hernandez with children at NPH Peru

Alfredo and Betty Hernandez with children at NPH Peru

I came to Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), Spanish for Our Little Brothers and Sisters, when I was 10 years old along with my brother and three sisters. I completed primary and secondary schools in Miacatlán, Mexico. Then I gave my year of service, working for six moths in the kitchen and the other six months as an assistant of the then House Director in Miacatlán.

After that, I was given the opportunity to go to Yarnell, Arizona, to learn English. While in Arizona, I was also able to get into Yavapai Community College where I received an Associate of Arts degree.

When I finished my studies I was asked by Father Wasson to go to Nicaragua and help him over there along with other students that were with me in Yarnell. While in Nicaragua, I had one of my best-ever experiences working with children. Working with the boys and girls in Nicaragua gave me the chance to learn that it is always a challenge to work with children, but I enjoyed it so much that after my two years I did not want to leave. However, I received a call from Fr. Wasson advising me that my education was something nobody could take away from me, so with a lot of sadness I had to go back to study. At that time Father Wasson offered me a scholarship to attend St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where I received a degree in Political Science.

After that, I was very proud when Father Wasson asked me to help him found a new home in Peru. I was so motivated that I told my wife of Father’s proposal. My wife Betty said, “If you are willing, I have no problem in supporting you.” Besides, we were blessed that Father Wasson married us in December 2000.

While living with Father Wasson in Yarnell, Arizona, I learned the compassion that he has for the children and that he strives for the best of his children. Because of that, I feel that all the children that are at this moment under our care have all the unconditional love and support since I believe that there is nothing like NPH. In fact, I feel blessed that I came to NPH where I had the opportunity to study and share my talents with others who went through the same situation as me. The most rewarding thing for me at this moment is to see some of the children that I took care of in Nicaragua still in the orphanage and taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This experience makes me do my best with the Peruvian children who are under our care and I won’t let them down.

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