A Journey of Hope: Reflections on Our Home Tour with Displaced Orphans International
As we settle back into life after an incredible journey, it’s impossible not to reflect on the profound impact of our recent home tour. For nearly two months, members of our team traveled across multiple children’s homes, bringing supplies, building bunk beds, sharing testimonies, and witnessing firsthand the resilience of the children and caretakers we serve. Some of us were on the ground for just a couple of weeks, while others remained for the entire trip, ensuring that every home received the attention and care it deserved.
This trip wasn’t just about delivering aid—it was about connection. It was about sitting with the children, listening to their stories, encouraging them, and showing them that they are not forgotten. It was about reminding the caregivers—many of whom have given their entire lives to this work—that they are not alone. And through it all, we saw faith in action in ways that left us forever changed.
Delivering More Than Supplies
At every home we visited, we saw both challenges and hope. Many of the children’s homes we serve are stretched thin, with limited resources and growing needs. Yet despite these hardships, the children’s joy, laughter, and resilience shined through.
We arrived with supplies—basic necessities like food, hygiene products, and school materials that would make daily life a little easier. These are small things for many of us, but for these homes, they mean everything. The simple act of receiving fresh supplies and knowing that people care about them brings comfort and hope to both the children and the staff.
But we didn’t stop at delivering supplies. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.
Building Bunk Beds: Giving Kids a Safe Place to Sleep
One of the biggest priorities on this trip was building and installing new bunk beds. Many of the children we met had been sleeping on the floor, sometimes on thin mats, sometimes on nothing at all. It was heartbreaking to see, but we knew we could make a real difference.
Before we even arrived, one of our teammates was already on-site, working tirelessly to fabricate durable bunk beds out of galvanized steel. Unlike flimsy wooden frames that wear down over time, these beds are built to last for decades. When the rest of the team arrived, we joined the effort—assembling, welding, and installing bed after bed, transforming these homes in ways that will have a lasting impact.
The moment the children climbed into their new beds for the first time was one we will never forget. Some giggled as they tested out their bunks, while others simply sat quietly, running their hands over the smooth metal rails as if they couldn’t believe this space was truly theirs. These beds are more than just furniture. They represent security. They offer a sense of belonging. They tell these children, many of whom have lost everything, that they are worthy of care.
And while we were able to build many beds during this trip, there is still a need. More homes still have children sleeping on the floor, waiting for a safe and comfortable place to rest. This mission is far from over, and we invite you to be a part of it.
Testimonies That Strengthened Our Faith
One of the most powerful aspects of this trip was hearing and sharing testimonies. We listened to the stories of children who have endured unimaginable hardships—abandonment, loss, and dangers most of us will never know. Yet in the midst of these struggles, we also heard incredible accounts of faith and perseverance.
We also had the opportunity to share our own testimonies, speaking to both the children and the caretakers about the power of faith and resilience. These moments of deep connection reminded us why we do this work. They reinforced that what we’re providing is not just physical aid, but also encouragement, spiritual support, and the reassurance that these children are deeply loved.
The Challenges We Witnessed
As much as we saw hope, we also saw struggles that continue to weigh on these homes. Many lack consistent funding for food and education. Some still struggle with overcrowding and limited resources. Others have caretakers who are stretched beyond their capacity, pouring everything they have into these children without much outside support.
One recurring challenge we heard from caretakers was the difficulty of providing nutritious meals. Many of the children receive basic meals each day, but protein and fresh produce are scarce. At some homes, rice and eggs make up the majority of the diet because it’s all they can afford.
Another major concern is transportation. Some homes have no reliable way to get children to school, medical appointments, or even to pick up supplies. In one of the homes we visited, caretakers rely on a single aging motorcycle to transport multiple children at a time—an unsafe and impractical situation that urgently needs a solution.
While we were able to meet some immediate needs during this trip, it’s clear that long-term solutions and continued support are necessary.
Looking Ahead: How You Can Still Help
Though this home tour has ended, the work is far from over. These children’s homes still need support—whether it’s for more bunk beds, basic supplies, transportation, or ensuring they have access to education and nutrition.
If you’d like to make a direct impact, there are still ways to help:
- Sponsor a bunk bed: $200 provides materials for a durable, long-lasting bunk bed.
- Give toward ongoing support: Every donation, big or small, helps provide food, school supplies, and essential resources.
- Spread the word: The more people who hear about this mission, the more lives we can change together.
To donate, visit https://displacedorphans.org/donate/. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference in the lives of these children.
A Journey We Won’t Forget
As we close this chapter of the home tour, we are filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the children who welcomed us with open hearts. Gratitude for the caretakers who dedicate their lives to this work. And gratitude for every supporter who has made this mission possible.
This trip was a reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness—a warm bed, a listening ear, a shared moment of prayer—can transform lives. The road ahead is long, but we walk it with faith, knowing that every step we take brings us closer to a future where no child is left without care, comfort, and hope.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Stay tuned for more updates, and check out the photo gallery below to see the impact firsthand. 📷 @joshuakelley
