Early Life Challenges
My name is Isaac* and it is a pleasure to share a bit of my story and arrival to the NPH family.
I came to NPH when I was 12 years old, accompanied by my two sisters: one was 15 and the youngest was 11. For us, it was a strange way of seeing things at that time, as we had always been with our father, but circumstances arose in which he was involved, leading to his imprisonment.
My life before NPH was surrounded by economic and family difficulties. I remember that my sisters and I lived in a single rented room, which was not large enough for all of us. My childhood was not like that of other children, who spent afternoons playing or gathering with friends to watch cartoons; instead, I had to work after school, and at that time, we lived day by day: if we didn’t sell anything, we didn’t eat. It wasn’t always easy to secure food for all three meals. It was hard, but it taught me to be someone who values what they have.
Arrival at NPH
My sisters and I arrived at NPH because, due to the hearings regarding my father’s case, I learned the route from downtown San Salvador to the Family Courts. On one occasion when we were in trouble with my father’s partner, I decided to go with my younger sister to the court. That’s how the lawyer took us to NPH and told us that we would no longer have to return home.
I remember that my first day at NPH was strange because I didn’t know anyone. It was an adjustment process, and I worried about being rejected by others since I was very solitary. However, over time, I felt loved and protected by my new NPH family, and more comfortable because the situations here were not like those I had previously experienced.
Support from NPH
NPH has helped me in everything; the circumstances in the country at that time did not offer a promising future. Perhaps today I would be in prison or not even here; so I owe everything to God and NPH for the opportunities that I did not have and now possess.
Little by little, I progressed. When I completed ninth grade and moved on to high school, I still wasn’t ready enough to face new challenges; however, I tried to be the same student as always. Nevertheless, along the way, I faced challenges that forced me to seriously reflect on what I wanted for my life. I spent three months away from the NPH home contemplating what I desired for my future. Upon realizing what the situation was like outside of home, I understood that it wasn’t what I wanted. So, I decided to return to NPH and give my best effort.
Overcoming Obstacles
Throughout my life, the biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been not having direct emotional support from my biological family; before entering NPH, despite lacking economic stability, we had the support of my family—both father and uncles/aunts. That’s why in my free time, I choose to rest and spend time with my dad since I’ve managed to reconnect with him after several years apart.
Another significant event during high school was when I had an accident that led to several days of hospitalization. There, I realized that I wanted to study nursing because during my stay, I noticed the needs many patients faced and the lack of empathy that sometimes arose. Specifically, I observed an elderly patient with a broken arm who barely received help when he called out for assistance; this motivated me to become a nurse so that I could help bring about change.
I thought: “At some point, I’ll be lying on a stretcher waiting for care, and I’d like to receive the attention that I truly need.”
Achievements in Nursing
Now, thank God, I am a graduate in “Nursing Technician” and have completed the six months of social service required for graduation.
During my clinical practice in nursing school, I gained many experiences within the hospital and clinic: assisting births, caring for patients with various illnesses, transporting patients for hemodialysis, performing all types of wound care procedures including “postmortem,” among many other things that helped me feel that I can truly make a difference.
I realized that helping people is what drives me regardless of whether or not I know them or why they need my assistance. All of this is thanks to God, the great NPH family, and everyone who helps keep the foundation moving forward.
Daily Inspiration
In my daily life, I reflect on Father Wasson’s vision by remembering that he has given us what we need to overcome challenges while applying the moral and spiritual values taught by NPH. However, it is up to each one of us whether we want to move forward or remain stagnant.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.