Children often “happen” without being “planned”, whether in rich or in poor countries. But nevertheless we experience parents go out of their way to support their children and provide a home, food and education. It is astounding how parents manage in difficult circumstances and they deserve great respect. Our foundation encourages those parents in their efforts. We are not in a situation where we can always help with money. Not yet, but maybe we should not even aim at that.

What Padre Wasson instilled in “his children” is a deep sense of family, of sharing and helping each other. He said, that is the only way to happiness. If you love, you will be loved. Every day we witness, how his children put this into action: they form groups of families who support each other. Some are organized in social media groups, others by phone or they meet in person. They share their concerns and needs, they discuss how to solve problems, they raise funds to pay for school tuitions or medical expenses. They also share in for funerals and console each other. It often moves to tears, but there is also great beauty in this unity.

And yet, not all parents have the ability to socialize. When we learn about a case, that is when we enter the scene. We noticed that women or men who have difficulties to relate to others in a positive way find themselves often left out and in awkward situations. They feel a huge hurdle in addressing even their peers or calling for help. Maybe it is because of the fear to be turned down – a traumatic experience for many of the children Padre Wasson once took in because they had lost their family. All the more they appreciate and increase their own efforts when they feel someone cares.

We are starting to learn about the huge network of little and larger groups supporting each other. Some invited us in to participate. Already we managed to make new connections among them, to help with a funeral, to motivate a single parent, to fund a specific need. As we learn about their different approaches, we seek ways to connect them. It is our vision to encourage and support a global network of peer support within the extended family of Padre Wasson.

Would you like to help us in this venture?