It has been a somewhat difficult day today – much to do outside HOCT, and much to do at HOCT as well. I guess you could see it was a very classical Monday. But I have always loved Mondays, so not a lot of complaining (just a little bit of cribbing, lol)

The two twins are beyond adorable, ain’t it?

Amidst the ebb and flow of personal challenges and external pressures, there exists a steadfast sanctuary: my professional engagement. Despite the temporal elongation characteristic of this week’s trajectory, punctuated by familial ailments, logistical hurdles, and the relentless march of time, the return to my HOCT computer serves as a beacon of tranquility.

While colloquial parlance may designate me a workaholic, such a term belies the depth of my commitment. My labor is not merely a function of necessity but a manifestation of profound passion. The sight of HOCT Data’s vibrant visualizations (I have very colorful Excels, for the joy of the heart) on my screen evokes not only a sense of fulfillment but a genuine enthusiasm. When I work, I am genuinely happy.

Within the domain of professional pursuits, each task undertaken represents not an obligation, but an opportunity to advance a collective vision. It is through this lens of purpose-driven engagement that I navigate the intricacies of work, viewing each endeavor as a contributing chapter to a larger narrative of achievement.

Beloved Ritienne, a beacon of kindness and generosity, today we celebrate you – a cherished friend, a dedicated long-distance parent, and a tireless advocate for our cause. Your unwavering support and boundless compassion have illuminated the path for so many, bringing hope and joy to the lives of countless children and families.

Throughout the years, you’ve been a guiding light for our organization, rallying support from far and wide, and inspiring others to join in our mission. Your efforts have touched hearts and changed lives, from convincing families to open their homes to children in need, to coordinating essential donations and parcels that have made a world of difference.

But it’s not just your actions that inspire us; it’s the depth of your love and commitment that truly sets you apart. Sponsoring four children and showering them with the same love and care as if they were your own is a testament to your extraordinary heart.

On this special day, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all that you do. May your birthday be filled with joy and laughter, surrounded by the warmth of cherished friends and loving family. May good health, fortune, and happiness follow you wherever you go, and may your light continue to shine bright, illuminating the lives of those around you.

Ritienne, you are a true hero, and we are immensely proud to call you our friend. Happy birthday, with all our love and admiration. Here’s to many more years of making a difference and spreading love wherever you go!

In a world where kindness and compassion are the gentle currents shaping our interactions, imagine the subtle but profound changes awaiting each heartfelt gesture. Here, in the quiet moments of connection, every smile and act of understanding becomes a small seed of warmth, ready to bloom in unexpected ways.

A friend sent us a donation of 5 euros. We bought a little doll to a child. Her joy and her smile are… priceless!

Life at HOCT is like a gentle melody, unfolding with love and purpose. As we distribute food with care, we witness miracles unfold before our eyes. A child, once suffering from severe malnutrition, now returns for a weight check, thriving and full of life. Amidst the tasks at hand, some children pause to write letters, sharing their hopes and dreams.

Today, we welcomed new friends into our fold, and in doing so, we became part of something bigger. Lives were saved, hearts were touched, and spirits were lifted.

In this corner of the world, we do our part with love and gratitude. Each action, no matter how small, ripples out with beauty and meaning. Together, we weave a tapestry of compassion and kindness, making the world a brighter place, one moment at a time.

At our humanitarian organization, we uphold a philosophy that values authenticity and respect for individual autonomy, especially when it comes to photographing the children we serve. We believe in allowing them the freedom to express themselves naturally, without imposing expectations or conditions on their behavior, even when it comes to something as seemingly simple as smiling for a photo.

Children, like all individuals, have their own unique personalities, emotions, and experiences. Forcing a smile for a photograph, particularly in the context of receiving aid or donations, can feel disingenuous and potentially even coercive. It’s essential to recognize that a forced smile does not necessarily reflect genuine happiness or gratitude. By allowing children to be themselves in front of the camera, whether they choose to smile or not, we honor their agency and dignity.

Moreover, conditioning children to smile in exchange for assistance can inadvertently reinforce unequal power dynamics and perpetuate the notion that their worthiness of support is contingent upon performing a specific behavior. This runs counter to our commitment to empowering and uplifting the children we work with.

By prioritizing authenticity over prescribed expressions, we create a safe and respectful environment where children feel valued and understood. Our approach not only respects their individuality but also fosters a sense of trust and partnership between our organization and the communities we serve. Ultimately, our goal is to support the holistic well-being of every child, honoring their dignity and right to self-expression every step of the way.

Today has been a wonderful day, despite my limited ability to speak due to a throat bug. Embracing moments of quiet reflection, I found solace in my own little corner, working with love and gratitude.

One topic that occupied my thoughts today was bullying. It’s disheartening to witness, especially considering it’s not confined to children but extends into adulthood as well. It’s astonishing how, under the guise of goodwill, some people exhibit acts of pure unkindness, like neglecting to even say “hi.”

Educating children is undoubtedly crucial, and nurturing our own offspring is a sacred responsibility. However, I firmly believe that the most challenging and essential form of education is self-education. It’s a lifelong journey that we must never forsake. Each day presents an opportunity to cultivate kindness and responsibility toward one another.

Life is inherently challenging, so why exacerbate it? Let’s not add unnecessary hardships. As the day draws to a close, I find immense joy in the sight of my beautiful children. They exemplify the values we strive for: never gossiping about each other, always lending a helping hand, and finding delight in life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s playing in the dirt, exuberant shouts (unfortunately, I can’t even whisper these days), or enjoying a game of football.

In their innocence and camaraderie, I find hope for a brighter, kinder tomorrow.

What a day it turned out to be – a real rollercoaster of events! It kicked off with the usual grind of food distribution and errands at the market, just as a sprinkle of rain decided to add some drama to the mix. Then, out of the blue, the power decided to take a siesta, leaving us fumbling in the dark until we managed to coax it back to life.

To add to the fun, I woke up with a voice that sounded like I’d been swallowing sandpaper – turns out I’ve got a bad case of laryngitis. But hey, I made do with gestures and scribbled notes, getting by as best I could.

In the midst of all the chaos, there were sick kiddos to tend to, meds to restock at the clinic, and a whole bunch of little faces – some beaming with smiles, others a bit more reserved. And then there’s Sara, the giggly girl who lights up the room with her laughter. Seriously, that kid’s got a laugh that’s infectious.

So yeah, it was a day packed with ups and downs, but also peppered with moments that made it all worthwhile. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings – hopefully a little less drama, but just as much laughter!

What a whirlwind of a day it has been at Help One Child Thrive (HOCT)! From the crack of dawn until the setting sun, our team has been tirelessly working to spread joy, happiness, and much-needed assistance to those in need. It’s been a day filled with purpose and fulfillment.

Throughout the day, we’ve had the privilege of providing nourishment and sustenance to countless children in our community. Their smiles and gratitude have warmed our hearts, serving as a reminder of the profound impact even the smallest act of kindness can have.

As we reflect on the day’s events, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for all those who have contributed, whether through their time, resources, or simply by sharing our mission with others. Every gesture, whether big or small, has played a vital role in making today a success.

We extend our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you who has supported us, whether through a donation, a share on social media, or a silent prayer. Your kindness and generosity have made a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

As the day comes to a close, we are filled with hope and optimism for what tomorrow will bring. With your continued support, we are confident that we can continue to make a positive impact and spread compassion to those who need it most. Together, we can truly make a difference.

Instead of many words… many photos!

And all our gratitude.