I have been so fortunate and grateful to have been offered the opportunity to help out in a small way in the development of the Angel Gardens Project. During my first visit I visited local schools and saw children trying to learn in dilapidated schools or under a tree. Some schools were constructed of sticks and mud, libraries were nonexistent and supplies were scarce. Several grades were squeezed into one classroom with only one teacher because of lack of funds and educational materials.
The site of the Angels Garden Project was a plot that was littered with debris. Since then a beautiful structure has been built. On my second visit, a year later a ribbon cutting ceremony was held and attended by many families, local educators and church leaders. The children came in their Sunday best. They were terribly excited to see the new classrooms and beautiful gardens. The children come from difficult backgrounds and poor circumstances but not with disadvantaged attitude, brain power or spirit. The building of the center has been empowering for the community and you can see the pride in every that has been a part of its development.
The Angel Gardens Center is helping to provide education which will make it possible for children and their parents to find their place in society and achieve a better future. I can't wait to go back for my third visit.
Dr. Carmen Peralta
School Psychologist
...
Honduras is a spectacular country. From a perch in the mountains there are panoramic views of peaks and valleys covered in lush green jungle, above it all a beautiful blue sky dotted with clouds. The city of Comayagua (home to Angel Gardens) has beautiful colonial architecture, a park like plaza, and great spots to eat and hang out. People are incredibly welcoming, friendly and generous. This is a far cry from what most people hear about Honduras; that it is a dangerous place riddled with poverty. The truth is, Honduras is a bit of both realities. As beautiful as it is there are also many people who don't have a fair chance in life, especially young women.
Having spent about a month in Honduras building the gardens, I've gotten to see first hand what an important resource Angel Gardens is to many people. I met many women who are part of the program that had no choice but to quit school and work, having no one to help them with their children. We want these kids to have the best care and be able to learn and grow in the gardens. We put in vegetable beds and fruit trees so that kids could learn about health and nutrition, play areas to nurture their creativity, and gardens filled with flowers to give them an appreciation for God's creation and the environment. These kids are so precious and it's so amazing to see them cared for, loved, and having fun. Through this, we can offer support to their moms, so that they can have hope and a future free of poverty.
Emma Martone
Landscaped Architect
...
I have had the honor of spending a week in the middle of bustling life in the historic town of Comayagua, among a few of God's most humbly placed people. Young, and most often single, moms in a country like Honduras. It honestly broke my heart to see the simplicity of resources, and the lack of vocational options. Many of these moms are still young girls themselves, and Angel Gardens has been a lighthouse to them, and to their children. It was such a privilege to find that I had a skill set that might improve the chances for some of these moms! God had ordained it ahead of our arrival, by providing a few sewing machines and some fabric. With these found things, and a few items from a local shop, we were able to run a sewing class for two days. Many of the girls that came, some with babies on their hips, sat and learned to operate a sewing machine for the first time. Each woman was able to create their pattern template, cut out the pieces needed, and complete making their own shoulder bag! All of them got creative with their final finished project. I am inspired by the possibilities in Comayagua. All of us have something to offer this vulnerable community and it's my sincere belief that when we do, our own lives are brightened in return.
Donna Brady
Fashion Designer
...
Honduras is a nice and wonderful place to visit, especially the small quiet city of Comayagua. I enjoyed the city for its charm and architectural design, as well as the people who are welcoming and friendly. This small city is home to Angel Garden, where my journey first starts.
In February of 2020, I travelled to Honduras with three amazing women, who called themselves the "Dream Team." This is a true calling from God, because we wanted to reach out to the people in need and spread the love of God to them. As a college student who is studying Education, I embraced working with the school in Comayagua. The mission of Angel Garden is to provide a daycare service for people who are not fortunate enough to send their children to school in the city, and we have provided many opportunities for the single mothers to grow spiritually and further their education.
Susan Sagliocca
College Student/Education
Volunteers at the Angel Gardens Center
Missions Team meeting with our young mom's in the mountains
Director of Center delivering food during COVID
Food delivery
Traveling to the unreached families in the mountains
Dental Care for our children at the Center
Sewing Project
Sewing Class at the Center
Medical checkups for the families at the Center
Medical checkups for the families at the Center
Medical checkups for the families at the Center
Medical checkups for the families at the Center