Darlin shows his strength and commitment to his family and community every day. He is the father of two of our Samaritan Scholars in the El Ocotillo community, near San Pedro Sula, Honduras. To support his family, he works tirelessly at the municipal landfill, searching through the harshness of the garbage dump for the daily sustenance that he proudly brings home. 

Born deaf, Darlin cannot hear or speak. He labors at a dangerous location as trash trucks recklessly drive through the dumpsite. Fires and landslides have claimed lives. Without being able to hear, Darlin has to rely on his other senses to warn him about those dangers.

Darlin grew up among these dusty roads of the garbage dump, accompanied by his brothers. In his early years, communication with his family was difficult. They didn’t know how to reach him or how to understand each other.

While few people in this community have had the opportunity to attend school past sixth grade, even early years of school were impossible for Darlin. A school that taught sign language was a long journey from his home, and he was only able to attend for a few months and learn some signs. Little by little, his family watched videos and learned to communicate with signs, and often with hugs that speak for themselves. Today, Darlin is able to easily communicate with his parents, his brothers, his wife, and his children.

In his community, everyone knows Darlin. They know of his history, of his silence, and many admire him. Not being able to hear or speak has never been a barrier to being the loving, present, and helpful father his children need.

With support from our scholarship program, Darlin’s children have the opportunity to stay in school and complete their education. While most of the adults in this community have had to drop out of school to help their family earn a living, Darlin’s children won’t have to. As Samaritan Scholars, they can finish their education, learn marketable skills, and have career options.

Darlin is so proud of his children and thankful for the education they’re receiving. I’m so grateful that through support from people like you, we are walking alongside this loving family.

Note from Our President, Mike Tenbusch: Leading up to Father’s Day, we asked our teams to share stories of devoted, hard-working fathers, just as we did for Mother’s Day. In stark contrast to moms though, stories about dads are harder to come by. Transforming the brutal reality of fatherless homes is why we are so devoted to forging a generation of scholars who are good husbands and dads, not just college or trade school graduates. I meet bi-weekly with an amazing team of leaders creating and sharing resources to help young men become adults on fire for the Lord and their families. Your support of our mission is making this crucial change possible. Please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly donor, and please keep us in your prayers.

Take an Exceptional Journey

For International Samaritan vision trips, we’re looking for people who have a heart for international service, who want to see our mission in action, and who will commit to being part of helping children and families break the cycle of poverty.

On a vision trip, you can enjoy a beach vacation in Honduras or go on a safari in Kenya and then spend a couple of days learning and serving with International Samaritan. You’ll witness unimaginable poverty, but also see the incredible transformation that’s possible when generous people walk alongside those in need.

See the itineraries: intsam.org/vision-trips

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Erika Cuevas, Program Director

Erika has a degree in Management and Social Development. She has been working with International Samaritan since 2016 and before that she worked with at-risk children and youth for thirteen years. Her work consistently focuses on eradicating child labor in the municipal garbage dumps.