Tiggy's House

Tiggy's House is excited to announce our new total. After generous donations received in April and May, $52767.50, has been raised. This means that not only is construction paid for, the house is fully furnished and there's a good jump start on operational costs. Our family thanks you all once again.

This is the last post from Doug Dworak, THI Director, as he prepares to leave Nepal to return to the United States.

Last night in Pokhara, John’s wife Aksha and I went to visit Bethany Home.  This is one of our newest homes comprised of 13 children.  13 of the most precious children you would ever have the privilege of spending time.  After watching a moving dance presentation choreographed by the older children and helpers of the home, we gathered together in a circle with the whole home family present.  I’m not sure what I was expecting, but over the next several minutes…one by one, from the youngest to the oldest…nothing rehearsed or demanded…each child stood and greeted Aksha and me with the traditional Nepali Christian greeting “Jaimashi”.

Then each proceeded to thank us, in the sweetest and most tender way, for giving them the opportunity to be in this home.  They were thankful for loving parents; brothers and sisters to play with; food to eat; clothes to wear; a bed to sleep in and for Jesus, the author of it all.  They continued to thank us and thank all of those in the U.S. who helped make it possible for them to be in their home because, to them, it was an abundance!  Isn’t that just like God…not only does He supply our need but He does it in abundance!!  And yes…I cried.  I cried as each precious child expressed his or her thankfulness and I cried as I tried to pray at the end of our time together.  God moved my heart as He does so often when it concerns His amazing grace, goodness and provision.






As the children of Bethany Home expressed their gratitude and thanks. we at Tiggy's House are humbled and extremely thankful for all of the support we received in our fundraising efforts. It is your generosity that will make the construction of Tiggy's House a reality.

Doug Dworak, Director Tiny Hands, is in Nepal and here is some of his observations (with photos).

Regarding construction:

There was also great anticipation amongst us all to see the progress of the first two homes. Thinking they were nearing completion we were a little taken back when we discovered there still is a couple more months of work before the first two homes can move in! Disappointing! However the homes are beautiful and will, one day, be a wonderful blessing to the children who will live in them. Patience! What takes 5 months to build in American takes more than a year to do in Nepal.

Regarding the children:

As I survey the land there are two things I observe most often when the children are present.  First, there is a tenderness that exists between the older and younger children.  Not just between the children of their own homes but between all of the homes.  The older children will watch out and care for the younger ones.  And it never appears to be a duty but always something that flows out of genuine love.  Second, no matter how much activity goes on in this place there is a peace that flows throughout.  It’s almost like you can sense the very presence of God.

After these homes are complete the next two begin and after that the last two homes which will include Tiggy's House.

This video was published on February 27th, 2013 by Tiny Hands. It is a new video to us, we haven't seen it before, and shows the Dream Center property and some of the children who will one day live there. Construction is further along than this video shows. Once the first two homes are complete the next two will start. After their completion Tiggy's House will begin construction. The anticipation is mounting.

For years many of us at Tiny Hands have envisioned forming a Tiny Hands community. Our idea, which we have been calling the "Dream Center", is a community of children's homes, a school, and a vision center, where volunteers and friends of Tiny Hands could come and participate in an active, thriving community of believers who live and learn together as followers of Christ.

And for years this has been only an idea - but finally, we are taking steps to make this a reality. Land has been purchased outside of Pokhara, Nepal, where we are beginnig to build the first homes.

The principles and practical considerations are:

Community: We plan to build 6 or more children's homes, similar to our current homes, on this land. Each will be separate and discreet family units who will live as friends and neighbors.

Education: An on-site school will be built for the children of Tiny Hands that will also be open for children in the greater community. Our goal will be to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders in Nepal through novel educational methods rarely found in Nepal. The teachers and administrators will be a combination of Nepalis and expatriates who desire excellence in education that goes beyond the rote memorization that plagues many schools in South Asia.

Outreach: Our goal is not to create a community insulated from its surroundings, but rather one that seeks to serve its neighbors. As a an organization of Christians, our goal is to exemplify the humble and sacrificial love of Christ to the suffering and broken.

Vision and Beauty: Beauty inspires vision, and we hope that the Dream Center will be a place not only of rest and reflection, but one that stimulates individuals, children and visitors alike, to find their calling. The Vision Center will be a building that will have housing for volunteers, a small chapel, a center for outreach, and most importantly a space where passionate people can share ideas, music, and art.

Sustainability: While we are raising money for the land and buildings, our hope is that the center will someday be self-sustaining through the use of income-generation projects including the school, which will be open to area children. If such a center could achieve self-sustainability it could be replicated across the region. Other income-generation projects may include aquaponics (the symbiotic cultivation of plants and fish for the purpose of increasing land production), and livestock.

I've noticed one of our supporters has already liked this photo at the Tiny Hands Facebook page :) So here is the latest photo from the Dream Center construction. We're hoping to get more.

And I just found a really cool new video about the Dream Center. That's for next time.

Tiggy's House has a story to tell. We can tell about the loss of a child and life thereafter. We can tell about undertaking a major fundraising effort. We can tell about the ministry of Tiny Hands International. What you want the topic to be, we can tell. We can tell that despite the rocks and ledges, 'We are a Happy Family.' We can tell small groups, large groups, churches or meetings. We can tell in person, or via the internet. Dana can tell, John can tell or we both can tell.

So if you would like us to share the inspiring and encouraging story of Tiggy's House, please drop us a line.

Since Tiggy's House was funded our family has encountered, may I say, intense spiritual warfare. Both physically and mentally:

• Buckle fracture
• Fractured humerus (not at all funny :)
• Influenza B
• Bronchitis
• Stolen debit card number
• Death of a family pet
• Emergency room visit
• Marital disharmony (major)
• Etc....etc

Dana say's, "this has been happening all along." Over the last month, to remain sane, I've reminded myself constantly, "it could be worse." We could relive that fateful evening all over again with any of our children. We don't need to go there. The memories, and the emotions are still vivid, alive and present. In a very real sense we're stuck in that basement. Dana, especially!. How can I explain it? I don't know. What can a husband do when your wife tells you,

" I see him all the time. I see him in my arms on the basement floor, covered in blood. It was the last time I held my baby alive?"

To be frank, Tiggy's House delayed our grief somewhat. As we worked with Tiny Hands we were distracted to an extent. Don't be mistaken. The fundraising efforts brought us much healing, comfort and joy and we wouldn't change a thing. Now that it's over though, it has revealed that our family, as a total unit, needs help.

Today would have been Tiggy's fourth birthday and we request that you pray a selfish prayer for our family:

Pray that our family may find rest. Find rest in the Lord! Find rest for husband and wife! Find rest for parent to child! Find rest for child to child! Find rest for the individual! Find rest for relationships! Find rest for healing!

Pray! Please!

These struggles are natural and expected. In no way does it diminish what God has done through Tiggy's House. We've always wanted good to come from Mattias' passing and the Lord has been faithful. As difficult as our journey has been the truth remains, 'He will give beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3).'

We have heard numeropus stories, seen glimpses, of the beauty of God's work, but only God knows all the help that has gone out to others since 12/12/10. Through our story, warts and all, in this dark and troubled world, be encouraged and gird yourself with hope:


Though we are hard pressed we take courage against the roaring lion who devours. We know we will see our little one again because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. Praise Him in the storm, for Jesus is the real hope:

Received an email today from;

The email stated we've been members of their community for a year.  Huh?, was the first reaction and then came the, 'oh yeah!' Who can believe that one year ago Tiggy's House made its first road trip?

Stopping first in Oklahoma City followed by several stops in Texas all went well with our accommodations except when daddy, cutting children's fingernails, clipped Mookie's skin. We thought we'd miss our presentation because the flow would not stop. Thirty minutes later everything turned out all right and after some in-home settings we gave our first public presentation.


Fortunately, on our second road trip in October 2012, there was no bodily injuries. Our big mishap on that occasion was changing the clock on the car, on the phones and on the wristwatch. But while waiting to leave the hotel we noticed almost too late the computer clock hadn't changed from CST to EST. We almost missed that presentation.

To learn more about Tiny Hands International please visit their website.

Synopsis:

This "Must See" video is an incredibly emotional, inspiring, and powerful interview with Doug Dowark, the Executive Director of Tiny Hands, and Bryan Olesen, the lead singer/songwriter of VOTA!

See how these two incredible men have teamed up to impact and change lives halfway around the globe by intercepting young girls who are being sold into the sex trafficking and trade organizations in Nepal.

Hear their inspirational stories, the struggles & successes they encountered, and how they grew throughout it all. Ultimately to team up in a powerful way to use their passions & gifts to serve others.

For more info and to receive VOTA's latest album go to: www.lovefoundme.org

For more info about Tiny Hands International go to: www.tinyhandsinternational.org

We were so excited to announce the $40,000 total had been raised I believe we never told everyone the exact total. Well, after January's donation our total is:

Once again our heartfelt thanks to everyone.

Recently at Bethany Home,

"We just celebrated the 8th birthday of one of our tiny ones.... It was her first time getting to celebrate her birthday with a party! Praise God for her life! - THI"

A glimpse into the future once Tiggy's House is built.

Several years ago I was watching the Super Bowl with my daughter. It became uncomfortable to the point I could not watch it in good conscience, nor have I since. The advertisements constant demeaning of women coupled with the senselessness of men and beer was too much.

Companies spend a lot of money to buy the airtime and I found the commercials distressing. As a father in no way would I want anyone to treat my daughter so flippantly. As a father I would not want my daughter influenced to such a degree that she would view herself only as an object for the gratification of others.

The following is an excerpt from, 'Why is sex trafficking at the Super Bowl?' by Justin Holcomb.

The Super Bowl and other large sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup are increasingly being recognized as magnets for sex trafficking and child prostitution. The 2010 Super Bowl saw an estimated 10,000 sex workers brought in to Miami, while the 2011 event resulted in 133 prostitution-related arrests in Dallas....

What is driving this horrible exploitation, and why are such seemingly innocuous gatherings as sports events attracting the abuse of women and girls? The key is that demand increases as men flood into a city for a weekend of fun. Without an eager market willing to pay to enjoy the exploitation of women, sex trafficking and child prostitution would have no reason to exist. Yes, organized crime takes advantage of the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. And yes, our hyper-sexualized culture makes it seem normal and acceptable for sex to be treated as a commodity to be bought and sold. Yes, porn fuels the sex trade by teaching its consumers that women exist for the pleasure of men and that their purpose is to be degraded and dehumanized for men’s excitement.

Read full article here....

Get a VOTA album download free (or with donation, you choose) and enter to win a concert in your home with VOTA and a trip to Nepal with the band. Visit the website, 'Love Found Me' for full details but here's some of the scoop;

1. Please watch the video. 
2. Choose to donate by moving the slider. The choice is yours. 100% of the proceeds go to Tiny Hands International.
3. A link is sent to your email for the album download. 
4. To win the concert/trip the person who shares the 'website link' tracked through your unique code the most will win. 

So go check it out. Who knows maybe you'll be seeing the work of Tiny Hands International up close in Nepal and enjoying an in home concert with family and friends.

PROTECTING ANGELS

JEFF BLOM

Jeff Blom is the VP of Justice Operations and Lead Undercover Investigator. Hear Jeff describe his recent undercover operation and successful rescue of a 14 year-old Nepali girl.

LITTLE ANGELS HOME

The safety and well being of our children in Little Angels Home in Bangladesh is becoming more and more of an issue as these ten beautiful girls mature and grow older.

On more than one occasion during the past year, men have come to their home demanding some of the girls leave and become their wives. Fortunately, thus far, the parents and others have been able to protect the girls from harm.

However, due to these threats we feel the urgent need to relocate Little Angels Home to a safer location. With the land for the new home already purchased, we now need to raise the funds necessary to build them a new, safer home and a secure wall of protection.

Hear the amazing story of one "little angel" that helped us understand the need to defend and protect their innocence NOW!

We are reminded this time of year as we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Jesus our Savior, of the hope that Jesus brings.  For most of us we have celebrated Christmas our whole lives; we are familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of the season.  We know all of the songs and all of the stories and we all have our Christmas traditions.

But for many children all around the world, this is not the case.  Christmas for our children’s homes in Nepal, India and Bangladesh is a very special time, because each year we have many children in our homes who are celebrating Christmas for the very first time in their lives.

We started a new children’s home this year, Bethany Home, and we have seen this home grow to 15 children over the course of the year.  This is going to be their very first Christmas.  None of these children have ever celebrated Christmas before in their lives and this will be the first time they have ever heard the Christmas story of the miraculous birth of Jesus their Savior.  We are so blessed to have these opportunities as a ministry and it is truly because of all of you these children are celebrating Christmas this year.  You are all a part of their story, because we are all a part of God’s wonderful love story of rescuing the lost and redeeming a world back to himself.

We hope that as you celebrate Christmas this year with your families that you will remember Bethany Home and celebrate God's goodness, grace and love for them as well as for all of our children's homes.  May God bless you all in a special way this Christmas and throughout the upcoming year.

- Tiny Hands International

After many requests Tiny Hands  has released a 'Prayer Guide' for their ministry. Please view and download if you wish to pray for their continued protection as they fight poverty, combat the sex trade industry and fight against injustice. It is also a good resource to explore the various facets of the ministry.

Tiggy. Your life planted in us a love that will last a lifetime. Your memory has planted love in the lives of children; generations to come.

Mattias 02/23/09 - 12/12/10

We miss you, our little 'oatmeal Pollock.'

Please share in our joy that Tiggy's House has been funded. Some people have asked for more information on furnishing the home and operational expenses:

The cost of the home is running right at $40,000 (funded). 

It will cost approximately $7000 to furnish the home with bedroom furniture, a dining table and chairs, a few pieces of living room furniture, TV/DVR, refrigerator and some kitchen supplies.

The monthly operational costs are basically covered completely through child sponsorships. Those sponsorships run $60 per month and pays for everything including their education (through college), medical/dental costs, clothing, food, shelter, etc. Doug Dworak, THI Executive Director

During the money bomb an extra $1282.00 was raised. These funds will go towards furnishing the home, leaving $5718.00 to complete that aspect.

Though we have stated that we will not be actively fundraising (chilli feeds, garage sales, road trips), except for jewelery sales until the end of the year, we have provided this information for anyone who wanted to donate but felt like they missed out.

We thank everyone who has assissted us through this journey. We hope Tiggy's House has been an inspiration for you to support Tiny Hands on an ongoing basis, or pursue with greater zeal the work the Lord has you already doing.

As we finalize the end totals for Tiggy's House we are reminded that the Dream Center is well underway. In this video you'll meet the core staff for the Dream Center School.

The Dream School:

The school at the Dream Center will aim to provide a quality of education that is otherwise unavailable in Nepal (except to the ultra-rich), because the government favors a rote-learning system that does nothing to foster independent thinking and creative problem-solving. All private schools in Nepal are English-medium, so first-language English-speakers are highly coveted as teachers. For that reason, the school has enormous potential to be effective as an income generation project, attracting high-paying students that will help the Dream Center become financially self-sustaining. More importantly, however, the school will provide a level of education that has so far proved impossible for Tiny Hands to provide for our children.

Thank you so much to everyone who gave so generously yesterday. I cannot believe that from the simple thought that it would be nice to have the money for Tiggy's House raised by the second anniversary of his death, $1,840 would be raised in just 24 hours.

It still doesn't seem quite possible, but by now I should know not to doubt the plans God has for us.

That brings our total to $40,124 and Tiggy's House is completely funded.

Any extra money beyond the $40,000 will go toward furnishing the home.

Thank you so much.