My H&H Story: Darwin Suazo
NOW GOD IS CALLING THEM TO SERVE OTHERS
Darwin Suazo has been working for H&H for over 7 years, first as a volunteer and now he serves on staff as the Project and Sales Manager.
When Darwin first learned about the organization, he told us that what moved his heart was how the volunteers were showing love to the people in the communities.
“What better way to answer the call from God to love one another than to serve each other?
That’s exactly what Humanity and Hope does so that’s what caught my attention.”
Over the years, Darwin has seen incredible transformation in the communities H&H partners with. The stories he’s seen develop truly depict the vision and mission of H&H.
One of the first stories he witnessed transformation was in the community of La Coroza. At the time, they didn't have water or electricity, and the houses were very damaged and old. Darwin told us it was obvious that there was a huge amount of need.
“You could see that the adults and kids had their teeth rotten and we didn't know why until we did an investigation with some engineers. We found out that the water from the well that they were drinking was messing up their teeth and also many of the kids’ stomachs. So we knew at that time that there was a lot of material needed and help needed in the village.”
Now, La Coroza is vastly different. The community has electricity, its own water tank, and each family has access to water filters that provide clean drinking water. New houses have been built and are continuing to be.
Darwin said he’s seen a lot of transformation, and it always begins with relationships - with our team sitting down to listen to what they need.
“I take these people as my family, and when there is a need, I want to be there for them and listen to them.”
Oftentimes, the communities voice that their biggest need is jobs and an income, which is why H&H has a focus and pillar dedicated to economy and job creation. Darwin says providing jobs is truly an invaluable gift we can give them.
“One of the biggest blessings you can give to a human being is an opportunity. An opportunity to succeed, to have a job, to bring food to their homes. People feel proud that they can work, that they can bring food home, and make their house a little better with the effort of their hands.”
At one time, the women in La Coroza and La Cuchilla knew nothing of chicken. Even Darwin said he didn’t know anything about chicken businesses. But together with the resources H&H provided, they all learned about and started chicken businesses to buy, grow, and sell chickens.
“We made lots of mistakes. But we were there to learn and we knew that one day these businesses were going to be profitable. And after training, seminars and chicken cycles, these women were working and they were getting paid to learn and to work. Our vision was for them to learn it so well where we can hand it over for them.”
Now, there are four chicken coops across the three communities we serve, and we are building a fifth one. Each business has become profitable, so we have handed them over to the women to run as their own businesses.
“They feel proud every time they raise a nice beautiful chicken that they can sell to the market and bring food to their homes.”
Darwin told us it doesn’t end here though. Now the people we serve have the same call we do...
“God called us and sent us, so we are there. And now God is calling them to go and help others.”
When we asked Darwin what his vision for H&H is for the next decade, he captured H&H’s heart for sustainability and generosity with his response:
“In 10 years from now, I think we will see the people we serve now, serving others. And even the people we serve now, working full-time with H&H to serve others.”
Thank you so much, Darwin, for how you serve these communities with your heart and soul! You are an incredible leader and we are so proud to work and serve with you.
October 11, 2021
Written by: Kori Wooten