A Boy with Autism Faces the Future With Unshakeable Hope

Fernando is known for his helpful heart and big smile.

When built on a firm foundation, hope can stand strong and even flourish in the most difficult conditions.

Our friend Fer and his community are perfect examples.

Fer, short for Fernando, lives in a community in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, that is marked by drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, malnutrition, and poverty.

The name of his community? Nueva Esperanza — New Hope.

Some people would call that irony, but maybe it’s really insight.

Because there is hope in that troubled community. It shines in the people who are working for change and in the love of God reaching out to everyone there.

This is abundantly evident at the Generation of Conquerors Hope Center in the heart of the community.  And among the 120 kids who attend the Hope Center, 14-year-old Fer embodies that hope.

The Boy With the Undimmable Smile

Fer has autism.

But none of the obstacles Fer faces in life have been able to shake his hope or dim his smile.

“Sometimes we think that children like Fer are not prepared for certain environments,” says Hope Center Director, Lesly. “But I think it is human beings who often create those obstacles. And to see how he relates to the other children and how they love and care for him fills my heart, because the innocence in both is impressive.”

Fer’s condition makes it difficult for him to communicate and interact with other people. It has also narrowed his interests and made school challenging for him in certain areas.

But autism hasn’t stopped Fer from winning the hearts of the Child Champions and other kids at his Hope Center.

A Place of Belonging

Fernando with Hope Center Director Lesly

Fer joined the Hope Center when he was 9, and from the moment he arrived, the other children received him warmly. Their loving welcome made it easier for him to adapt to the new environment.

And Fer receives more than just love and acceptance at the Hope Center. He is respected and admired.

Fer’s Child Champions say it’s impressive to watch him do math, and say he has “admirable handwriting.” He also excels in putting together jigsaw puzzles and loves going to the zoo and the park where he can see the animals.

With the help of the other children at the center, they include Fer in a variety of Hope Center activities.

Fer’s mother, Jennifer, says her son likes attending the Hope Center, and he willingly bathes and gets himself ready to go.

Fer says he feels loved there.

“Fernando is always willing, bright and with a helpful heart,” says Lesley. “And to see him smile when he is enjoying doing something is priceless.”

Fer also says the food served at his Hope Center is “very tasty,” and like any growing teen, he often asks for seconds.

Fer also likes writing letters to his sponsors, Roger and Elizabeth, whom he met in person when they visited Honduras a few years ago.

Fer pays close attention to everything he hears at his Hope Center, including the Word of God. Despite Fer’s challenges in communication, his Child Champions are confident that the words he hears will help him grow.

A Family’s Love

Fer’s family is a special source of strength for the teen.

Fernando with his family

His mom, Jennifer, is an example of resolve. As a single mom, she cares for Fer, his twin sister and a younger sister who are all enrolled at the Hope Center. While most adults in the neighborhood work as street vendors or daily laborers, Jennifer has become an accounting assistant.

Fer’s aunt, two cousins and grandmother live with them, too.

It’s a full household that is rich in love. His Aunt Lizzy is like another mom to Fer, caring for him and worrying over him. Fer, in turn, is protective of his sisters and cousins.

Fer is also an active contributor to the household, helping with chores like cleaning, washing his own clothes, going to the grocery store, and taking care of his pet parakeet and his cat, Morita.

An Example of Resilience

Fer attended public school through sixth grade. But when it came time to advance to high school, Jennifer could tell that it was not a fit for her son.

With difficulty and sacrifice, Jennifer managed to enroll him in a private center for people with autism or similar conditions. There, Fer is learning important life skills like cooking, farming, cleaning, and washing, and he is receiving therapy to help him communicate better with the people around him. He is even receiving equine therapy.

“Life has not been easy for our dear Fernando” says Lesly. “But how fortunate we are that the Lord has allowed us to enter his world and … tell him ‘You are important to us.’”

When asked about sharing his story, Fer found it a stretch at first.

“This was something different,” he says. “But I liked talking and the pictures they took of me.”

“Fernando is a clear example of resilience,” says Lesly.

“He is a happy child, and I love that we are blessed to have him in our Hope Center. Because I think we learn more from him than he learns from us.”

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