Roni's Family: A Family Full of Smiles

Even in the darkest places, there is always a light of hope – and the Rodriquez family is just that. Despite a dreary forecast and bleak circumstances, their smiles shine brightly in Los Pinos, a dark neighborhood of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. They cling to faith. They cling to hope.
Inside four children is a dream, waiting to be ignited with an opportunity.

Olivero and Noemi Rodriquez have one wish: for their children to have a good education in order to get better jobs, support themselves and have an opportunity to have a home one day. Today, the family lives in a one-room shack on a steep mountain in Los Pinos.

Olivero is an independent, freelance construction worker. He doesn’t know how to read or write. Noemi is a street sweeper for the municipality of Tegucigalpa. She has a sixth grade education and can read and write. They have six children, two who are grown and married, the other four remain at home. They’ve managed to get their kids as far as sixth grade but beyond that, education is too expensive.

Roni (17) is a temp worker, taking whatever job is available to contribute to the family’s minimal income. He would like to pursue becoming a doctor. Roni worships with intense passion and is already a leader within his community, setting an example of faith. He also enjoys drama.

Ariel (15) wants to be a mechanic and also loves to draw. Dania (12) aspires to be a teacher and also likes to draw and paint. Amalia (10) dreams of becoming a nurse (she gives her dolls shots) and enjoys singing and dancing. Amalia is involved with the praise and worship ministry at the family’s church, Cantico Nuevo - A New Song.

Though a strong family, they struggle. Olivero is an alcoholic. The addiction is powerful. But Noemi refuses to leave him, saying over and over again that would be too easy.

They don’t have the possibilities to expose their children to better things, like the ocean. Roni and Ariel accompanied Tony and a group to the ocean. Olivero and Noemi couldn’t stop thanking him. The simple things are impossible. Olivero and Noemi can’t take their kids on a boat ride, in an airplane or to a different city. But with an education, their kids can make a different future for themselves.

Ignite their dream, give them an opportunity. Soon we will be sharing how you can become an important part of this family's life.