Watching Faphet Step Into His Future

Recently, Faphet travelled to Australia and stood on stage at our Night of Celebration in Sydney. It was one of those moments you don’t forget. He spoke without notes, in English (his second language) sharing his story, where he has come from, and where he is heading. As he thanked our supporters for believing in him, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. We were so proud. Proud of his courage, his humility, and the man he has become.

Leaving BTN is not easy for him. This community has been his home for most of his life. He has worked in the home, lived alongside the kids, and been part of the daily rhythm of life there. Saying goodbye has been emotional for him and for all of us but he knows this is where growth happens. This is where learning deepens. This is where he will continue to build the skills he needs in the field he is so passionate about.

On my most recent trip to Thailand, we took Faphet out for what will be the first of many farewells. We gathered the staff at a local restaurant and shared a meal together. Faphet spoke openly about feeling nervous and even a little bit scared about what lies ahead. He will be living away from his life partner. He will be living on his own for the first time. He will be stepping into unfamiliar territory after spending his whole life in the same community.

But he also acknowledged that part of his growth lives in the discomfort. That the sacrifices he makes will be worth it. That this is part of becoming who he is meant to be.

This is Faphet’s time to shine. And we know he will.

This is a powerful reminder of what is possible when people like you choose to invest in our kids. Thanks to our donors and supporters, Faphet was able to go to university, graduate with a degree in social work, and build the foundations for a life dedicated to helping others. Now, he is taking everything he has learned and giving it back — supporting children before crisis, and helping create the futures he once dreamed of himself.

He has chosen this work because he knows firsthand what love, stability, and belief can do. Raised in an environment where he was supported and encouraged to dream big, Faphet has always wanted to offer that same care and opportunity to the next generation.

That is the ripple effect of love done well.

Being part of these journeys, walking alongside our kids as they grow into adults who go on to change the world around them, is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

There are tears as we say goodbye, but only because we will miss seeing his face around BTN. We couldn’t be happier for him. We are cheering him on as he steps into this next chapter, and we can’t wait to follow his journey.

Faphet will forever be part of the Hands and BTN family and the children he supports in the years to come will be better for it.