Big dreams often come from the most humble beginnings. Dreams for a better future, a bigger impact, and a greater purpose—the kind of dreams that can feel impossible when you go at it alone. This is a story of two dreams, and how despite the odds, they found courage and hope to keep chasing after them.
This is Timothy.
Timothy is a thoughtful and hardworking man who was born and raised in India. In pursuit of a better life for his family, he moved to Bangladesh with his wife Christina, and together they sought to start anew with better opportunities for their three children. Timothy had big dreams for what possibilities could be waiting for them in a new country, despite all the challenges of starting over. He found rich community in a local church, and would gather together with other believers every Sunday to worship and praise God. But as a day laborer, even his best wages weren’t enough to make ends meet. As he toiled tirelessly to provide, Timothy struggled to believe his biggest dream would ever come true—the dream that his children would have a better life than he did.
Now, let me introduce you to Honok.
Honok is a kind and friendly young boy, who grew up in a small Telugu community in Bangladesh. He loves studying math and science, and playing cricket every afternoon with his friends. Even by 3rd grade, Honok already had big dreams for his future, his biggest aspiration being to help people. Honok dreamed of combining his love for science and people to one day become a nurse, so he could serve and care for those who are hurting.
But Honok came from a poor family. His parents were immigrants, who struggled every year with the fees needed to keep him and his two sisters in school. As much as he loved his classes, Honok knew he couldn’t become a nurse on a 3rd grade education alone. It was going to take years of hard work, finances and academic investment. Without help, Honok would be forced to drop out of school to find menial jobs not requiring much skill or training. Still just a small boy, he needed the help of others who believed in him and saw the potential in who he could become, willing to advocate on his behalf.
He needed his father, Timothy.
Knowing it would be nearly impossible for Honok to continue his education on his limited income alone, Timothy sought help. He reached out to The Hope Venture for assistance through the Backpack Project. He knew his son’s education was his responsibility, and even when inflated expenses had depleted his income to almost nothing, there was still hope.
This past year, Honok received a new backpack, filled with an exercise book, geometry box, pencils, and everything he needed to stay in school for a full year. But more than just a backpack, Honok was gifted one more year to chase after his dream—one year closer to the education needed to become a nurse. And Timothy got one step closer to his dream, too. As a father who would do anything to see his children succeed and have a better future, this backpack brought them both one step closer to their dreams.