Experience Heaven on Earth with Deaf Child Hope International

Experience Heaven on Earth with Deaf Child Hope International

Hi, I’m Courtney Anne Langerud, an 18-year-old student at Arizona State University. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with Deaf Child Hope International, spending a month in Eastern Africa visiting sponsored deaf children. My heart is full, yet it’s so hard to say goodbye to the amazing people at BDI—a truly beautiful organization inside and out.

A Warm Welcome from Sponsored Deaf Children at BDI

From the moment I arrived, I was embraced by love and joy. Joel, the founder, and the children made me feel so welcomed. On my first day at the school, every child greeted me with a hug, dancing and singing in celebration of my arrival. They eagerly wanted me to learn their names and were curious about my journey from America.

Each day, I looked forward to returning to the school to spend time with these loving and joyful children. Whether I was teaching classes or dancing alongside them, every moment was filled with fun and love.

The Impact of Child Sponsorship for Deaf Children

The children were so grateful for everything Deaf Child Hope has done for them. Receiving letters from their sponsors brought so much excitement and joy. They eagerly wrote letters back, expressing love and gratitude.

However, not every child has a sponsor. I pray that one day each child will have a sponsor who prays for them, supports them, and shows them that they are loved by people from all around the world.

Heartfelt Goodbyes and Life Lessons

The hardest part of my time at BDI was leaving each day. The children would hug me tightly—some with tears in their eyes—and even follow me to the boda boda (motorcycle taxi) to hand me letters they had written. Each day, I carried their heartfelt messages with me.

This experience taught me not only about myself but also about the world. I learned about the harsh challenges many of these children faced before finding BDI, where they now thrive with love, education, and support.

God’s Love Brings Unity Among the Deaf and Hearing

One of the most powerful lessons I witnessed was how God is moving in this country, bringing unity between the deaf and hearing communities. I will never forget what a teacher told me on my first day:

“Here at BDI, we don’t say ‘feel as if you are at home.’ We say, ‘Feel as if you are in heaven!’”

BDI truly feels like heaven on earth—a place filled with love, joy, and hope for every child.

Become a Sponsor Today: Change a Deaf Child’s Life