Where We Began
A journey to India after the 2004 tsunami changed one man's life – and the lives of countless children to come.
Our Story
In December 2004, one of the deadliest natural disasters in history devastated communities across the Indian Ocean. In India, some coastal communities experienced waves reaching miles inland, creating an enormous humanitarian need that lasted long after the news cameras left.
Entire villages disappeared. Families were separated. Thousands of children were left without parents, homes, or hope.
A World Forever Changed
Memoir Style: When and why Tom went, and specific moments that affected him.
What he saw:
Temporary relief camps and shelters
Communities rebuilding homes and schools
Children who had lost one or both parents
International aid organizations working alongside local churches and ministries
Long-term recovery efforts that continued for years after the disaster itself
A Trip That Changed Everything
Excerpts from notes, emails, journals, photos, or fundraising letters from that period.
Portraits
Journal entries
Quotes from Tom
Stories of specific children (if available)
The Children He Met
The trip → The creation of Abode for Children (2011?).
(Mention that Tom had previously been involved in mission work through the founding of St. Joseph in Nigeria in 1999.)
When did he first realize this would become more than a trip?
Was there a specific child or moment?
What conversation led to founding the organization?
What did God place on his heart?
From Compassion to Commitment
We call it Abode because every child deserves a place to belong – not only a roof over their head, but a community rooted in faith, dignity, and love.
Our schools and orphanages provide safe homes and quality education to countless children who come from places where each day is a struggle and a fight for hope.
More Than a Home
Fifteen years after Abode for Children was first founded, we now educate 600+ students each year and provide more than 115 children with a safe, loving home in our orphanages.
Together with Catholic missionaries, local sisters and priests, and generous sponsors, we are building a place where children are known, cared for, and given the opportunity to flourish.
A Legacy of Hope
Be the Reason a Child Has Hope
Your sponsorship gives more than education – it gives love, dignity, and faith. Join us in building a future where every child knows they are loved by God.