Hagar's Foster Home Program has changed many children's lives, including 11-year old Way. 

Life is very different for 11-year old Way now that he has a roof over his head, enough food to eat, clean clothes, daily education, time to play, and most importantly, a supportive community.  His childhood has been returned to him and he is dreaming about what his future can now hold. 

Growing up for Way was a constant struggle.  It seemed that everything that could have gone wrong had. Way's father was blinded during his time as a soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime, his mother, HIV positive was often sick, and two of Way's five siblings died when they were young and one more ran away from home. 

Every day to help support his family, Way and his younger brother would beg for money and food along with their father.    

At some points, Way could not handle it any longer and he would run away. 

"I hated to be around my mom because she always fought with me and she drinks a lot and gambles." 

But his fear, frustration and hopelessness have subsided since being taken into Hagar's Foster Home. 

"I am happy now," Way said.  "I like to play.  Hagar helps me study and I go to church and learn about Jesus every Sunday.  At home, I only begged.  I was very unhappy." 

The care and support of his foster family, his friends and his teachers have encouraged Way to open up and trust the loving people around him.  "I have three close friends at Hagar," he said.  "When I have problems now I can talk to my foster parents or my teachers and they help me." 

As Way works hard at school, he dreams about one day being a school director. Way continues to worry about his younger brother who is still begging with his father.