The U.S. Face of the Orphanage
Sergio with Roy at the Orphange one week ago
Have you met Roy Ketring, III? He is the U.S. face of the El Sauzal Orphanage. If you have arranged a trip to El Sauzal, you most likely have been in contact with Roy. If you have visited the Orphanage, you may have met him there. If you have surfed El Sauzal’s website, received an Orphanage Christmas photo card, purchased an Orphanage t-shirt, mug or cap, you have seen Roy’s dedicated, hard work. Roy’s hand is all over the Orphanage.
Roy is a retired railroad consultant, although he still does occassional consulting jobs. He and his wife Brenda live in Placentia, California. They have two children and five grandchildren, whom they care for frequently. Roy is heavily involved in his church, Placentia Presbyterian with the Orphanage ministry, including their biannual food distribution to the San Antonio de las Mianas community, a second ministry to Mexico in Vizcaino - southern Baja, and a local outreach ministry to Spanish speakers in the Placentia area.
Roy has been involved with the Orphanage since 1978. On his first trip, he did not want to go; someone invited him, and he went out of a sense of duty. The trip changed him. For many years, Roy has been the Orphanage’s Secretary. He has been deeply involved in the operations. He is a part of the Espinoza family. (And even right now, he is in Mexico, for the service for Juan. See Juan Passes Away.) At Juan’s service yesterday, Ramon talked about how Roy is so much a part of the community and the family.
Several years ago, Josue asked Roy to form a Foundation in the United States. Roy considered it seriously. He did not want to change the Orphanage and make it a U.S.-run entity. It was after much prayer and consultation with other U.S. Orphanage friends that Roy went ahead with the creation of the Foundation. (Read more at About the El Sauzal Foundation, Inc.) Now Roy is the president of the Foundation.
So what does retirement look like for Roy? Taking care of Orphanage donations, requests and questions is a full time job for Roy. He works at the Orphanage (a three hour drive) at least once a month for an extended weekend. And of course there are many other events, like Juan’s service, birthdays and weddings. Although it is not possible to truly thank Roy for all of his hard work and time, I am so grateful for his generous heart and dedicated service to the Orphanage.
