By age 30, Caroline Boudreaux had a high-paying job in TV advertising, a sleek car, a beautiful home and a sizzling social life. And yet, like so many, she felt unfulfilled and unhappy.
Deciding to focus on herself, Caroline took a sabbatical, journeying around the world with her best friend. One day, in a makeshift orphanage in a small Indian village, she found the calling she wasn’t even looking for: caring for orphaned children. And so her Miracle Foundation was born.
I felt like I was being wasted. I knew in my heart that I had a higher purpose that I wasn’t fulfilling.
Caroline had never seen orphans before. There were more than 100 children in that Indian village, taken in by just one family. The conditions were brutal: The children were malnourished and lacked proper clothing. And they lacked the necessary love and attention all children need to lead happy childhoods.
“All of them had empty-looking eyes. And they were all vying for our attention, asking for a hug from us or to touch our hands. There were so many, and every single one was precious and perfect, desperately in need of love, attention – someone to care. I knew I had to do something,” says Caroline.
We believe in a future where there’s no longer a need for orphanages. Ask any child and they will tell you that their biggest dream is to be part of a loving family.
Returning from her sabbatical, Caroline turned her back on her former career to focus on her foundation. The goals? Providing support and empowerment to orphaned children so they can reach their full potential, as well as eliminating the need for orphanages by 2040.
Collaborating with other NGOs, governments, donors, volunteers, doctors and local family-strengthening organizations, Miracle Foundation has helped thousands of orphaned and at-risk children since its inception in 2000. In fact, 25% of children have already transitioned to family environments and 98% have graduated from secondary school.
Headquartered in Austin, Miracle Foundation works to enrich the lives of vulnerable children in Indian, Africa, Sri Lanka and Mexico, as well as children in the U.S. foster care system. These children can grow and live in safe, happy and healthy environments, where their needs for attention, affection and education are met. Environments where they have a chance to a better future and breaking the cycle. And for Caroline herself, gone are the days when she felt empty: “I now have everything money can’t buy. I have this great mission and great work now. It’s given me something so powerful to do.”
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.