Staying Connected

Our time in Guatemala would not have been possible without the financial support of a large number of people. We are overwhelmingly thankful for the provision that gave us this opportunity.

We're working on getting out our final newletters with this information as well, but I wanted to go ahead and address it on the blog so that it's accessible now. Several of our donors have asked us when to make their final donations. Although we are now back in the States, we are considering July to be our last month on staff with New Life Advance International, since we will be traveling and speaking at churches regarding the children's home until I start my new job at Midland First UMC on July 15. Therefore (for those who have asked), we continue to have ministry expenses for NLCH into July.

Changing gears a little bit- Kara and I are so proud of the ministries of New Life Children's Home, and we have seen them to be so effective and of such high quality that we want to continue to be a support to them even though we're no longer living and working there. One way that we feel we can do that is by giving good information to those who have supported us about different means through which they can continue to invest in the lives of the kids at NLCH. Kara and I have chosen three avenues, in each of which we have been personally involved and can recommend with the highest confidence:

1. The College Scholarship Fund
We spent a lot of time with the high school and college-aged young people at NLCH, and came to love them dearly. Through the ministries of NLCH, God has delivered them from terribly painful pasts, and we want to see the best for each one of them in their futures. This is why we are so supportive of NLCH's recently-created College Scholarship Fund.

In a country where only 1 of every 8 girls who begin 1st grade finish 6th grade, and less than 7% of the total population receive a college education, the kids of NLCH have been blessed to know that they will have the opportunity to get an education. For years, the kids who have finished high school have begun to work full-time jobs while studying in the university on weekends. Now that we have more of the kids entering college, as a way of honoring José Angel's memory the CSF was created with the hope of taking the kids' educational opportunities a step farther.

Since the university system in Guatemala functions differently than in the States, some careers are only possible if one studies as a full-time student. For example, Luis is one of our boys who graduated high school last year, and he wants to become an architect. He worked very hard to finish his high school studies that would prepare him to study architecture in the university, and is currently working for an architect and gaining valuable experience. However, he cannot complete his studies unless he is able to study full-time. The same is true for those who want to study medicine, law, and some other careers.

The College Scholarship fund will make these opportunities possible to the kids of NLCH, and will expand the impact that they are able to make upon their own country. To make a donation, you can use one of the means listed here, and mark the donation "College Scholarship Fund."

2. Child Sponsorships
For NLCH's budget to be met, each child needs 12 sponsors at $25 each per month. You will form a relationship with the child, being able to communicate with each other, send birthday/Christmas cards, etc. We have personally seen how much difference an involved sponsor can make in one of the kids' lives and character.

You can become a sponsor by clicking here and sending your information to NLCH.

3. Construction Funds
NLCH is currently involved in a large construction project, which includes a new housing unit for the girls (Casa Elisabeth, completed in 2006), one for the boys (Casa Anthony, currently under construction), and a future unit for babies and toddlers (Casa Kevin). The project also includes housing for staff, and new offices/library/dining hall.

You can help move these projects toward completion by clicking here and marking your donation "Construction."

Just so that you know, NLCH has not asked us to raise another penny for them. We simply want to pass this information along because we love these ministries so much and know that some who have supported us would want to know a way to continue helping those precious kids.

Back in the USA

We arrived in St. Louis last night after a long day a flying. We finished packing at 12:30 a.m., woke up at 3:30 a.m. to leave for the airport and catch our flight. It's nice to be back and be with family.

In some ways, I feel like I'm in shock- the feeling that this is a dream, and that I'll wake up pretty soon back in our apartment at NLCH with all of those kids we love so much nearby. Getting readjusted to life in the States (like actually stopping when we see stop signs) and settling in to life away from the kids at NLCH is going to take a while.

This was a lot of fun

As could be imagined, we're having a tough time saying goodbye to Michelle. She changed a lot since she came, and we loved being able to spend so much time with her.

This picture is from the first time we kept her:
And I know Kara already posted a similar one, but this is her playing peek-a-boo on our last day of keeping her:

A few more pictures of Michelle

Today we had to give Michelle back to Kendon and Wendy. We miss her already! However, our productivity level has definitely gone way up which is good since we only have a day left at NLCH. I think that I am going to be very sad tomorrow morning when I don't wake up to her crazy morning hair and big grin.

Here are a few more pictures that we took during her stay with us:

Cheerios face.

Michelle's feet in comparison with Daniel's.

Playing peek-a-boo with me over the closet door.

Saying Goodbye

I think I am still in denial about the fact that tomorrow is our last day here. We will leave for the airport around 4 AM on Friday morning. This week has been bittersweet, as we knew it would be. In the midst of the chaos of packing and trying to finish up things around here, we have enjoyed some special times (pictures below). However, these times have also been difficult because they mark the beginning of inevitable official goodbye that we must say tomorrow.

The office staff prepared breakfast for us on Tuesday morning. It was delicious! Below is a close up of the food: breakfast sandwiches, plantains, black beans (of course!), chips, bread, orange juice and coffee.

(Left to right -- Daniel, me, Estela, Sandra, Michele, Jon, Alex and Gladys.)
Tonight our Thursday night discipleship group took us out to dinner (above picture). This meant so much to us and we had a great time. Sandra (Michele's mother and also the coordinator of the NLCH home parents) went with us.

Remembering Chepe

Tuesday would have been Jose Angel's (Chepe) 18th birthday. Chepe is the teenager who passed away during a trip to the beach last September on Guatemala's Independence Day. We took whichever children wanted to go to the cemetery where we placed stones that the children had made to decorate the grave.Above -- some of the children decorating stones.

The stones turned out really well. The kids put a lot of thought into them and were very creative and personal with how they decorated each one.

The children gathered around the grave site. We had prayer thanking God for Chepe's life and the great memories that we have of him. This was a difficult time for many of the children, especially for Chepe's brother, Juan.

One of the stones decorated with a guitar since Chepe loved to sing and play his guitar.

Emily arranging the stones in a line.

Crunch Time

Man, we have a lot to get done before Friday morning.