Update

We continue to move forward with our Casas. As you know, we are planning to add 10 children to our homes for next year. We have already begun to add them. First, we added Arelis, an 8 yr. old girl. She is a very warm and loving child with a bright smile. Then we added Miguel Angel, a 9 yr. old boy with a worried, hungry look. His need for love is so apparent. Next, we aded Daniela, a 6 yr. old sister of Miguel Angel. Both Daniela and Miguel Angel have obviously not be well treated in the past. Now we have added another brother/sister combination: Julio Cesar (3) and Ana Margot (8yrs.) Apparently their mother is involved in gangs and was severly injured in a knife incident. The court has deemed her unfit. One of the kids' fathers is dead. The other split some time ago and has not been heard from again. I took gifts from the St. Phillip's team to the kids this afternoon. What fun! I got to sort them out for each kid, label them, and give them to the children. Just me, all by myself! What a blast I had and how excited the kids were at both Casas. The teens discreetly looking to see what I was carrying, but playing it cool. The little ones excitedly looking out the window and Miguel hollering at the top of his lungs to open the door, Tio Ron was waiting! The stuffed animals, soccer balls, hair thingies, games, hats, baseballs, and puzzles were a hit. Daniela wanted to know if I came every day as everyone was so excited. Then Victoria and one of the house mothers were trying to explain to Julio Cesar(3 yrs.) that it was okay to let the other children see what he got. They weren't going to take it away from him. I hope I can get pictures of the new kids on Sunday when I am at Cristo Redentor. Many thanks, St. Phillip's! I've put in a picture of a couple of the team members with our volcano, Misti, in the background. Chao, Padre Ron

"Jesus love me" Blankets

Many thanks to Barbara Gooding and Church of the Ascension, Westminster, MD, for sending these love blankets made by their VBS kids. We have distributed these to kids at San Jose, Sagrada Familia, prision babies, and Abrigo Andino. Some extras will go to the mission post "Santiago Apostol" in a very poor part of town where they will be treasured by the moms for their little ones.

New "Pup" for the Roof Dogs

Yes, we are beginning to add new kids. This is Areli who has been with us about 2 weeks now. Her story is quite sad. Her mom was in a very abusive relationship and was driven to suicide. Areli has no father figure. A caring neighbor took her to the judge as no one stepped forward to care for her. Then we were asked to take her in. She was attending a catholic school and the Mother Superior has decided to send her teacher over once a week to "home school" Areli so she can finish her school year with the same teacher. (Of couse our school year ends in December.) A child with a warm and ready smile for everyone, she was obviously very loved by her mom.

In addition, today we have been asked to received 3 children- an 11 yr. old girl, an 8 yr. old boy, and a 5 yr. old girl. They are brother and sisters being permanently removed from chronic alcoholic parents. It appears that they haven't been attending school with any regularity either. Keep Juliana, Edgar, and Maribel in your prayers. too.

Ana Rosa

Ana Rosa is our cook at Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia. Previously she cooked for us at Casa Hogar San Jose. She is a member of San Lucas Mission and is a fluent Quechua speaker so she has been a great help with evangelism teams traveling to Cabanaconde in the Colca Canyon. We’re planting herbs for her to use in her cooking.

Cooking here can be a challenge. Sometimes the water or electricity is unexpectedly cut off, or the gas runs out during meal preposition. Add to that the occasional appearance of a guest for lunch and you have a recipe for surprises! The kids enjoy her cooking, but, as typical teens anywhere, they have their likes and dislikes. The universal dislike is washing up afterwards. Sound like your home?

Thanks to our supporters we offer 3 glasses of milk a day to all the children EXCEPT Giovanna who DOESN’T like it! ( We sneak it in in desserts, though.) Milk is bought by the pail and delivered to the door. Ana Rosa then brings it to a boil before cooling it down for the fridge. A typical “glass of milk” here is a bit different. It is flavored with cinnamon and cloves. (Arguments among cooks occur over the proper amount of each ingredient!)

We will try out Ana Rosa’s guinea pig recipes when we get the piggies going. We haven’t prepared their area yet, but soon will. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve seen the two roosters that had, at least until recently, outrun the cooking pot! The kids look happy, though.......