Casas Hogares

Site Transfer

2010-03-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Praise God! Our SAMS missionaries in Arequipa have graciously agreed to continue the Casas blog so you can see what is happening with our kids. Thank you Gloria and Sandy! The new blog address is: http://casashogaresaqp.blogspot.com/

Padre Ron and Tia Vicki

2010-01-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Due to medical evaluations in Peru, Padre made an emergency trip to the US for further evaluation. When he left in Nov., it was assumed he would be returning by Christmas to be with the kids. However, it was not to be. Padre and Vicki remain in the US where they covet your prayers for Ron's pancreatic cancer treatments. Give thanks, too, for the wonderful Christian medical personal that have been treating him. Pray as well for Vicki who ministers tirelessly to keep him as well and comfortable as possible.

Needless, to say, the change is the weather has been a shock for them! Brrrr!

Our prayer is that God's Gracious Hand will be over the Casas as the batton of leadership changes and that His Will be done in all things.

Psalm 95
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.

End of Academic Year

2010-01-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

At the end of December the Academic School Year ends in Peru and vacation time sets in. This always brings changes with it. Some of our kids may be finishing their time at San Lucas, or finishing their various vocational courses- chef, electrician, seamstress, etc. Vacation time is time to practice piano, learn embroidery, practice English, etc. Also, it is a time when the Peruvian courts often re-evaluate the home situation of various kids. We always pray that God will reunite families where possible. Still, when the courts decide to return a child to a family where the child was removed because of "extreme poverty", we worry about parental motives and what is REALLY best for the child. Please join us in praying for God's guiding hand to be over each one that we hold so dear in our hearts and will miss so much that He will keep them in the palm of His hand. Surrendering loved ones to His Will and His Plan is still tough to do!

Tío Luís Visits

2010-01-14T20:15:00.000-08:00

The kids are always excited to have friends visit and former houseparent Luis stopped by when in town from Juliaca where he is now serving as Lay Minister in the church.

TWEET TWEET

2010-01-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Padre Ron and Tia Vicki decided the kids might enjoy the birds and so gave them to the two Casas.

Christmas Visitor

2010-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Much to the Johnson's delight, their daughter Laura was able to visit them at Christmas. Of course this provided more fun for the San Jose kids! Thanks to Sandy for sending these photos. In addition to piano, Gloria is inviting them over to learn embroidery. It is a fun time for all. Needless to say, new teddy bears are a hit!

KEEPING IN TOUCH

2010-01-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sandy Johnson's help, we have been able to SKYPE both Casa San Jose and Casa Sagrada Familia. That was a true blessing. Both Tio Bob and Tia Susan Kerr were able to be present for the event. Here are some pics of the kids that the Johnsons were able to take on the Peru end. As you see, everyone looks hale and hearty.

MY! TIME FLIES!!!!

2010-01-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

First, an apology for the long delay in postings from the Casas. Things continue to move forward whether I keep you up to date or not!

Unfortunately, Ron became ill in October as the St. Philip's team visited. They did a great job of digging the foundation for the second-story stairs for more classrooms at San Lucas School. Additionally, they were able to visit with each of the Casas one afternoon and spend some good time with the kids. What a great and flexible group they are! It was good to have them actually stay in town rather than just pass by on their way to Cabanaconde. Thanks, guys and gals. Sorry I wasn't up to getting picture together before leaving Peru. We thought it might be a gall bladder surgery and back to Peru before Christmas.

After several more weeks of tests to discover the source of pain, we were advised to return to the US for additional tests which we did on Nov.9. We thought it might be a gall bladder surgery and back to Peru before Christmas. Next, out of His Providence, God provided fantastic medical assitance through Christian doctors in the US.

Finally, after a hospital stay, it was determined Nov.29th that Ron has pancreatic cancer and will not be returning to Peru. Praise God for the wonderful medical attention he has received and all the wonder prayers and support!

Get to know José, Manuel, Margot, and Susana

2009-10-19T10:48:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to see the latest interviews with four of our older kids.

More Pics

2009-10-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

You can see more pics here.

PRIMERA PIEDRA/GROUND BREAKING

2009-10-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

What a delight to have Project Hope getting off the ground! This construction will allow us to receive more teens at Sagrada Familia. First phase is a much-needed retaining wall and first floor dorms. We had our celebration on Oct.3 and were excited to have our distinguished visitors here!

Friends

2009-10-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Of course, it was great to have friends here to visit with us as well as visit with the kids.

New Cubbies

2009-10-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Some of you probably remember the two rickety wooden boxes that held the kids´ book bags. Remember the tops were loose and you had to sit CAREFULLY not to fall in? Well, one of our new pieces of furniture is this cool set of cubbies to hold the bags. Ángela, Lizbeth, and Yasmin are all smiles.

Keeping Everything Straight

2009-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

Over the years we have seen growth and expansion with the Casas. This year it was time to have an audit to help us keep everything accounted for in an orderly manner. I have to give an "aplauso" (applause) to Maria Andia for handling so many different financial pieces in this part of Peru. Many thanks, Maria for the wonderful job you do juggling diocesan requirements, Amigos del Peru requirements and Padre Ron requirements! To our auditor, Toni Brown, it was "business as usual." Padre would be a quivering mass of jelly on the floor if he had to keep up with all the details they deal with! Thanks again Maria and Toni.

Ready, Set, Go! WOOF!!!

2009-09-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

October is a big month for the Casas. On the 24th is the big run. This has been a great fund raiser and will be especially important this year with our Project Hope construction plans at Sagrada Familia. If you'd like to support all the two-legged and four-legged runners, check out this webpage

New Acolyte

2009-09-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

Katiuska seems to be doing really well in her new school along with Lizbeth and Xavier. But Katiuska has been asking Padre Ron about becoming an acolyte. Yesterday Padre went over with a communion set and they practiced setting up the credence table and how to present the wine and water, and how to do the lavabo. Both enjoyed the practice. Sunday Katiuska will shadow Giovana and get out some of the butterflies so she can do it on her own the next time. Go girl!

Project Hope Takes Off!

2009-09-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! GOD IS GOOD!...all the time! ALL THE TIME...God is good! Well, we are about to do the "first stone" ceremony at Sagrada Familia on Oct. 3 at 3:30 p.m. This is the ground breaking ceremony for the dormitory unit so needed there. Who do we thank?
ALL our supporting churches and those wonderful individuals who have had a burden for our Casas Hogares kids. Christ Church, Plano, got the ball rolling when it seemed too overwhelming for us to attempt, and it has been awesome to see how many friends and churches have taken up the banner from as far away as England. We planned it in phases to be completed as funds are available: Phase 1-a much needed retaining wall and dorm unit for 12 girls. Phase 2-a similar upstairs unit for 12 boys. Phase 3-an expanded kitchen and dining room with computer room and library. Phase 4- a possible set of 4 bedrooms for "transitional" living before launch to fully independent living. Pray that this construction will be finished by Feb. 2010 so we can move over the next set of teenagers from Casa Hogar San Jose when the "Roof Dog" team comes down.

You can see the plans at http://ronandvicki.net/first_stone.htm

Questions- - -

2009-09-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Susana officially turns 17 on Oct. 28. Unlike most teens, she went through a phase when she consistently said she was YOUNGER! She didn't want to come to grips with how close she was getting to being 18 years old- the age of adulthood here. Her fear was that she would have to move out and had nowhere to go, no job, and no way to support herself. She finally voiced that to Director Pedro. As many of you know, we are at the point of ground breaking for a construction project to build more adequate dorm space here at Sagrada Familia. Without the additional space, we cannot receive any more teens into our Home. Pedro showed her the plans.

As Pedro talked, the lightbulb came on and Susana realized that her courses in cosmetology really had a purpose! When she realized that we are making provisions for a period of transition, she began to see she wouldn't be out on the street. The possible "apartments" we might build sounded great to her. Finally, she asked Pedro,"So, we'll live independently upstairs here and then go down to the dining room for all our meals?" Pedro smiled and said, "Not quite, Susana. You all will be COOKING your OWN meals upstairs..Oh, and CLEANING UP afterwards as well."

Growing up is a gradual process, isn't it??

KIDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

Looks like it is time to consider replacement of some lost glasses, new prescriptions of others, and an eye exam for another one! Margot will be the first as SHE has raised part of the cost of her glasses with her chocolate sales! Hmm.., what will Susana, Giovana, and Miguel Ángel do to keep up and help with the cost of their glasses?

On The Job Training

2009-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Soon Edgar and Jose will begin some practicums in cooking. José, by the way will be starting the equivalent of 9th grade.Good luck, boys!

Movin On UP

2009-08-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

Susana, Giovana, and Edgar are about to start 11th grade-the last year of school. My, how time flies!

Manuel

2009-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Manuel will shortly be entering 8th grade. Currently in his electronic's class he is studying radio repair and really enjoying it.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

2009-08-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

Recently Director Pedro told me that Margot has continued to make and market her chocolates. Currently she has some S/70 set aside for emergency needs. Great job, Margot!

Embroidery Project

2009-08-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

We are looking at beginning an embroidery class for our teenagers. Similar to the "Arpillera" project in Lima that generates so much income for the ladies in the shanties, embroidery is a big skill here and in the Colcha Canyon. Traditionally this is a male artform, but the ladies are beginning to catch on to it. This would be a great cottage industry for our young adults to supplement their income in years to come. All the designs are sewn by holding an unmarked piece of material under a running sewing machine and creating the images directly from the imagination of the artists. We may even have a sponsor to help us get this project off the ground!! Here are a couple of samples of the type of product we expect.

MARTA'S PIGLET CELEBRATES THE SEASON

2009-08-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Well, Christmas is just 4 months away. With this vacation time our kids have done some really great pictures at both the Casas to use on our Christmas cards this year. Now we'll have to figure out which ones to print for sale in the US. We want to be ahead of the pack this year! Maybe a scripture or bilingual greeting inside and big enough to hold a 4X6 photo inside. I hope we can put a small picture of the artist on the back of the card as well. With luck, you will be able to get these in Plano, TX by October.

Sagrada Familia Kids Put On a Show

2009-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Not to be outdone, our older kids put on some of their own routines as well.

San José Kids Have Fun

2009-08-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

St. Peter & St. Paul

2009-07-28T16:16:00.000-07:00

With the kids out of school for holidays and H1N1 worries, it was a great time to have this group here. If only we could get the kids to loosen up and have some fun!

River Missionaries

2009-07-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to have Wayne and Lynnea with us for three days. Wayne was the child of Amazon River missionaries and has returned in recent years to bring the Word to those living around Iquitos on the river. The kids were fascinated with his tales about the jungle and hunting for lizards for dinner as a kid! Don´t think any were ready to try a taste.

Kids

2009-07-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a good picture of the Sagrada Familia kids in one of their more SOLEMN moments!

Lunch at the Robertsons

2009-07-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday we had the older kids over for lunch and games. The younger kids were not able to come as measles is prevalent. Keep our kids in your prayers as many are sick as well as Director Pedro and Directora María. Victoria and Giovanna are doing a dance routine for Nani and Joann

Tía Nani Visits

2009-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Tía Nani spent a week here at Casa Sagrada Familia teaching the kids about family meals, special meals and the Lord´s Table. Oh, we also did cool stuff like Rice Krispie treats, pizza, and Smores! They had a GREAT time!

Sagrada Familia Kids

2009-07-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here´s another good picture from lunch with the Robertsons. If the kids just weren´t so SERIOUS!

Bishop Godfrey Visits

2009-07-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to say that Bishop Godfrey was able to visit both Casas this July during his visit to Southern Peru. Besides talking to directors and staff, he visited with the younger kids at San José. The kids "wowed" him with their presentation of Peruvian music. He had the kids perform their pieces as a gradual on Sunday.

Ángela Is Next

2009-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Waiting her turn, Ángela looks on. Her brother, Xavier, and her sister, Lizet are in Casa San José as well.

Arelis

2009-06-26T15:44:00.000-07:00

Arelis used to be one who smiled continually. Since her accident when she knocked out her two front teeth, she has been very self-conscious. A pediatric orthodontist is working with her and will help her regain her beautiful smile before too long.

Directores Pedro y María Pérez

2009-06-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Pedro and María P. do a great job of attending events our kids are in and Padre Ron especially appreciated it this year as he wasn´t present for the festivities. Tía Vicki was, of course, there taking pictures constantly.

Boys Not to be Out Done

2009-06-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

The boys have their costumes and enjoy the folk dances as much as the girls.

Día del Padre

2009-06-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

Fathers´ Day is a big deal in Perú. The school celebrates with an elaborate program of religious service, dances, and even plate lunches. Here we see Hermelinda with a friend and Ada in their dance costumes. It´s hard to believe they are now in Sagrada Familia!

Kevin

2009-06-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Gloria and Sandy's son, is here to visit his parent and see their work. Kevin is a seminarian in the US and will be helping the kids practice English at Sagrada Familia as a part of his course work. Being an Englishspeaker, the kids will HAVE to use English!!! Thanks, Kevin

Saying Goodbye is Hard To Do

2009-06-06T06:06:00.000-07:00

At the end of the month we will be saying "Goodbye" to our tutor Luis Quispe. Luis has been working at Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia since we began this house. All the kids will miss him. Luis has finished his seminary studies and will be leaving Arequipa at the end of the month to move to Juliaca where he will serve as a licensed lay minister assisting the newly ordained Fr. Ruben at Santa María Magdalena. It is exciting to see Luis take another step towards ordination, but sad to lose his presence here in Arequipa. Many thanks, Luis for your outstanding service.

The Arrival

2009-05-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

The big day has come. Everybody at Sagrada Familia was waiting in the yard listening for the arrival of the combi bringing the 5 kids over- Waldir, Hermelinda, Adda Margooth, Miguel Angel, and Maricruz. Pedro had given his talk the night before about being sensitive to the newcomers. Balloons were filled, posters decorated, welcome cards completed, and snacks prepared.

Finally the vehicle arrived and the kids and Maria Perez began to pile out. Each kid bringing big bags of clothing and toys.

NEWBIES

2009-05-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Pedro welcomed the new kids. Maria Perez said goodbye (not without few tears!)and wished the best for them as they enter their teenage years.

Growing UP

2009-05-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

What is it with kids? They keep GROWING!! We have 5 kids that have reached the age of twelve and need to be moved over to the teen home, Sagrada Familia. Xavier is 12 as well and we had planned to move him over too, but the Peruvian department of adoptions has recently declared him and his sisters Angela and Lizet as "adoptable". Now the government wants him to stay awhile longer at San Jose as they search for a family for the three of them.

Director Pedro came up with the idea of joining the two cabanas together to give us a bit more space for bedrooms at Sagrada Familia. That construction has been done and turned out quite well. Now the finishing touches are being done- the new camarotes(bunk beds)are in and the armarios (closets) are being finished. Add mattresses, pillows, blankets, more chairs and tables, and ,Voila! we're ready to receive the younger ones.

PROJECT HOPE

2009-05-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

We are really very excited to announce the launch of PROJECT HOPE. This will be the name for our expansion project for Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia. We are out of dormitory space!! We have a three stage plan to expand and better utilize our property. First, after building an urgently needed retaining wall to keep the existing structure in place, we will build the first floor of a new dorm building. Read about it here at PROJECT HOPE.

Visiting the Casas

2009-05-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

A really cool project the St. Matthew's team worked on were cube puzzles. They constructed 7-piece puzzles by gluing small wooden cubes together. Each child got one in a carrying bag. The team worked with them not only on forming cubes, but beds, houses, and about 15 other things one can build with a single cube or two kids working together can build with the 14 parts. Everyone had a blast and there was good interaction and real brain teasers figuring out the designs. Many thanks, team!

Pedro Works, Too

2009-05-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

As well as the kids, Pedro, the Sagrada Director, and Alvaro, the Sagrada driver helped out as well. Everyone was tired, but enjoyed the exercise. Tired....but not TOO tired for a game of soccer.

Kids Help at Santiago Apóstol

2009-05-03T16:54:00.000-07:00

As Friday was a holiday for our kids, they went up to Santiago Apóstol to give a hand to the St. Matthew´s team. Of course, they managed to work in a game of futbol as well!

St. Matthew's Catedral, Dallas, Team

2009-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

This team came up with a great mind expander gift for the kids. They made individual cube puzzles for each Casa kid-complete with its own little bag. Besides just making a cube there are a huge number of possible figures one can form. In addition, the team tied in the idea that we are all different, but each is valuable in our own right and together we can even expand the possibilites of ways to serve the Lord. Great job!

Just Humming Along

2009-04-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Recently we have reviewed several sets of plans for the new dormatory addition at Sagrada Familia. We are narrowing down the options to have something to present to the bishop shortly for his consideration. In the meantime we have finished the addition between the two cabanas and will be moving six kids over when the rooms are furnished. The maestro has to let the wood dry for two weeks before he can work with it. These rooms are surprisingly roomier than we had thought. Continue to pray that construction plans may come together quickly and be approved in a timely manner as well. Father, it is in YOUR hands. Use OUR hands to fulfill your desires. Amen.

Good Sport!

2009-04-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

When the Roof Dogs were here, we were short one adult dancer. Can you figure out which one was the stand in?? Carmen enjoyed her part, but it´s the curvacious one in the white headdress who got the most attention. Alvaro, our van driver filled in the gap in the line and saved the day! Thanks for being a good sport,Alvaro! Manuel was able to keep a straight face for the photo, too!

Via Crucis

2009-04-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

THE WAY OF THE CROSS This was an enactment put on by the students of San Lucas school where most of our Casas kids attend. It was well done although it did have school house excitement and levity to it! The kids couldn't seem to muster up a serious face but for an instant! Ingenious costumes, too. Our camera batteries went out so we only got shots of the younger Romans! May Jesus's sufferings stand between you and God's Judgement, now and always. Amen.

Julo César

2009-04-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well, yesterday we said, "Goodbye," to our youngest resident in the Casas, Julio César. We know that the court has blessed us with the care of children with great needs and that at some point we may have to surrender them up. That is the case here. The court's goal and our goal is to reunite families wherever possible. Julio now has a younger brother and his mom has undergone therapy and has a job starting soon. The court has granted her custody of her second child Julio. Julio´s older sister is Adda Margooth who is also in San José. Adda is moving next week to the teen home Sagrada Familia.

When I asked María Perez about how Adda felt about her little brother going back to their mother, but her staying. María said that Adda said she personally was happy where she was and didn´t want to move back home. We suspect that next year the judge will ask Adda to decide where she want to live and she will have to decide then. María says the courts will honor what the teen says.

Even though we want to reunite families, we alway feel a twinge of heart and worry about whether the judge is doing the right thing at the right time. That worry we must leave in God´s hands and we pray that the Lord Jesus has touched and healed some of the hurts in the hearts of these little lives that have been under our care. We love you, Julio César.

Homework

2009-03-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Two totally different views: Margot says, "Oh, boy!" Manuel on the other hand doesn't seem nearly so excited! Margot goes to school 6 days a week now and is thrilled with it! Manuel is in the more self-paced PRONOE schooling on Saturdays and will be studying electrical circuits at the CEO on the weekdays.

Construction!

2009-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a shot of the new connecting foundation between the cabañas. If you recall, there was about an 18 inch difference in heighth between the foundation of the girls´ building and the boys. Now we have a flat slab to join the two together. Also, you can see some of the interior wall material and some of the "calaminas" or roof tiles that will cover the roof. We are really excited to see how it all comes together.
Originally we had the following kids to move:Maricruz, Waldir, Hermelinda, Xavier, Adda Margooth,and Miguel Ángel. Now it appears we are in doubt as to Ronald´s age. He MAY be older and he MAY be placed in the 7th grade. That being the case, we would move him in place of Miguel Ángel who is still in 5th grade. You can see why I alway say,"maybe"!!! Lots of surprises.

Kid Time

2009-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

Among the activites of the Redeemer team, time was included to spend both in talking with the Sagrada kids about their futures and doing crafts and teaching with the younger kids. You can see more details about the Redeemer team by checking out:http://ronandvickisministry.blogspot.com/

Update

2009-03-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

While the Redeemer, Irving, team was here, we explained the need to join the two Casas with a small structure. They could see the need for more space. They also got to see the water tanks and thermos on the roof which other Redeemerites had helped provide when we first opened Sagrada Familia.

Prayers

2009-03-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

Our kids don't realize it, but they have a whole group who are praying for them all the time. All they are aware of are the hugs and smiles they get while the tíos are here.

Cowboys and Cowgirls!

2009-02-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Más Perros Techeros

2009-02-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Our outing to Mill was one of our highligts this year. What smiles we saw on the kids!

Roof Dogs (Perros Techeros)

2009-02-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pics of the Roof Dog team that come during our "summer vacations" each year. Unlike other teams, this team comes specifically to play with the kids of the Casas. Remember that these children are here at the Casas due to very difficult life experiences in their young lives. Extra love and fun become GOOD memories for them to hold on to.

Cataracts

2009-02-10T06:59:00.000-08:00

One of the summer activities of Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia was to visit some local cataracts. Again, thank to Luis for the pics. Note Pedro's attire.

Padre Marvin

2009-02-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

One of our blessings here in Arequipa is that Padre Marvin Bowers from the US comes down and teaches seminary classes while P. Ron is out of country. Additionally, P. Marvin visits the Casas and has been teaching a bit of English from the Bible as well. The kids at both houses find Padre M really special. Thanks to Luis for these pics. By the way, you can see Luis's blog for Sagrada Familia here:http://sagradafamiliacasahogar.blogspot.com/

SUMMER TIME

2009-01-30T08:42:00.000-08:00

While the younger kids at San Jose are learning native instruments and practicing up for the PERROS TECHEROS, the older kids have been doing schooling reinforcement and their own outings such as the race cars here. In addition to the fun things like swimming, movies, and parks, they have also visited a retirement center where they shared the gospel with the elderly patients and brought a bit of diversity to their daily routine. Thanks to Luis for the photos. If you would like to see some pics on a Spanish webpage that he does, check out:http://sagradafamiliacasahogar.blogspot.com

2008-12-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

About 12:30 the older teens at Sagrada Familia opened their gifts. After attending the church service, they stopped by the downtown plaza to see what the action was. Then, they were off to Norky's for a chicken dinner before heading for home. Not finding transportation at 1:30 a.m. after their visit to Sag. Fam.,Padre and Vicki walked about a third of the way home before they stopped a taxi. The roads were really deserted and even the barking dogs had gone to bed!

Peruvian Traditions

2008-12-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

Midnight Christmas Eve- a special time for fireworks in Peru. On every street, no matter how humble, most of the neighbors will be setting off fireworks. Some sound like popguns. Some sound like cannons! Occasionally someone will set off a few pretty Roman candles. We stood by Papa Noel in front of Freddy's house and watched the display.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

After Padre Ron and Vicki attended the Christmas Eve Mass, they celebrated with the Casas kids. About 9:30 p.m. the housemothers began to fix the Paneton and the hot chocolate. Piping hot, steaming, and well laced with cinnamon, it was a hit and judged by the kids as "PERFECT!" At 10:15p.m. the San Jose children opened their gifts. What fun!

Papa Noel Is Coming!!

2008-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Boy! Are we excited! It's getting close!

Plans For the Future

2008-12-08T15:12:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to our friends from Christ Church Plano for their visit to help us plan for the future. This year we have six kids that will move up to Sagrada Familia. They are: Maricruz,Waldir,Hermelinda,Xavier,Adda Margooth,and Miguel Angel. However, we are out of room in our cabanas! So, as a stop-gap measure, we are considering joining the two cabanas together. We can squeeze two bedrooms in and that will give us just enough space to get through till next year.

What's That Word??

2008-11-13T18:33:00.001-08:00

Vicki works with Diego and Manuel on English.

Splish, Splash!!!

2008-11-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

The girls at Sagrada Familia just bought new bathing suits for the school trips to the pool. Big smiles all around!

Women's Retreat

2008-11-13T04:48:00.000-08:00

Maria Perez, our director of San Jose, attended the women's retreat. Maria also is a seminarian and has completed 18 of the 20 courses to be a licensed Lay Minister. Always one to be involved, she assists at the altar some Wednesdays.

Judge

2008-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

María Perez, director of Casa Hogar San José, was asked to be one of the dance judges this year. (No small committment as the dances can last 4 hours or more!) She attends the parents meetings, picks up the report cards, and checks regularly with the teachers on our kids´ progress. We try to fulfill the role of parents as best we can. Of course with 24 Casas kids in San Lucas, we represent about 13% of the enrollment. All our educadoras help out, too.

More Outfits

2008-10-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Danzas

2008-10-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

As one would expect, the Casas kids participated in the dances. Costumes are rented and sometime cost up to a day´s wages! This is an item in the budget we keep raising each year! Parents are really pleased here when there kids do well. And we´re not talking a 3 minute "do-see-do," either! Waldir in garb.

San Lucas Eucharist

2008-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

First communions were planned for San Lucas this past week. Due to doctors' appointments, Nestor was not able to play for the event and Vicki stepped in to pinch hit for him. It went very well and the kids behaved, too! We have 23 kids attending San Lucas now with our two smallest ones attending the preschool across the street from San José and Edgar and Giovanna who are in the PRONOE program. Can you pick some of ours out? They are all growing so fast!

Spelling B

2008-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Vicki and Padre judged the San Lucas spelling Bee yesterday. The kids select a word, read it, and then spell it in English. The judges were tough, but fair. "Hmmm...., how did you pronounce "K"? Was that "e" sound Spanish, or English? Hmmmm....."

Our secondary winner was Margot. (no surprise there!) And our primary winner was our Waldir who tied with a student named María de los Ángeles. The winners´ picture didn´t turn out! :(

Olympiad 2008

2008-10-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

In celebration of San Lucas Day our Casas kids participated in the field day events. We had a raising of the Olympic flag, a run bringing in the Olympic torch (no one got burned!)and then races and futbol competitions. Padre Ron was a "padrino" for the 4th grade. We have Victoria, Marta, Hermelinda, Xavier, Miguel Ángel,Lizbeth, and Katiuska in that class. TRANSLATION: Padre got to buy a new soccer ball for their games. It was great fun and the kids enjoyed the out of doors.

Corazón con Esperanza

2008-10-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

San José kids had a visit recently from Corazón con Esperanza, a medical group from the US that checks hearts and teeth. A great group, they quickly checked everyone out telling us that we needed a couple of extractions but everything else was fine!

Peruvian Roof Dog Run

2008-09-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

Knowing that over 400 of our friends participated in the US Roof Dog Run. We did our own "marathon" event. "Run, kids, run!" We had races and then just some good play time at the park. Everyone enjoyed our outing. The kids were amazed that Tio Bob in the US was able to walk a mile so soon after his back surgery. We love you, Tios and Tias!

Today

2008-09-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the ROOF DOG RUN!!! Please pray that everyone has a great time, is blessed with good fellowship, and is free from any injury. We are so blessed by your love! Run, Dogs, Run!!

Arelis Bunged Up

2008-09-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Bless her heart, Arelis was playing the other day and smacked her mouth hard on the floor. One permant front tooth out and the second one split. She is worried that she will never have front teeth. Not so. We will have the dentist tell us options when her mouth has healed.

Remembering Our Friends

2008-09-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, we had a great time!

Food Fest

2008-08-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Our kids participate in all school activities, thus they participated in the annual Arequipa Day celebration At school every class shared a traditional meal,so of course Lizet was in the middle of it all getting a kick out of her classmate explaining how the cuy (guinea pig) is prepared. As testers/judges, Padre and Vicki tasted EVERY DISH and, by God's Grace lived to tell about it!!

Restaurant

2008-08-24T18:49:00.001-07:00

One of the nice things the teams usually do is go out to dinner and invite the leadership of the church involved. In this case Padre Juan Carlos and Deacon Maria. Hmm...What looks good to you??

Memories

2008-08-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

As a remembrance of their visit, the Roof Dogs received a personal painting from Sagrada familia. San Jose gave them each an alpaca scarf.

Dances

2008-08-24T18:28:00.000-07:00

Of course we had to end the park day with some exotic dances. Peruvians are really steeped in their cultural dances and do an awesome job. Our kids had worked hard on their presentations.

Pillow Case Race

2008-08-24T18:22:00.001-07:00

This went pretty well after the kids figured out what they were supposed to do. We did, however, lose a Roof Dog or two along the way!

Presentation

2008-08-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

After lunch the girls presented their puppet show about the good Samaritan. Here are some of the stars in the presentation.

Texas Shirts!!

2008-08-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

We had special shirts for the park day. (Of course they ALSO helped us keep up with everyone!! It was a challenge! We had a great pavillion for shade at lunchtime. It was a sunny day.

Photogenic

2008-08-24T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well, what can I say? Yes, some of us just are! The scarf helped us know which team we were on. Thank you all for helping have such a better life than we had before.

Painting

2008-08-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

Simultaneously with the visit, we spruced up our walls at Sagrada Familia. The color had pretty well bleached out with our strong sun. We want our Casa to be an attractive place. Our resident artist, Christian, did the touch up for us! Thanks, Chris.

More Derby

2008-08-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Although the cars had to weigh the same amount, the contestants didn´t have to.

Loser!

2008-08-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Johnathan watches with glee as Tío Nozar gets "whupped" as we would say in Texas

Winner

2008-08-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

I think he figured it out! Good job, José!

Hanging Out

2008-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

On the park day we went to a special teachers´park. I think it is impossible to have too many adults when you have 28 kids in a park! Everyone was on watch to see no one got hurt!

THE DERBY

2008-08-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

One event designed for the boys (although it certainly peaked interest on the girls part) was car race. Models would be build out of wooden blocks, weighted to the same standard, and then raced on the famous racetrack. It was great. Of course the little guys had to have a bit more help than the older ones. Not surprisingly, there were a "few" technical issues to overcome. One of which was making the track! Nestor is trying to explain the construction method to José. Hmm, not sure he gets it yet.

Puppets

2008-08-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Another activity was the confection of puppets for the teen girls. Later they put on a puppet show. Marta got a little fellowship with Diacona María during the project. Looks like Marta was pleased with her creation.

Fun!

2008-08-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone was looking forward to a fun week and it was a great time!Tío Bob and Tía Susan were up for it! Some of the time the team split up to work with the 2 Casas individually. Other times we went all together in a big bus(almost big enough)to the park or the zoo. These kids just get to your heart SO fast. I guess we could call them Love sponges! The more you give, the more they absorb. Thank you, Roof Dogs

Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia

2008-08-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

To balance off the new furniture at San José, Padre approved the repainting our our murals on our exterior stone walls. They had faded to the point of having only blue remaining. Christian Revilla, Padre Juan Carlos and Deacon María´s son, is both a graduate Art major and a seminarian. Thanks for touching your work up for us after a couple of year of sunlight! Cool! You´ll find Chris´s picture at http://ronandvickisministry.blogspot.com/