SPRUCING UP !

One of the things we greatly appreciated was the painting of the livingroom done by the "roofdog" team. It really helped! We received funds to get the living room furniture recovered and then noticed how in need of fresh paint the room was. We now have a fresh, bright room to receive the kids when they return for school. Thanks, friends!

Special Friends

Having the Christ Church team here was very special. Ron and Vicki also took advantage to spend time just enjoying the kids. They grow so fast and it seems there is never enough time!

New Friends

There were new kids to meet including Juan Diego (4 yrs.) and Ángela (7 yrs.) Currently we have 18 kids at Casa Hogar San José whose ages range from 3 to 11. And, we have 9 teenagers at Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia where their ages range from 12 to 17. Splitting the time up between the two homes takes a good bit of coordination. Many thanks to Vicki Robertson for all the arrangements done BEFORE the teams arrive!

Team

We had a great group this time, but we did miss the three that couldn't reschedule to come down now. I'm sure we'll see them later. Here we have them out in front of Sagrada Familia.

THEY'RE HERE!!

After the great disappointment of having DFW closed on the day of departure for the "Roof-dog" team, we were even MORE excited when the team DID arrive at a later date. Can ya tell?

New Sub-Director

Pictured here is the Casa "San José" director, María Perez and the new sub-director for Casa "Sagrada Familia," Pedro Huaymani. Pedro has been our Saturday psychologist for this past year and now has come on board in a full-time capacity as sub-director. Already, in the first weeks of his new position, we have seen a change in the timbre of the house. A loving, but firm hand is helping our teens move forward. María Perez continues to help with her vast experience in the field and makes sure we stay in compliance with Peruvian laws and regulations. Welcome, Pedro!

SPIFFY NEW UPHOLSTREY

Here is a picture of tutora Mari sitting on our newly reupholstered furniture at San José. We hope to get the livingroom painted soon, too. It will look great when our friends from Texas come to visit in the near future.

Mechanics

Okay, I'm way behind on the updates! But I thought you'd enjoy seeing Edgar and José in action. The two guys have been going three days a week during their summer vacation to a mechanic´s shop. We will see if this is something they want to pursue. It is great for these boys to be able to get out and around some more male influence. Their boss, Nestor, is a really nice guy and the boys are learning about both engines and wiring. Edgar really wants to be truck driver. You REALLY need to know something about auto mechancis here if you´re going to do that!!

Christmas at Sagrada Familia

Well, Padre Ron and Vicki missed it as they were in the US, but we had a great Christmas. We got to open our packages under the tree as well as those sent by friends in the US. We enjoyed a special meal. And, best of all we got to stay up REALLY late and watch TV. Now how cool is that? And a happy New Year to each of you!

Nativity

Thanks to Directora Jackie we have a great Nativity at Sagrada Familia. All the kids were excited and we blessed the figure of the infant Jesus just before Edgar's party. We have a lively assembly of chickens, horses, traditional wisemen, and assorted other farm animals eagerly awaiting the Christ Child. May he be born again in our hearts this year. Feliz Navidad to you each of the twelve days of Christmas!!

Party

The kids recently had a blast at Padre Ron's and Tía Vicki´s. First the Sagrada Familia crew came over and made cookies and played before feasting on hamburgers. Then the San José kids came over for a meal. Both groups enjoyed the giant soap bubble makers provided by Brian and Kimi Shorter of Corinth. Of course Padre Juan Carlos was down in the dirt playing cars with the other little boys and girls! They loved it!

Best Two out of Three....

Here they are! Yasmin and Liz, two new girls for Casa Hogar "San José" just in time for Christmas. We´re thrilled to have these 2 new eight year olds join us. The third one, a boy of 3 yrs., should have come in today. Welcome, kids! That should bring us up to our limit for 2007 with 17 at San José and 9 at Sagrada Familia. Vicki, Martha, Manuel, and Diego will move over to S.F. in February when the Roofdogs arrive from Texas. Yeeehaaaaw!

What´s Next for Edgar...?

That has been the challenging question this last month. A recently discovered birth certificate for Edgar puts him at 17 yrs. old as of Dec. 29, 2006. Legally he can only stay at Casa Hogar for one more year. (We´re investigating options.) We have decided to place Edgar in a "Pronoe" education system where he will attend classes on Sat. only and will have weekdays to apprentice at a trade he is interested in. Right now we are investigating auto mechanics which he and José both like. Maybe a little trial time over the holidays to see if it is truly something Edgar wants to pursue. Padre has assured him that if he isn´t interested, we´ll try something else! Keep Edgar in your prayers, please!

Updating......

Wow! How time flies. Let's see what I can remember. First, we did Simba's shots. He's up to date now until next year. Next, we had the kids over to make cookies, eat, and play at the Robertson's (see http://ronandvickisministry.blogspot.com/) and then we had the BIG EVENT. That was Edgar's "promoción" from Sixth Grade. Quite a blowout. Ron and Vicki went with Edgar and the directora, Jackie, to the evening bash. Music (loud), food (plentiful), and dancing(at first shy) were the order of the event which lasted from 3:30 Sunday afternoon until 9 p.m. Tía Jackie gets the prize for getting the REAL dancing started. Edgar, a bit bashful at first, had a great time.
Also, you´ll notice Estrella in the bright pink dress. She used to one of our kids at Casa Hogar San José. Hasn´t she grown???

Christian Arrives

A new boy arrived today. He will turn 11 in January. Christan has lost both parents and has only an older grandmother who isn't able to care for him. We're glad to have him. As he is a bright boy, we are checking to see if Arelis' teacher who comes to the orphanage can work with him as well.

Maria Perez and Ron discussed some repairs needed and possibly re-upholstering the living room furniture. We'll pray about that. Maria was really excited about that possibility as she wants everything "spiffy" when the Roof Dogs come in Feb.

We'll put a picture of Christian on the blog as soon as we take one!

Simba

Simba at 4 months is the youngest resident at Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia. Coming from a church family yesterday, Simba seems to be adjusting well to his new surroundings. He is nearly full size now. Susana seems the most enchanted with him and even Margot (who doesn't like dogs) was all smiles. Of course, he has made friends with the cook Ana Rosa. Smart dog! Padre took him for shots this morning and will take him back in two weeks for boosters. Welcome to the family, Simba!

Wedding Announcement

Diana, one of the "educadoras" for Casa Hogar San José, got married on the 28th of October. There was much excitement and the wedding was beautiful. One glitch, however, was that the rings didn't arrive so they had to borrow some at the last minute. This week the couple came to church Sunday and Father Ron blessed the rings when he arrived for the service. Full of smiles and excitement, the young couple was fun to watch. Congratulations, Diana and Henry!

Ana Margoth- 8 yrs. old

Daniela- 5 yrs old

Miguel Angel- 9 yrs. old