Photogenic

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

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

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

Loser!

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

Winner

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

Hanging Out

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

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

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!

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

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/

Transportation

Now think about it- planning transportation for either 16 Roof Dogs and/or 28 kids from two locations- a bit of a logistical challenge?? YOU BET! Getting everyone out and back home is no small matter. By using our 15 passanger van and a bus for 60,and some help from Padre Juan Carols, Tía Vicki got it arranged. Vicki does a fantatic job in helping the teams to maximize their time with the kids at this annual event. Her two cohorts are Susan(who is ALWAYS asking for proper sizes!) and Deacon María Andía who helps her tie up loose ends(María A. is ALWAYS asking for the right kind of receipts to satisfy the diocesan business office.) I know the team really appreciates the thoughtful arrangements.

New Diningroom Furniture

It was time to finally buy some tables and chairs for Casa San José. Late on the afternoon before the Tíos were to arrive, María Perez had this new furniture delivered. The kids were excited that they could now sit in chairs rather than on the low benches we used before. The funds for this purchase had been slowly accumulating from generous donations since last year. María Perez was as excited as the kids were!!!

Eucharist

Deacon Toni helped Padre Ron as we gave thanks to the Lord for His travel mercies for the team and the exciting opportunites the week would hold for everyone. It always is a bit of a shock for Padre to realize he is more comfortable with the Spanish Book of Common Prayer eucharist than the English one! Deacon Toni has such a heart to serve the Lord and here brothers and sisters in Christ!

Planning

A lot of planning goes into each visit. What games will they do? What teaching points about scripture or the Christian life? What activities or outings? How to pair up Roof Dogs and kids? What clothing items to buy and take? sizes?? SIZES??SIZES!!!! Our "Dogs" have certainly been thought their paces before they ever get on the plane.

Roof Dogs Arrive

Casas kids got to go to the show to see Kung Fu Panda today, although their hosts, the Roof Dogs, didn't get in until later. Still, we had a great reunion in the afternoon. After introductions for the new "Dogs," everyone just visited in happy confusion! Check it out here.

Weary Travelers

After a MORE than a long and "eventful" journey, our roof dogs arrived-a bit tired from having been "pinned up" so long! Nevertheless, they arrived with smiles!

Cine: Kung Fu Panda

Although they throughly missed the rest of the Roof Dogs, Casas kids went with staff and Tío Larry, Padre Ron and Tía Vicki to the movie as planned. All enjoyed the event. Giovanna was the first one to burst out laughing! Cokes and popcorn added a special touch. Thanks, Tíos!!

Planning

We have quite a line up for the Roof Dogs activities while they are here. A week of pure FUN!! Movies, model car races, treasure hunts, picnics, puppets, and, of course, Bible studies and lessons on Christian values. All that takes a good bit of planning. Here Vicki is talking with Directora María Perez and Director Pedro as they do last minute arrangements. Please pray that the team arrives safely tomorrow without further travel incidents.
María Andía is always ready to help with the business end of teams- transferring funds, writing checks and helping with keeping everyone informed of the status of things. Thanks, team for it is truly a TEAM EFFORT! Of course, this is probably the only place "going to the Dogs" has such a positive meaning!

La, La, La, La

Some of the older kids are working with Nestor on some special songs for the Tíos. I think Vicki helped with some English pronunciations.

What Are Those Steps?

Juan Diego decides to try out some of the footwork his brothers and sisters are learning for the Tíos upcoming visit. He is really excited for the Roof Dogs to arrive!