Update

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

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!

Más Perros Techeros

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

Roof Dogs (Perros Techeros)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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

Plans For the Future

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.