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Tim and Dena Stromstad
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The Homes of Life have two locations, the Home of Life and Nutrition in Guatemala and the Home of Life for the Children in Costa Rica. The staff members from each home know each other and pray for each other. Many of them have visited the other home and had the opportunity to serve each other in whatever way they could. Both homes are dedicated to caring for children in need, but day-to-day life in each home is quite different.
In Costa Rica the kids are placed by the government as orphans or having been removed from their family home for some reason. The Home of Life provides a temporary home for them while their situation is investigated. Eventually they return to their family of origin or are placed for adoption. The children in the home in Costa Rica are typically 0-7 years of age.
In Guatemala, the kids range from 0-18+. They are placed in the home by the government (See Cata's Story) or are brought to the home by their parents. Some come because of abuse or neglect, while others come because their parent(s) are unable to care for them. Others arrive malnourished and return to their family when they are healthy again. Most are unable to return to their home and are not eligible for adoption, so they will stay in the home until they are 18.
Both Homes of Life are located in beautiful compounds. In Costa Rica there are 3 separate houses for the children and the "tias" who care for them. Each house acts like a family unit. The houses come together for special events, but much of the time they are separate families in neighboring houses. This setup is very appropriate since all the children in Costa Rica are very young.
In Guatemala, the home is more like a traditional orphanage. There is one set of Directors who act as "parents" of the home with a few workers who come in during the day to help with the chores. This home lives as one big family. With a full range of ages, the older kids help a lot with the care of the younger children, making for a large "family" that runs very smoothly.
Though there are many differences between the homes in their setup and function, there is one common denominator that really stands out - Jesus Christ. Both homes exist to serve the needs of orphans by providing a nurturing and safe place to learn about God's love for them in Christ. The children are shown the unconditional love of Jesus and are pointed to His saving work on the cross. Each child is cared for physically, emotionally, and spiritually and through this comes healing. Praise the Lord for His work done in each of these precious lives.
Funding for the Homes in Central America comes mostly through the generous support of ministry partners like you. If you sense the Lord leading you to make a gift to the children, you can donate online or by mail. If you'd like to do so on a monthly basis, check out the new Sponsorship Program. 100% of your support goes directly to the benefit of the children or to support Tim and Dena as you designate. The costs of administering and processing your gifts are covered by other means.
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." ---Mark 9:37
