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I used to think that any family over 4 children was a large family and always wondered how the parents kept everything under control. Now I live in community with a family of 30 kids and I see a family that runs smoothly like a well-oiled machine. How is that possible? Only through children who are loved and well nurtured, who then pass this love and nurturing on to the younger children. Of course, these children are normal children and "build character" in each other as well, but overall they love and care for each other. 
Toddler Luisito is crying because he didn't get his way on something. In swoops one of the older boys to pick him up and distract him with something else to do. It is such a blessing to see the teenage boys play and care for the younger boys. They take them by their side and let them hang out while they do their chores. Luisito and Venancio, both 3 years old, are thrilled when they get to help herd the cows from the ravine to the front gate on their way to pasture. They stand at a safe distance and throw in their little voices to get the cows moving.
Every morning there are 9 children under age 8 who need help bathing, dressing, and fixing hair to get ready for school and the day. The older girls are a great help in this area. They lay out clothes for them to wear and help style the girls' hair. It isn't unusual to see one of the older boys help dress one of the little boys as well.
One of the children in the home is a sweet 7-month-old little girl, Alicia. Alicia is never lacking love and attention. She can often be found in the arms of one of the older kids. When not in someone's arms, she can be found in her walker or playpen with someone talking and entertaining her.
This loving, caring, well-functioning home doesn't happen by accident. It's from the hard work of the Directors Sebastian and Oralia that this home runs so well and is characterized by love. Each child has its place in this home and this creates a loving, peaceful (most of the time) environment.
Overall, Guatemala is a very nurturing society. It is such a blessing to see this nurturing taught to the children through example and then to see them demonstrate this same nurturing towards the younger children. Despite the broken homes the children have come from, can you imagine what great parents these teens will become because they've learned to value children and how to care for them?
Vickie Sutton, Full-time Missionary
Hogar de Vida, Guatemala
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