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| Greetings! |
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 As we have been preparing for our move to Guatemala we have had lots of discussions with our little ones about the changes we will experience when we get there. We want to prepare them for the different way of life we will encounter as a family in order to make the transition as smooth as possible for them. This has led Joshua, Kimmie and Jonathan to ask some interesting questions that we found quite humorous at the time.
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Daddy, do they have bathrooms in Guatemala?
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Do they have braces in Guatemala? (Joshua and Kimmie wear ankle and foot orthotics)
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Will we have plates in Guatemala?
Each time these questions would arise we would chuckle and assure them that "Yes, we will have bathrooms/ braces/plates after we move." And would continue with our day seeing their "silly" questions as nothing more than a funny story to tell later.
I can be a little slow at times, so it is only in the last day or two that I have put two and two together and realized the source of these questions. Time after time they have heard me share about the needs in Guatemala and throughout the Third World. They have seen the pictures and videos of the children to whom we have ministered. And they know that many of these children do not have access to bathrooms, braces, and even plates (much less food to eat off them). So they were just looking for assurance that they would not be one of them.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is easy to remember to thank God for the bigger, more obvious blessings such as health, food, and family. But this year, lets dig a little deeper and give thanks for the little blessings we tend to take for granted such as working toilets, running water, medicine and doctors, a clean place to sleep...even the plates from which we will eat our feasts. And as we give thanks, let's not forget to pray for those who long for the little blessings we don't even notice. Happy Thanksgiving! | |
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| Introducing Hogar de la Esperanza |
 Over the last few months you have heard about Hope for Home's plans to open a group home in Guatemala for children with special needs. The name of this ministry will be Hogar de la Esperanza (Hope Home). The plans for this project are proceeding quickly with the goal of having the home established and taking in children by the end of 2010.
As the plans take shape, the picture of the finances and manpower needed to make this a reality is becoming clearer. While we recognize this is a large challenge, we are confident that God will provide for this ministry.
What are our needs?
- $10,000 in start-up costs
- $2,500 per month of ongoing sponsorship
- Short-term workers to assist with care of the children and work within the home
- Long term people who will serve as house parents within additional family units
Would you prayerfully consider if you should be involved in helping Hogar de la Esperanza become a reality? If you would like to discuss service opportunities you can e-mail Daryl at daryl@hopeforhome.org. If you would like to donate through PayPal you can do so by clicking here. When you make your donation, simply jot a note in the provided message box designating it for Hogar de la Esperanze or Hope Home. Thanks for your help! |
An Update on the Ecklebargers
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 Last month we shared with you that Ron and Melanie Ecklebarger were in Uganda to complete the adoptions of their two newest children, Immaculate and Stephen. As of the writing of this newsletter, they are still there.
 The Ugandan court system and culture as a whole make it difficult for business to get done. As a result, much of their time has been waiting for appointments, some of which have been delayed or rescheduled. Their final hurdle is an appointment on November 18th with the U.S. Embassy to arrange for the immigration paperwork for the children.
Please pray that the meeting goes smoothly and approval is granted. Also pray that the embassy will quickly provide the paperwork so they can return early next week and be home for Thanksgiving. |
| Christmas Shopping for Hope for Home |
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 Christmas shopping season is upon us once again, and each year a higher percentage of Christmas gifts are purchased on line. This provides an opportunity for you to support Hope for Home Ministries at no cost to you.
When you shop online this season, please do so through GoodShop with HfH as your supported charity. In doing so, we will receive a percentage of the profits that ranges from .5% up to 30%, depending on the online store at which you shop. In addition, you can use this site to make your holiday travel plans by purchasing airline tickets and making auto rental reservations.
The list of participating stores is growing and already includes Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, Ebay, Staples, and many more retailers. In fact, there are more than 1,000 stores at which you can shop.
To start, simply go to www.goodsearch.com and type Hope for Home Ministries in the Who do you GoodSearch for? box. Click Verify and your browser will automatically be configured. Then click GoodShop, choose your store, and shop as normal. (Please note, if you clear your browser's cookies you will have to reverify HfH as you charity.)
To make things even simpler, you can take the time to install the Internet Explorer Toolbar which is a free download at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/hope-for-home-ministries. After doing so and registering Hope for Home as your charity, you will be able to visit retail sites directly without first going to GoodSearch.
Thanks for shopping for Hope for Home Ministries! |
| A Report from Our October Guatemala Trip |
 Another Hope for Home Ministry Team just returned from nine days in Guatemala where they worked with children and teens who are orphaned or at risk. God opened the door for unexpected opportunities, and the time was packed with extremely fulfilling work.
While the team was there they worked in Hermano Pedro, the malnutrition home called Casa Jackson, visited the Scheel Center and Kairos Christian School, and spent a day with Dick Rutgers delivering wheelchairs and groceries in the San Jose  region of Guatemala. As always, the team returned with a greater appreciation of what they have and a passion to make a difference in the world around them.
Our next ministry trip is scheduled for February 27 through March 7 and there is still room available. Please consider joining us for this life changing experience. For more information or to register click here. |
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Pray for Josie |
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Name: Josie
Sex: Female
Age: 3 years
Country: China
Special need(s): Lower Limb Atrophy
Based on her physical and intellectual development, Josie's age was estimated at 2 ½ at the time she was abandoned. A CT scan of her brain was performed which showed no abnormal findings. This precious little girl has been diagnosed with lower limb atrophy (or palsy) because she is unable to walk alone. She is also able to crawl up and down into a chair or bed by herself. She enjoys throwing a ball and is able to catch a ball from others. Josie speaks many words and communicates well. She enjoys songs and can count from 1-20.
Josie is a very caring little girl. If she sees other little kids crying, she will go to them to calm them. She is fond of looking into the mirror. Josie is capable of feeding herself, dressing herself, and she is potty-trained. She knows how to tidy her room and to help bring the clothes inside when it begins to rain. Little Miss Josie is described as shy and introverted.
Please prayerfully consider giving Josie a home...your home! If you want to learn more about please click here or e-mail Dana at dana@worldadoptions.org. |
| Don't Forget to Track Daryl's Blog |
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 Read more about our recent ministry team's work in Guatemala on my blog at www.hopeforhome.blogspot.com.
While you are there, don't forget to check out some of the blogs that I follow and pray for those faithful workers in God's harvest! | |
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Daryl Fulp,
Director
Hope for Home Ministries
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