As we leave 2012 behind and look forward to the coming year, we thought you as ministry partners would benefit from our assessment of the year past and our hopes for the year to come.
Significant Happenings
Sadly, the September burglary was the most memorable event of the year. The financial loss was significant and the need for a major security upgrade is obvious. Two guard dogs were quickly obtained and seven security cameras were installed. Design, planning and funding of the Security Wall - Phase II is coming along. Construction cannot begin too soon.
On a more positive note, visiting teams gave all the houses a face-lift with fresh coats of paint, inside and out. All outside clotheslines were covered with roofs to reduce the cost of running the dryers in the rainy season. The visitor parking area got a new roof. For safety, some monster pine trees around El Rancho were felled while the sidewalks were de-mossed to make them less slippery when wet. Much to our surprise, the Ministry of Health closed down our temporary central kitchen.
Child Literacy and Books was the major program upgrade of the year. Generous donors supported the purchase of 400 books. Reading has become a favorite activity for the children. Finally, the first-ever Staff Orientation Retreat was a great success.
Comings and Goings
In 2012, 20 children left Hogar de Vida - 5 returned to their home of origin, 10 transferred to other institutions, and 5 were placed for adoption. New children coming in totaled 16.
In December, a 7-year dream was realized as a home for unadoptable sibling groups opened here in Atenas. Six older children (2 sibling groups) left Hogar de Vida to live in a home more appropriate for their needs. More details on this blessing in the April newsletter.
Christy Hepner came to Hogar de Vida in 2010, first to serve as a nurse, and then to become our super preschool teacher. Christy is following the Lord's calling to a new mission and will not be returning in 2013. We are so thankful for the blessing Christy has been to the children and to us. We wish her God's continued blessing in her new ministry.
Finances
Wow! A HUGE THANK YOU for the fabulous response to our financial S.O.S. in December. Many of you, our ministry partners, opened your pockets and we were mightily blessed with a significant increase in giving. We don't take it (or you) for granted. Thank you.