Tim & Dena Reflect on 2012/2013

I had the pleasure of volunteering at Hogar de Vida from December 2009 until February of 2010. I met you and had the pleasure of speaking with you a few times but you and your family were leaving costa Rica for the US just after I had arrived. Helen smith was the Director of the home while I was there.

I wanted to reach out to you for two reasons. Firstly, to thank you. The time I spent at Hogar de Vida changed my life. I knew I wanted a career in service but was unsure of how to get there. After leaving Atenas, I returned to Canada, did a second undergraduate degree, and then applied for and was accepted to one of the best graduate schools of social work in the US. I am nearing the end of my MSW at Boston College here in snowy Boston and honestly can say, I do not think I would be here if it weren't for the time I spent in Atenas at Hogar de Vida.

Secondly, I would like to continue to be a part of the Hogar de Vida organization - in whatever capacity possible. I plan on continuing my education with a PhD, and am focused on social innovation within social services, specifically how innovation assists in the development of vulnerable populations. I would love the opportunity to see how this topic could assist in the growth and development of Hogar de Vida.

I plan on returning to Atenas this winter to visit the wonderful family I befriended during my stay. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and your wife further about how I could be of service to your organization.

Thank you again for all you do for children.

Sincerely,

Lauren Watt

Tim and Dena

Reflect on 2012 and 2013

Some years ago at Hogar de Vida the Stromstad family swelled to include a group of four siblings that seemed to be unadoptable. Papa Tim had some challenges with pre-teen boys but was seeing headway. During that time the Child Welfare Service of Costa Rica (PANI) decided to place this sibling group in a teenage home along with another group of 3 siblings in a place that did not share the same heartbeat. This was our undoing. It was heartbreaking. We began to pray about creating a second phase home where children could continue to stay after they grew older, one that would be guided by godly principles.

One day, Cherie McCullah wandered in the front gate of Hogar de Vida from Nicaragua where she had been working in an orphanage. She had a call and a vision to open a home for unadoptable sibling groups. The arduous process began and she was authorized by PANI to open a home here in Atenas. On December 14, 2012, exactly 7 years to the day after the older kids were taken out of Hogar de Vida, 6 older children which were 2 sibling groups, were transferred to Cherie's home from Hogar de Vida. It came as a revelation that God works all things together for good. God had answered the need for a place. Romans 8:28 came true. That was a high point for the year.

The low point was the second break-in while we away on a family overnight. The break-in meant a great financial loss but has spurred us on to build the security wall. We thank God the children were unharmed, but having bad guys roaming the compound where there are 30-35 little children that are our responsibility can really get your attention. For us personally, the worst was having them invade our home, steal Maria's personal savings, and drive off with Tim's 4x4 ATV, his wheels for motoring around the compound.

Praise report is that after my 2nd 4 wheeler was stolen, Vanessa our cook here, told me that the Lord was gonna bless me with a new one. Well, I of great faith said OK, we'll see. Well an anonymous donor is sending the funds to get a new Polaris side-by-side and hope to get the delivery this week! Thank you donor and ultimately thank you Jesus! We have built a small garage plus storage room to keep it safe and locked up when not in use so it will not leave without my permission.

Another ongoing high point was having PANI (Child Welfare Service of Costa Rica) continue to recognize Hogar de Vida among the top best care facilities out of more than 300 facilities. Many of the offices desire to place children into our home for they know the care they will receive here!! We do the best we can for our kids, but it was encouraging to have the government agency we're accountable to agree.

Finances

2012 was a challenging year as we had to meet new government requirements, cut other expenses, and deal with the effects of the US economy on giving while trying to rebuild our financial reserves. Last fall we adjusted our budget to reflect how changes in the US economy and government requirements have impacted us so we are better prepared in 2013. Always the key is balance. We are seeking more in country support and looking to increase monthly income by getting more supporters from abroad as well.

A HUGE THANK YOU for the fabulous response to our financial S.O.S. at the end of 2012. Some of you opened your pockets and we were mightily blessed with a significant increase in giving. We don't take it (or you) for granted.

Challenges and Goals for 2013

Getting the right staff is so important. The Good to Great book talks about getting the right people on the bus and then getting them in the right seat. That is one area that we are constantly praying for!

Increasing monthly support is a never ending challenge. Pray for "Ticos" to help more. We are seeing some results and also pray for more Ticos to help us promote this mission here.

A major goal for the new year is to complete our second phase security fence and install a new gate and security for main entrance (To date, 261 meters of concrete fence have been added and 120 meters of steel mesh fence.) We also need to build a central kitchen. In essence it is a support kitchen where the food is prepared and sent to the individual homes. We have found that hiring a part-time cook greatly lightens the load on our Tias which enables them to give better direct care to the children (Unfunded need $15,000.) We want to re-establish our Sponsorship program and are blessed to have an offer from someone in the USA who is willing to invest time and effort.

Our Family

Having 3 children attending college is interesting! Maria just started her studies to be an Industrial Engineer here in Costa Rica. I think she is telling me she will graduate in 5 years and have the equivalent of a master's degree. Higher education is cheaper here than the US. Benjamin and Joshua are ½ done with their junior year s Stromstad Family tudying Criminal Justice at PCC in Pensacola, FL. They really like what they are studying and are thinking of border patrol or DEA or something like that after they graduate May 2014.

We are here for as long as the Lord allows. We see NO changes in the near future and are very grateful to the Lord for allowing us to serve Him at Hogar de Vida in Costa Rica and Guatemala. Our presence is mainly in Costa Rica. Dena & I were able to spend a week in March with our Guate family. Our main reason to go is to encourage and help them in any way we can! They are doing a wonderful job there!

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