Reflections at the New Year:

Looking Back - Looking Forward

None of it would be possible without our team created by the Holy Spirit.  The leadership this year consisted of Tim, Dena and Helen along with the professional staff (the 2 psychologists, the teacher and the nurse), the staff of tia's (or aunties) that do childcare in the houses, and the administrative staff.  And the Maintenance crew with lots of volunteer labor kept the grass cut, trees trimmed, vehicles clean, public bathrooms sanitized, pools treated with chemicals, electrical installations up to standard, telephones working well, and computers behaving themselves . We have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).  We take no-one for granted - ever!

Projects

Security Wall

It feels good to have the security wall to the point that 70% of the perimeter is closed off, especially since most of the "thieving lanes" are now blocked. A major goal for 2014 is to redesign the main entrance and set up an automatic gate.

Central Kitchen

Despite the Ministry of Health closing our temporary central kitchen, we were able to build a fully equipped permanent central kitchen.  Many thanks for the response to this need that covered the $15,000 to complete this project. Vanesa has taken up residency among the pots and pans emitting tempting aromas on a daily basis!

Teams

Once again, we were blessed by the teams who visited this past year. They gave the inside of the houses a fresh coat of paint, painted the sidewalks with a moss resistant paint so they won't get slippery in the rainy season, helped with the security wall and security cameras and supervised the houses for a period of time so the tias could take a break.

Comings and Goings

In 2013,  20 children left Hogar de Vida. 8 returned to their home of origin, 3 transferred to other institutions, and 9 were placed in adoption with a Costa Rican family. New children coming in totaled 20.

Two tias (Kimberly and Connie) left us to get married. Both are expecting babies. Hogar de Vida is growing in more ways than one!

Our most wonderful news is that Julio, having lived here for 16 ½ years, was placed with a family on his 18^th Birthday! A dream come true for him and for us. He is doing very well.

Finances

2013 was a good year! 50 % of our operating costs came from the Costa Rica government. The rest came from you!!! Big hugs and even bigger thanks!

A few years ago a cowboy and his wife gave birth to the first Atenas Chili Cook Off to benefit Homes of Life. In the ensuing years, the attendance, volunteers, and the proceeds have mushroomed. Now, the Chili Cook Off is the major event of the year in Atenas giving a big boost to the Homes of Life budget. To the entire Cook Off crew, as Americans like to say, "Uncle Sam needs YOU".  So do we!

Finally, a HUGE THANK YOU for the fabulous response to our financial S.O.S. at the end of 2012.  There was a significant increase in year-end giving. We are very excited and encouraged!!!

Goals for 2014

• We need more space in our professional building, for offices and storage.  Plans are being drawn up.  We'll keep you posted.
• In the new year we will change the staffing of our Pre-School by using our tias to cover our need for a pre-school teacher.
• We need to increase tia support.
• We are praying with Helen Smith in Administration for an additional $700 per month so she can be a fully supported faith missionary.  
• The Gnuse family who are in language school right now will join us as missionary staff in June.  Dr. Matt (Physical Therapy) will be a huge help for Nurse Dena and their help in hosting teams will be invaluable.  
• We will continue with the security upgrade - the gate, cameras, computers, telephones.  
• Tim the visionary is looking ahead to the adjoining land for future growth.  He wouldn't mind if someone gave him $100.000.00 to develop a tent-making idea to create income for Hogar de Vida.  He can share details if you're interested!

 The Other Side of the Coin

Tim and Dena

Helen Smith

Tim, Dena and Helen