Homes of Life in Central America
Guatemala  
February 2014  

As we look back on 2013, we are thankful for God's hand on the staff and children of Hogar de Vida y Nutricion. The home was born out of God's own heart and we minister to Jesus as we love the precious children He has placed in our care. (Matthew 25:40).

 

God has brought together an awesome leadership team that includes Directors Sebastian and Oralia, Amilcar as Administrator, and Missionaries, Norman and Vickie. Working alongside them are four full time ladies and a part time tutor.

 

LIFE PLAN

 

Most children come to Hogar de Vida Guatemala in need of long term care. We live as a family and our family is growing up. In 2013 we've become more intentional about preparing each young person nearing adulthood to live a productive adult life. Our intent is to help them develop a life plan and then to support and enable them as they pursue it. This year our young people had the opportunity to develop different skills such as sewing, cooking, woodworking, farming, and raising chickens.

 

In the November newsletter, we shared the financial cost for three of our young men to pursue their education goals in their Life Plans. We are thrilled to say that you, our faithful supporters responded. Mingo and Edyn are able to continue their high school education, starting the new school year two weeks ago. Julio was not accepted by the highly competitive military high school, but he was accepted by a branch of the same school in Coban about 6 hours away. He moved there and started the program in January. It is very challenging, but he is hanging in there. Thank you for enabling these three young men to pursue their dreams.

 

ACTIVITIES OF THE YEAR

 

Annual Paseo (Outing)

Once again we started the new year by loading up all the kids over age 3 and heading to the beach for 4 days and 3 nights. A great time for all.

 

Teams and Projects

It was a privilege to host seven teams last year - what a blessing they were. We are thankful for the many projects they completed, but more important, the time and energy they invested in the children. The gave the staff a break and fed into the children emotionally and spiritually.

 

Here is our project completion list for last year including the projects supported by the teams.

  • Added a tire swing to the current playground, built a ping-pong table, and painted lines for playing pickle ball on the basketball court.
  • Dug trenches to divert water from the soccer field. Installed drainage tubes to divert water from the team kitchen.
  • Painted main and team kitchens, team rooms and team corridors.
  • Installed false ceilings in remaining kid's bedrooms.
  • Renovated an existing bathroom and added another.
  • Built furniture including armoires for the kids rooms and beds for the toddlers.
  • Added a roof and wall next to the carpentry shop to provide vehicle storage now and eventually a play room addition.
  • Added awnings to the main kitchen area to minimize water entering the kitchen during hard rains.

 

COMINGS AND GOINGS

 

In 2013 a 4 year old who was here for nutrition was able to return to her mother. Her mother's situation had changed and she is now able to care for her daughter. Mission accomplished, but we miss her dearly. In September, 1-1/2 year old Robert joined the Hogar family. Upon arrival, he was not yet walking, but a week later he was toddling everywhere. He is a cute little boy with a sweet personality. Just before Christmas 2-1/2 year old Jose and 1 month old Maria joined the family after their mother passed away. Then on January 3rd, 10 day old Leydy came to live with us after her mom died during childbirth. We are saddened, but honored to be able to care for these young little lives after the loss of their mothers.

 

FINANCES

 

Home of Life, Guatemala receives no help from the Guatemala government, 100% of our support comes from generous donors like you. We are so thankful for our ministry partners who have faithfully given to provide for the needs of the 29 kids in our care. This year we added 16 new monthly sponsors, only 5 sponsors short of our goal of 21. With the addition of 4 new children, we need 17 new sponsors to reach our goal of 4 sponsors per child. Please consider sponsoring one of these precious children.

 

GOALS FOR 2014

  • Continue to implement a Life Plan for our young people by adding more learning opportunities such as buying cows to raise, building a small kitchen for catering, and constructing a tank to raise fish.
  • Make physical changes to the property in order to better serve the needs of the home such as build an enclosed laundry room, build a school room, build a playroom (already accomplished by a January team), add more bathrooms and showers, put in a new front gate, replace current broken fence on team side of property with a higher fence, build a small room in the carpentry shop to store tools.
  • Terrace the hill leading into the ravine on the property and plant special breed of tree to help guard against erosion and also provide food for the cows.  Widen the soccer field that is currently in the ravine.
  • Improve the aesthetics of the home by adding plants and landscaping to the current garden area.  Landscape around the current playground area with river rock.
  • Improve rain water dispersal and cut down on erosion by putting in a new drainage system.  (Already accomplished by a January team.)

We want to give the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace in our lives.  We have been given the privilege to care for these young lives and point them to Jesus.  We never want to forget the reason we are here, to give Him glory!  

 

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (I Corinthians 10:31) 

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Disclaimer

Children of Promise International (COPI) does not provide goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part except where noted, for contributions received. COPI is organized exclusively for religious purposes and the only benefit provided to you is an intangible religious benefit. Upon receipt of a donation, a receipt letter is sent and should be retained for income tax purposes. COPI may direct contributions where deemed necessary for ministry purposes. All contributions are income tax deductible in the United States and are made with the understanding that COPI has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
Photo Gallery

 
Leadership Team

 

  

Kitchen StaffPrepares Dinner 

 

 

Annual Paseo

 

 

Children Learn About USA Thanksgiving.

 

   

Tire Swing Addedto Playground

 

 

Leydy and Maria
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