Dept. of Labor Visits Hogar de Vida:
Huge Increase in Monthly Expense
Our home had a surprise visit from the Costa Rican ministry of labor checking on our mission to make sure we were in compliance with all the labor laws of this fine country. The outcome of the visit was that we are required to make significant changes to our worker model. This happened just days before Tim and Dena went on vacation for two wonderful weeks at the Stromstad Minnesota farm. Fortunately, our amazing staff was willing and able to accept the challenge and created a workable plan. Thank the Lord, today, September 10th, the new work model is being implemented.
In answer to the FAQ, "How many staff does it take to care for thirty-five children 24/7/365?", here are some current stats: 27 full-time paid workers, of which 17 are "Tias," 3 cleaners, 1 cook, 2 administrators, 1 psychologist, 2 maintenance men, ½ nutritionist and ½ accountant, 4 full-time missionaries (Tim, Dena, Matt, and Nonny), plus numerous volunteers who come to mow grass, hold babies, help with teams, etc.
What changes were required as a result of the worker model make-over, and what impact will the changes have financially? Well, we had to add three more "Tias", AKA "care givers," creating a $2500 increase in our monthly budget! That's $2500 every month - $30,000 per year, every year.
We gratefully acknowledge that those who read this far into the newsletter most likely represent the faithful who already help us keep the doors open, and , therefore, humbly challenge you to consider the following options for consistent monthly support:
1) PRAY to the Lord to continue to supply all our needs as HE is our PROVIDER!
2) Print this off or forward this email and present it to your pastor or church mission group to see if they can help.
3) Print this off or forward this email to an accountant that comes to mind asking if they would help by praying and/or sending funds to COPI to help Costa Rica Tias.
4) Print this off or forward this email and challenge a local club (Rotary, Kiwanis, or Save the Wales or Pigeon club or . . .) to join in supporting Hogar de Vida Costa Rica or Guatemala.
5) Organize a fundraiser. If someone has the passion to help us please contact us and we can help you set it up. HogardevidaPR@gmail.com Could be a garage sale, spaghetti supper, golf tournament, walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon and get sponsors to support an amount for every mile or kilometer . . . Google fundraisers and see all the ideas out there. We must be notified so that we can set it up to take advantage of tax write offs as well!
Also, keep praying that the Lord will send us the staff he wants, including missionaries, to enjoy the wonderful blessing of serving the Lord either here in Costa Rica or in Guatemala.
Blessings and Hugs to all of you who've got our backs,
Tim and Dena
