Reflecting Back on 2015
As we reflect on 2015, we don't see a lot of change and new things happening. Instead, we see consistency in serving the Lord through caring for the least of these. We see a desire to strive towards excellence in the day to day tasks. No, there haven't been a lot of big changes, but lots of small changes that improve the care and daily lives of the children. These small changes make a lasting impact.
In 2015 the government required that we split our workers' shifts from one shift of 12 hours each to two shifts of 8 hours, giving our workers more energy for their tasks. The change in shift hours also provided coverage late into the evening, relieving Sebastian and Oralia, the full-time on-site Directors, of much of the responsibilities that had fallen entirely on them. The challenge was finding new workers in our small town - workers who love the Lord, love children and are willing to work hard to invest in them and develop them into responsible adults. As always, God is faithful. He brought wonderful workers with a heart for the Lord and for children, and, they came with early childhood teaching experience. Our little ones are getting more and better attention, plus additional stimulation and challenge to develop to the fullness of their ability. We are thankful for the workers the Lord has brought to Hogar de Vida. They are a blessing.
We work hard here at Hogar de Vida, but we also play hard. Last January, we loaded the bus with food, backpacks, adults and kids, and headed to the beach. For three days the kids of Hogar de Vida experienced a real family vacation. We went to the zoo and the beach, shopped, ate in restaurants, and we enjoyed each other's company. In October, the older kids celebrated the end of their school year with a trip to the town of Xela for one day and night. They enjoyed a movie and bowling, completely new experiences for most of them. We are thankful for the designated donations that made these trips a reality. Many people joined together to enable the kids to make memories to last a lifetime.
Every parent knows that kids grow so fast! Our kids of are no exception. In 2015 we had three young men and a young lady "graduate" from the Home. They had reached the age of 18 and by law could no longer live at the home. One young man decided to end his studies and go out on his own. The other three entered the Hogar de Vida LifePlan program, assisting them to continue their studies and transition into adulthood. The young lady is living in a room rented by the Home. The two young men moved in with two other young men who previously "graduated" and are living in the LifePlan House purchased in January 2015. We are thankful for God's provision that enabled us to launch LifePlan and help these young people successfully transition into a productive adulthood. We couldn't have done it without generous donations from people like you. Thank you!
In addition to the four young adults who moved out of the Home, four younger children were able to return to their families. We are so thankful for the time we had to pour ourselves into these young lives. Please join us in praying that God will keep them close to His heart. As we said good-bye to four, we said "Hello," to one. We thank the Lord for each at-risk child He brings to us to love and nurture.
We praise the Lord for His faithfulness and His love for these special children. We thank each of you who have given to the Home through financial support, prayer, and short-term teams. Your donations have helped to maintain quality care and to enable each child to experience the love of God in a very tangible way.
Vickie Sutton
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A Look Forward to 2016
We look forward to 2016 with anticipation and excitement for what the Lord has in store. We have dreams and expectations to improve the kids' lives, and to reach for excellence in what we are already doing.
We have shared several times about LifePlan that we launched in January 2015. The purpose of LifePlan is to give our teens who are approaching adulthood every opportunity to be as successful as possible. The goal for teens still living in the home is to develop a work ethic, together with a skill and the ability to manage their own money; so that when they turn 18 and leave the Home, they will have a way to support themselves, and some money in the bank to get them started. In 2016 we will be endeavoring to expand LifePlan by adding more skills and business ideas to teach the kids, especially skills for younger children to learn. Even 7 year olds can learn a simple skill and begin to develop a good work ethic.
A relatively new government requirement is that every children's home must have a Social Worker and a Psychologist on staff. The Lord has provided a Social Worker to work with one of our workers who is currently studying Social Work in college. We are so thankful for this provision. Until now, we have been getting by with the Psychologist from Home of Life Costa Rica coming once a year to do the required paperwork. However, this doesn't even begin to meet the needs of the children. Therefore, we are searching for a full-time Psychologist. Given our rural location, this is a difficult task. Once we find a Psychologist, we will also have the additional salary cost of approximately $600 per month. Please pray for God's provision both for a Psychologist and for the additional finances that will be needed.
In addition, we would like to share with you some other plans and dreams we have for 2016. We ask you to join us in prayer as we strive to be the best we can be in the power of God this year.
- Provide more education and teachings to the workers so they can give the best attention possible to the kids.
- Provide more early childhood stimulation and physical therapy to those who need it.
- Add more bathrooms, improve current bathrooms, putting tile in the showers, and supplying hot water to the young girls' bathroom.
- Improve our preventative medical plan.
- Augment and support the education the kids are receiving at school, especially in Grades K-4.
- Begin an on-site preschool for the little ones, teaching them 2-1/2 hours daily, Monday through Friday.
- Build a new structure to house a barbershop and a game room.
- Open a café and small store to sell food and material items made by the kids in the LifePlan program.
- Help equip and direct the two young people who will be 18 in 2016 and graduating both from the Home and from college prep high school.
What a blessing it is to have plans and dreams from the Lord. We are constantly reminded of God's hand on the Home of Life and we are so thankful for His grace and provision. We want to thank each and every one of you who have partnered with the Home of Life to carry out God's plans for each at-risk child that comes through our doors. Many blessings to each of you as you partner with the staff of Homes of Life Guatemala, striving to serve the Lord with all our hearts in 2016.
Vickie Sutton
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Tell Your Friends
One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner in our ministry is to tell your friends about the Homes of Life. It's easy to just to to a friend and share your own thoughts.
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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.
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