Homework Time

Like the majority of children, the kids at Casa de Amor LOVE homework. Ha!
Like most children, homework time is not the highlight of the day for kids at Casa de Amor. However, it is a time when the children receive special individual attention. Because school is half-day in Bolivia, the children often arrive home with 1-3 hours of homework. (Depending on the concentration of the child) Several of the children struggle with learning abilities and attention difficulties, and this often makes homework time even more difficult.

Due to our wonderful long-term volunteers, and local volunteers, lately, there has been no shortage of help at homework time.

After arriving home from school at lunch time, the kids change out of their uniforms and sometimes wash their overcoats and socks by hand. This is a great way for them to learn responsibility, and to prepare for the reality of life in Bolivia. Once this is taken care of, lunch is served, and we gather around the table to eat and hear about the kid’s days. (The littlest ones often fall asleep at the table!)

After lunch is finished, and dishes are done, homework time begins. The youngest kids with less homework finish first, and typically nap for an hour or so. The older kids have more homework, and sometimes work until dinner time. Although this can be a tedious time, it can also be a great opportunity to talk with the kids and hear about their days and interests and dreams.

Yesterday, I got to write simple and complex sentences with 11 year old Edgar. 45 sentences seemed like a daunting task, but I began to enjoy laughing and joking with Edgar as we worked. Edgar is very intelligent, but has had a hard childhood, and can often be trying to work with. He is the oldest of the boys, and often feels lonely. As we were writing sentences, he opened up about his friends, classmates, soccer team, and interest in World War 2.

Although homework time is not my favorite time either, I am thankful for the way God uses it as an opportunity to spend time with the children at Casa de Amor!

Children's Day

Dia del Nino!

Children’s Day, April 12th, is a largely celebrated holiday in Bolivia. Restaurants offer special deals, hire clowns, and offer face painting. Schools give large goody baskets to children of snacks and candies. In general, it is a day for children to be spoiled, but it is also a day where the children at Casa de Amor are showered with love and attention from local churches and individuals.

Last Tuesday, I arrived at the home in the morning to find the children- and some tias- with clown face paint. A very generous group of physical therapy students had planned a special day for the little kids with games, snacks, and most importantly – lollipops! We have a ways to go in learning how to eat lollipops, but for the most part, it was a successful day! :)

Matthew 19:14 says: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

While Children’s Day is not a specifically Christian holiday, it is a good reminder of Jesus’ love for His children, and the responsibility we as adults have in pointing them to Jesus. Please continue to pray for wisdom for decision that need to be made at Casa de Amor, and as always for God’s provision for these precious lives.

School Anniversary!

In Bolivia, (and with 31 children) there is always SOMETHING to celebrate! 

This last week, on Thursday afternoon, the kids excitedly announced that they would be preforming in the school anniversary celebration in the morning. This led to an exciting turn of afternoon events!

Each class participates in a different school holiday, and Friday 8 of our school aged children participated in traditional dances. Each dance requires a specific costume, according to native dress in each region. The 4 Pre-K students were required to rent their costumes- normally a fairly simple task. However, due to a road block by local dairy farmers, this turned into an all afternoon event for our fearless volunteers.

Friday morning, we arrived to the school prepared to help and cheer on the kids in whatever way possible. The kids divided into their classes, and the volunteers and tia decided to divide and conquer! The volunteers and Tia Marcela helped the youngest with their costumes, I supervised Shyrlen as she prepared for her dance, and Franco helped keep Daniel and Benito from taking their cowboy looking costumes too  seriously. 

When it was time for the dances to begin, we were all busy taking pictures and making sure everyone was in the right place. The kids danced extremely well, and were happy to show off for the audience.

Enjoy a few pictures of our older kids at Casa de Amor! Until April 12th for Children's Day, and then we'll celebrate again!   

Maybe not everyone enjoyed themselves....

Handsome little cowboys... or dancers from Santa Cruz!

S- the littlest- all dressed up!

B is not so sure about dancing with a GIRL!

They say it takes a village to raise a child...and an army to dress them up!