tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10118767843215328522024-02-19T11:17:32.059-04:00Homes of Loveadventures ministering to and living with babies in boliviaHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435305001514400088noreply@blogger.comBlogger707125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-89796657164763269292016-08-10T15:37:00.001-04:002016-09-20T16:48:03.235-04:00August 2016 News!<!--[if !mso]>
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are on our mailing list, you will receive this letter very soon. Until then - and for the the rest of you - some good news below!! </span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">August 2, 2016</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Supporters,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This letter brings <span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">much</span> better news than what I had to share 6 weeks ago! <span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">The biggest news first!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In July, all the closing papers had been signed. All the transfer requests for the 30 children were being processed. The house owners were notified. I had written you, our supporters. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, at the LAST MINUTE, a Christian Bolivian friend who is fluent in English and teaches Spanish and Bolivian culture to foreigners, met with our Bolivian administrative staff. She was very impressed with what she saw, and to our great surprise asked if she could take over the ministry, along with her board. For two weeks, a flurry of phone calls, emails, and consulting took place in both countries. The local administration was all for it, but I was counseled to let the closure continue. So many details to consider, and so little time! But the thought of Casa de Amor continuing its ministry AND <span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">the kids and childcare staff getting to stay</span> motivated everyone to consider the many details and make a good decision. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To make a long story short, on the evening of July 25, papers were signed and Maria Eugenia (“Mauge”) Ureña became the new director and legal representative of the organization <i>“Hogares de Amor para Niños”</i> (Spanish for “Homes of Love for Children”). Savannah Sielbeck from Tennessee, a regular volunteer and supporter, and long time friend of Mauge’s, also has a role in the new administration. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">How Casa de Amor is the same:</span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"></span>The organization “Hogares de Amor para Niños” still exists in Cochabamba, Bolivia.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"></span>15 of the children are still in CDA’s care (of the other 15: 5 older children had already been transferred to a family-style home, 4 were adopted, and 6 little ones entered a program that ensures adoptions) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"></span>Almost all of the staff we hired remain.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"></span>The children will live in our biggest house until year’s end.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">How Casa de Amor has changed:</span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"></span>In English, <span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">the home will now be known as <a href="https://sunshinehousebolivia.com/" target="_blank">“The Sunshine House”</a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I (Jennifer) will no longer be involved in day-to-day finances, decisions of the home, or communication. My family needs me in this season of life!</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed;"></span><span style="width: 11.25pt;"> </span>Our Bolivian board of directors has resigned and the GOAL board will also cease </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rosa, our local director and my “right hand” since Day One in 2004, and David, our administrator (a valued employee since 2009), have resigned so that Mauge<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and</span> board can take over at lower costs.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our US based non-profit “GOAL” will no longer process donations. <span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">If you desire to continue<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>supporting this vital ministry to the children of Bolivia, please see the important information below.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">This sudden change of events had several immediate positive effects.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course it was exciting that the rest of the children, staff, and vehicle could all stay! But after months of financial stress, we also needed less money because we did not feel the full weight of the closing costs, such as paying 3 months salary to the staff who hadn’t resigned by the last day of work. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several times in the last letter, I emphasized our desire to finish strong with a good testimony. Thanks to the generosity of many amazing supporters and the transition just explained, that’s exactly what happened. <b>We met our obligations with the staff according to a strict employee law, and paid<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>everyone what they were owed.</b> </span>It was shocking last week to get to say on the blog, “Okay, we’re good!!” Be assured that the funds which arrived over our immediate needs will now go towards care of <span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">children</span>—a much better prospect than closing costs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The new administration has excitedly jumped in, grateful for meticulous book-keeping, properly kept files, esteemed reputation in social services, and a well-organized structure from which to operate. <br />
Let’s pray for their success, for God’s glory, and the children’s complete well-being! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to all who gave so quickly and generously to meet the urgent need. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">Dios Les Bendiga! It’s been an amazing ride!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">Founder<br />
Casa de Amor Children’s Homes<br />Cochabamba, Bolivia</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 115%;">Over the 11 1/2 years that Rosa and I administrated the homes, we had 167 children officially enter CDA and around 30 temporary stays. Of these children, </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;"><span dir="ltr"></span>74 </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 115%;">were adopted, and </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;"><span dir="ltr"></span>86 </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 115%;">returned to their families. What an exciting time! We both feel so blessed to have been a part of something big in the lives of children in need!! </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">IMPORTANT CHANGE! To continue giving to the ministry in Cochabamba, Bolivia, <br />
please make out your tax deductible check to </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">“Sunshine House Bolivia”</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;"> and send to :</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sunshine House Admin, 1204 Grandview Drive, Nashville, TN 37215, </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">USA </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #0070c0;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">WEBSITE: <a href="https://sunshinehousebolivia.com/">https://sunshinehousebolivia.com</a> * PHONE: 615-351-7009 * sunshinehousebolivia@gmail.com</span></div>
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Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-32470998225980334872016-07-29T22:46:00.001-04:002016-07-29T22:48:07.374-04:00Happy Update!!Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have responded so generously!!<br />
<br />
Our immediate needs have all been MET, praise the Lord!! I can't tell you how amazing it is to say that, and to not owe on basic expenses for the first time in a very long time. <br />
<br />
And yes, there IS exciting news to share about Casa de Amor! Over the next week I'll be composing the letter to explain what has transpired and how we now stand. (For those not on the mailing list - don't worry! I'll post it here.)<br />
<br />
I'm sorry that I can't be more specific right now, but I need time to write something that will do it all justice. Patience, please!<br />
<br />
Just know that for now, after some very dark months, we have come to the best conclusion we could have imagined with the issues we faced.<br />
<br />
It is such a relief to have all the big decisions made and our urgent needs met!<br />
<br />
PS - Prayerfully consider continuing to support the children where they are now, especially if you are a child sponsor. More information on that will come in the next letter!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-71844154029070618712016-07-14T12:54:00.000-04:002016-07-14T12:56:49.336-04:00Urgent Needs - Update and Thank You!!Yesterday was an exciting day of tallying the checks that have just arrived! This is the most amazing week we have had since 2015 end-of-year giving. THANK YOU everyone for your generosity!! We were also touched by the encouraging, uplifting notes that are arriving with the donations. I haven't seen these people (many from Texas) in several years or even more, but they are responding generously to needs.<br />
<br />
Here is an update:<br />
<br />
The June letter explained that <b>we need $40,000 by the end of July</b> AND for our mini-bus to sell.<br />
<br />
The bus has been taken to market a couple of times but there has not been an adequate offer, so this is still in process.<br />
<br />
However, as of this last wonderful week, <b>we have received $30,858</b> to our mailbox and paypal since the mailing of the letter!!<br />
<br />
The discouraging part is it seems the childcare and support staff (minus administration) are not going to resign from their jobs. This signifies that we owe them THREE months of salaries when we end their contract - another difficult aspect of Bolivian workers law. <b>This will add $14,550 to the previously estimated closing costs.</b><br />
<br />
So it's clear that we are seeing progress but still have a mountain to climb!<br />
<br />
Also encouraging is the support we are seeing from friends in Cochabamba who are part of the children-at-risk ministry community. People are pulling together to see that our kids have a great new home, and that's wonderful news!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned!!<br />
<br />Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-70265319874028040092016-07-05T22:50:00.000-04:002016-07-05T22:57:27.988-04:00Difficult News<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><b><i>This letter has now arrived to our Casa de Amor mailing list. Due to it's importance and the rumors I am hearing, I am also posting the contents here. Please hear my heart, there is nothing more than what is contained here. I fully trust the local administration and admire them for their dedication in the face of so many challenges. Thank you!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span>
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Dear Supporters,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-language: ar-SA; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">This is a letter I never imagined writing so it’s taken some time to gather my thoughts. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Casa de Amor and Bolivia have been a huge part of my life since I was 20 years old—the memories are so special to me! B</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">eginning in 2002, God established a two-continent team to build a loving home for orphaned and </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit;">abandoned babies. The first newsletter of 2005 announced with joy, </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit;">“C</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: inherit;">asa de Amor now shakes with the sound of children! God has blessed us with six beautiful children to love and care for, five boys and one girl.” (One of those boys is now my son!)</span></span><br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">Casa de Amor Bolivia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Despite regular setbacks, Casa de Amor in Bolivia has been a well-funded ministry, able to accept any baby in need as long as we had a crib. We’ve administered three children’s homes, 24/7, for 11 ½ years. Since the economic downturn in 2008, however, we rarely have a large bank account balance, but money would come just in time to cover necessities. International adoptions also nearly ceased, and three of our biggest supporting churches stopped giving for internal reasons beyond our control. Still God provided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">The ministry was never supposed to be about me. I searched actively for years to find someone—</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">—willing to take over my role. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-language: ar-SA; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Finally in late 2014, prospects appeared! The timing was none too soon as I was due with our 5th child (2nd biological). It had become increasingly complicated to run the homes well and care for my growing family. My husband and I made the decision to move near family in the states. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Mid-2015, after months of preparation and training and productive meetings, I excitedly announced to our supporters the new team God had assembled to replace me—a local director, two missionary <br />
administrators, and a new missionary president for our Bolivian board. My heart was full, knowing the children would still be cared for, and I could focus on my family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">The joy was short-lived. Days before our September departure, the new US staff members within Bolivia resigned. They saw the shoestring support for themselves and became alarmed. The re</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-language: ar-SA; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">sponsibility of overseeing funding for 30+ children, 15 staff members, and 3 houses was too great. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">I did not expect my departure to mean decreased giving, but just in case, I heeded suggestions to restructure and reduce costs. Before boarding the plane with our family of 7, I oversaw and approved a new plan reducing our expenses by about 40%. Sadly, giving </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">has</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"> plummeted since my departure. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara";">Giving since January has averaged 70% of our restructured basic operating expenses. Staff and board members in Cochabamba have given it their best, but also failed to find new financing. Obviously, a continual lack of money when one cares for children is of huge concern! This was not the Casa de Amor we knew for so many years. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">Other Difficult Factors</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">We are accustomed to Bolivian authorities’ difficult mandates, but regulation is increasingly oppressive—and expensive. To list just a few:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Annual government-decreed wage increases, some years as much as 10% for our entire staff</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Constant pressure to replace childcare staff with degreed professionals (and no trial periods allowed)</span></li>
<li><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Women not allowed to work over 40 hours a week—</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">creating the need for an exorbitant amount of caregivers and insecurity with the children.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">No publishing children’s pictures</span></li>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Continually discouraging are the partially full Bolivian and US boards. People are just busy! We’ve not had a consistent volunteer coordinator since 2014, eliminating a multi-faceted source of support. No one leads vital communication to supporters, and our long-time child sponsorship coordinator moved on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">The final blow was a disgruntled ex-employee’s court case. We won in 2012, her </span><span style="text-indent: 0pt;">employment term complaints proven false, but corruption saw her appeal unexpectedly granted early this year. We were ordered to pay her additional wages and court fees amounting to over $32,000. Appealing this judgment so our new director doesn’t go to jail has added expense, stress, and distraction from the ministry.</span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">With growing dismay, Bolivian administrators and I began asking with an open heart, “What is God telling us?” “Has Casa de Amor’s time of ministry passed?” We had a healthy, growing ministry many years thanks to steady funding AND dedicated personnel. Lacking </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">both</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"> meant excellence was no longer obtainable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">During this time of questioning, God did not open any floodgates. Trusted advisors who know Bolivia agree the climate is difficult. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">We’ve concluded the unthinkable—we must cease operations in Bolivia.</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
Our desire is to bow out gracefully, leaving the best possible testimony. Caring for the children and staff is our priority!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">The Current Situation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Even </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">closing down</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"> in Bolivia is hard. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-language: ar-SA; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">There have been myriad details and legalities to consider. And of course, in the midst of it all, is the weight of finding Christian homes for 15 babies and 15 school-aged children. We have a couple possibilities, but pray for God to move on their behalf, to open the right doors!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">There is a sense of urgency to transfer the school children during July’s short winter break. If the babies are also moved by then, we can release the staff the last day of July—IF we have the funds to do so without bringing down new court cases. We informed our Bolivian staff yesterday in a tearful meeting that we hope to have enough money by the end of July to pay them every bit of what they are owed by law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">The costs we are looking at between now and then include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">REGULAR OPERATING EXPENSES (JUNE & JULY): $20,000 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">CLOSING EXPENSES (including a good finish with all staff members): $25,000 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">RENT HOUSES PAINTING AND REPAIR (3 houses, with owners we greatly appreciate): $5,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">TOTAL = $50,000<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">We seek a buyer for our main asset, a large van, and a few other items of value which are estimated to bring in around $10,000. All will be applied towards these expenses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">This means we still need approximately $40,000 in the next 5 weeks—a very tall order, but vital. <br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-weight: bold;">Your generosity is greatly needed as we honor our Christian testimony in Bolivia to finish well!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Checks can be mailed to our address in the US, or donations made online using PayPal (see below).</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">I am deeply grateful for all our financial sponsors, a group that began with my family’s Christmas card list, and has grown to include dear friends around the world. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Thank you so much to each one who has given, from widow’s mites to large checks that made us gasp. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">YOU made Casa de Amor a place of love by your generous and sacrificial giving! </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">In Christ,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)<br />
</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">Founder<br />
Casa de Amor Children’s Homes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">PS--Once we know the new homes of all 30 of the children, we will inform everyone. I’m sure those ministries would appreciate the transfer of child sponsors and new support! </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "candara"; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-armenian-font-family: Candara; mso-ascii-font-family: Candara; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-currency-font-family: Candara; mso-cyrillic-font-family: Candara; mso-default-font-family: Candara; mso-greek-font-family: Candara; mso-hebrew-font-family: Candara; mso-latin-font-family: Candara; mso-latinext-font-family: Candara; mso-ligatures: none;">Please contact me with any questions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i>“And Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.” <br />Mark 10:16</i></span><span lang="es" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Mail checks made out to "GOAL" to the following address:</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i><b>GOAL</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i><b>PO Box 357 </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Collierville, Tennessee, 38027</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i><b>USA</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><i><a href="http://www.casadeamor.org/supporting" target="_blank">Paypal Donation Link</a></i></span></span></div>
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Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-77317024692077508032016-06-14T14:05:00.002-04:002016-06-14T14:05:47.163-04:00Fun Outside!** We apologize for the lack of pictures! As much as we would love to show their beautiful faces, for the privacy of the children we are no longer allowed to post pictures online.**<br />
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Several weeks ago with the help of several wonderful volunteers – the outdoor play-sets from the old baby home were finally transferred to the newer baby home!<br />
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The outdoor play-sets have always been a favorite place to play for our kids! They have brought life to the homes, and allowed the kids to be creative, and enjoy long mornings playing outside! When the babies moved homes last September, the play-sets were temporarily left behind due to the work involved in moving them.<br />
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The kids continued to enjoy them when they visited volunteers, but mostly were un-used.<br />
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In May, thanks to the hard work of Tio David, Tio Franco, Tio Tadeuo, and Tia Chelsea, (and the willing help of lots of little hands) the play-sets were dis-assembled, transported, and re-assembled! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDv4Mmk_A86Lij1Ot8zoqiPPHSDCbRz_Je8ypz9jf96Aujb3uc83OzXhZdWrGVXLwjARqKvImPMuEEPgaSYvXxP1INJh3Lf0gdQ7NEx8wuhtNmstEfP4yRluy9YOd_CnAWWFHctiUHv4/s1600/13454149_1119557164733466_1409930993_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDv4Mmk_A86Lij1Ot8zoqiPPHSDCbRz_Je8ypz9jf96Aujb3uc83OzXhZdWrGVXLwjARqKvImPMuEEPgaSYvXxP1INJh3Lf0gdQ7NEx8wuhtNmstEfP4yRluy9YOd_CnAWWFHctiUHv4/s320/13454149_1119557164733466_1409930993_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A work in progress!</td></tr>
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The kids now have fun/ safe places to play outside, and the babies have their own play-set inside!<br />
The babies enjoy hiding under the slide in the play-room and the toddlers love to sneak UP the slide when they think no one is watching. :)<br />
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The girls love their new swings, and would swing all day if not for their homework and chores!<br />
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The girls also enjoy playing “house” in their new fort, and it is always interesting to see. Last week I overheard Saret, one of our youngest in kindergarten, sweetly ordering her younger sisters to eat their food and not cry. Saret can be a picky eater, and is often tired at lunch time. It is not uncommon for her to end lunch time in tears- so it was amusing to hear her advice to the other girls!<br />
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We are so thankful that the kids are able to spend time playing as KIDS! Thank you for your prayers! <br />
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Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-65011673175251871232016-05-18T11:22:00.000-04:002016-05-18T11:22:11.349-04:00Staff Shout-Out!<div class="MsoNormal">
This week I was chatting with a longtime supporter of Casa
de Amor. Her husband had recently stopped sending their monthly child
sponsorship donation and she had some questions. I realized that their
questions could possibly be the same with many of our supporters, so I’ll
address them here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She asked if the homes were doing alright. I shared that
we’re having difficulties with certain “Bolivia” issues.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I could have also added corruption in the court system…<o:p></o:p></div>
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an environment that does not favor non-profits…<o:p></o:p></div>
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laws that are not practical for those caring for children
around the clock.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She asked if I trust our administrative staff at Casa de
Amor Bolivia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me just say YES!<o:p></o:p></div>
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and…<o:p></o:p></div>
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YES!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmyVk9B50Ey_oWA7I8TSJldPrxC-uZfySh57ndM1XKE2Ny-h9Dnv4-YrEjCtQuosu7FgrG3I8ETFQZOYqehm4lblfPL3CgAd4lChM-VhHgNgc-AD4s4fWhmeDD_1qgtLBCwJNELkb8eX9/s1600/staff+party+%25288%2529_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmyVk9B50Ey_oWA7I8TSJldPrxC-uZfySh57ndM1XKE2Ny-h9Dnv4-YrEjCtQuosu7FgrG3I8ETFQZOYqehm4lblfPL3CgAd4lChM-VhHgNgc-AD4s4fWhmeDD_1qgtLBCwJNELkb8eX9/s400/staff+party+%25288%2529_.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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I’m sorry that I haven’t been more proactive in sharing that
publically. I assumed that people would know I couldn’t leave and move to the
US without a trustworthy, capable staff on the ground. Now I see that was a
mistake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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First of all, it’s so awesome to have passed the work to
nationals!!! This is a great goal of us in missions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Secondly, I know my staff VERY well. We worked alongside
each other for years and years. We bonded and I KNOW they caught the vision for
Casa de Amor because I’ve seen it played out in their decisions again and
again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Right now, I long to be with them there, looking them in the
eyes and saying I’m sorry for how hard things have been, and assure them that
they are doing a great job looking at the challenges from every angle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have not been able to replace the English communicator role,
which greatly pains me, but Rosa stepped right into the role as director and is
doing a great job. She wears many hats with grace!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even though I’m not there, thirty beautiful children are
being cared for. They receive food, education, medical and dental care, and of
course round-the-clock love and care.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If anyone has questions about their giving, please don’t
hesitate to <a href="mailto:Jennifer@casadeamor.org" target="_blank">write me</a>!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-80572939753941160352016-05-03T22:41:00.000-04:002016-05-03T22:41:00.144-04:00Important Administrative AnnouncementCasa de Amor Children’s Homes is in urgent need of these
three staff members:<br />
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Bilingual Communication Administrator (Bolivia based)</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Facilitate
communication between the Bolivian ministry and international donors</i></div>
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Child Sponsorship Coordinator (US or Bolivia based)</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Match children to
sponsors, support communication between sponsored children and sponsors on a
regular basis </i></div>
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Volunteer Coordinator (Bolivia based)</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Coordinate every
aspect of a volunteer’s service period in Bolivia from the moment of inquiry
until the end of their stay</i></div>
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Our challenge through the years, particularly as I stepped
back to care for my own family, has always been finding dedicated people as
passionate about high quality ADMINISTRATION as CHILDREN. While sitting on the
floor and playing with a child is important, there is a constant stream of national staff ready
to do that. Sitting at a desk and telling supporters what is going on...in
English...now THAT has been a hard role to fill!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq_fML-lNe60nJJKSZ02HVlwPccqYvoMA-XcLI4g8NyRw5McavHsVwEo1hWy1mhGIobGRmiV1Jsl1ys3N3lHQSnsLmUnEticC7u1O8UFFofkSEUWf0RlNXEpZm0q0_NgMDFNqAwlosaKK/s1600/babies%2521+%25289%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNq_fML-lNe60nJJKSZ02HVlwPccqYvoMA-XcLI4g8NyRw5McavHsVwEo1hWy1mhGIobGRmiV1Jsl1ys3N3lHQSnsLmUnEticC7u1O8UFFofkSEUWf0RlNXEpZm0q0_NgMDFNqAwlosaKK/s320/babies%2521+%25289%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><b>August 2008 </b></i></div>
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<i><b>I still did plenty of baby holding!!</b></i></div>
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We will not be able to continue operation for much longer
without English speaking administrative support to communicate with our amazing
donors. Thank you! </div>
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Write <a href="mailto:Jennifer@casadeamor.org" target="_blank">Jennifer</a> for more information.<br />
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Jennifer Beaty (Thompson)http://www.blogger.com/profile/03362639383721753180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-16967355427676847342016-04-27T19:32:00.001-04:002016-04-27T19:32:18.914-04:00Homework Time<br />
Like the majority of children, the kids at Casa de Amor LOVE homework. Ha!<br />
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.<br />
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Due to our wonderful long-term volunteers, and local volunteers, lately, there has been no shortage of help at homework time.<br />
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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!)<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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!<br />
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Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-47133900954820009972016-04-20T13:52:00.001-04:002016-04-20T13:52:46.399-04:00Children's DayDia del Nino! <br />
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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.<br />
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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! :)<br />
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Matthew 19:14 says: <i>Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."</i><br />
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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.<br />
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Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-33604667009767348732016-04-06T18:26:00.000-04:002016-04-06T18:26:44.321-04:00School Anniversary!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">In Bolivia, (and with 31 children) there is always SOMETHING to celebrate! </span><br />
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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!</div>
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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.</div>
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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 <i>too </i> seriously. </div>
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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.<br />
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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! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe not everyone enjoyed themselves....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHeF4mAwLWYM87XJUVpN2Ja22I_ovr2yk2R-2gcu6IH9KlEZGHs-I6oZR6RNk_mGC0f-ymJ9_Rl3P7jtN4pdx32wwgVPTF-psPHbrs6sJfzSDHPw7oQOEQq0XZFzIF-srscgEH3Xjn-g/s1600/12719159_1718660645084874_8564852595098253352_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmHeF4mAwLWYM87XJUVpN2Ja22I_ovr2yk2R-2gcu6IH9KlEZGHs-I6oZR6RNk_mGC0f-ymJ9_Rl3P7jtN4pdx32wwgVPTF-psPHbrs6sJfzSDHPw7oQOEQq0XZFzIF-srscgEH3Xjn-g/s320/12719159_1718660645084874_8564852595098253352_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handsome little cowboys... or dancers from Santa Cruz!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">S- the littlest- all dressed up!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5wUBMQILzGUaXQk8p_Okd0aeeYgJS634TWzwuHE67vBUppwiJO_Rfn4ahg3RjxAh6tftiOOHmaeGQwuOxVc_8bVfBd89dyhpIF3gJ5DYn9J-po6mYxmMXqfXr63c-iyInSgj5a9dbpU/s1600/12957296_1082042101818306_592967001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5wUBMQILzGUaXQk8p_Okd0aeeYgJS634TWzwuHE67vBUppwiJO_Rfn4ahg3RjxAh6tftiOOHmaeGQwuOxVc_8bVfBd89dyhpIF3gJ5DYn9J-po6mYxmMXqfXr63c-iyInSgj5a9dbpU/s320/12957296_1082042101818306_592967001_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B is not so sure about dancing with a GIRL!<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say it takes a village to raise a child...and an army to dress them up!<br />
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Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-54947982165411841512016-03-24T16:33:00.002-04:002016-03-24T16:33:39.548-04:00An Apple a Day....They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but unfortunately it isn't always that easy! Especially when there are 31 children living in semi-close quarters...<br />
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As the weather starts to change ( in Bolivia from Summer to Fall) , the children start to get coughs and colds. Although Casa de Amor does everything possible to prevent this, the normal cold is hard to beat completely.<br />
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This morning, I went to the homes with the intention of spending the morning helping the tias and playing with babies, and soon saw that was not going to happen. Three of the babies were in their nice clothes, and Tia Maria (the healthcare tia) was looking for help. Taking one sick child to the doctor is never fun, but three is nearly impossible! Volunteer Cecilie and I each grabbed a child and headed to the clinic with Tia Maria. The clinic was luckily nearly empty, and the kids were attended quickly.<br />
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The price of healthcare in Bolivia is realtively inexpensive, but the expenses do add up. The visit for each child cost 40 bolivianos, approximately $5.75, plus medicine. The nurses were very friendly, and helpful, and the babies enjoyed the extra attention... even if it doesn't show on their faces. :)<br />
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We are thankful for access to good medical care, willing volunteers, and wonderful staff committed to the care of these precious children!Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-57887349628662502542016-03-17T10:24:00.002-04:002016-03-17T10:24:44.610-04:00Visiting Team from Denmark<div class="MsoNormal">
For many years, Casa de Amor has been blessed by the visits
and hard work of teams from Denmark. The team is called Alterna, and visits
Bolivia for several weeks each year. Alterna is made up of high school students
and teachers, and always comes prepared to love and serve! Many wonderful
long-term volunteers have also come out of these teams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, Alterna arrived at Casa de Amor and listened to a
little bit of the history of the home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After a quick tour, everyone got to work! The guys were a
huge help with yard work that often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority
list. They mowed, weed-eated, trimmed trees, and rooted out lots of weeds! </div>
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girls were a huge help with the babies, and also went through the toy
collection to throw away broken toys and small pieces<o:p></o:p></div>
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After working hard all morning, the tias had cooked a
delicious meal, and everyone sat down to eat. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As the older kids arrived from school, they were slightly
overwhelmed but very excited about having so many visitors! <o:p></o:p></div>
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After lunch, the team presented several skits with the
gospel presented clearly. The kids laughed and enjoyed watching the “silly
visitors”! (Most of the kids, some of the younger ones weren’t fans of the
clowns. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> )
The kids even got to participate in some
of the skits! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thank you to the Alterna team, and to all who pray and
support the children of Casa de Amor!<o:p></o:p></div>
Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-73574131660481962252016-02-02T11:21:00.001-04:002016-02-16T09:16:24.011-04:00Water Fights!Every year in Bolivia, the city celebrates carnival, and the entire city becomes a water war zone. Children and adults alike throw water balloons from passing cars, spray neighbors with mega size water guns, and look for anyway possible to get wet! <div><br></div><div>The kids at Casa de Amor look forward to this time of year that they can escape from the heat, and participate in water fights from the safety of their own yard. This year the volunteers were good sports and played with the kids and Tia's until they were soaked! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflCXNx6JQFPSdHxW-KbS27W5oSgWuntBuTv4bvKdkta23riG2IlkSHqgKQqKC8xd4SOt1Iq3jYkuv8z8bEOqmioYIPYWcOcx9avsX66D3SCo5YUYomL3o5D5qSvn2fzq4FMNPn4iDQ2k/s640/blogger-image--1493987184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflCXNx6JQFPSdHxW-KbS27W5oSgWuntBuTv4bvKdkta23riG2IlkSHqgKQqKC8xd4SOt1Iq3jYkuv8z8bEOqmioYIPYWcOcx9avsX66D3SCo5YUYomL3o5D5qSvn2fzq4FMNPn4iDQ2k/s640/blogger-image--1493987184.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNLj6FnV_pLITkNaDFNFjOgBLqWV2ze-fQ_jDnX1h0mpKdArtT19SWyhL9auckLIOm746wK3I2QMMwmt4LXRG9VK28o-mvpeOtcC-eOV6A_2nhgAoxkBwOxN_HkXczTmqC30WBNqmdhA/s640/blogger-image--384878338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNLj6FnV_pLITkNaDFNFjOgBLqWV2ze-fQ_jDnX1h0mpKdArtT19SWyhL9auckLIOm746wK3I2QMMwmt4LXRG9VK28o-mvpeOtcC-eOV6A_2nhgAoxkBwOxN_HkXczTmqC30WBNqmdhA/s640/blogger-image--384878338.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They ran out of water balloons, but buckets of water were more effective anyway. :) </div><br><div><br></div></div>Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-88729956971991372972016-02-02T09:41:00.001-04:002016-02-02T11:22:19.709-04:00Back to School!As of February 1st, the oldest 15 children from Casa de Amor are back to school! <div><br></div><div>We are so thankful for the generosity of many people in providing school supplies, uniforms, and backpacks for the kids. Many of our kids struggle academically, so providing them with what they need at the beginning of the year is vital. They are able to start the school-year with a fresh start, feeling prepared and well- cared for!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9UMNicf-QL8oP2_mg9Lm0A49YRNzqBUkjL0Ql0VHqVJQ4kOA-oaw9SVlawXG5pjUfMF1EiIVaCE8L3qzyZb5QlvpCAwACWOO2f2lS5jj54-BQE3J4yoVrh8OLiNmx7jVJqUws-KaC3U/s640/blogger-image--249773840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9UMNicf-QL8oP2_mg9Lm0A49YRNzqBUkjL0Ql0VHqVJQ4kOA-oaw9SVlawXG5pjUfMF1EiIVaCE8L3qzyZb5QlvpCAwACWOO2f2lS5jj54-BQE3J4yoVrh8OLiNmx7jVJqUws-KaC3U/s640/blogger-image--249773840.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our three youngest girls... Be praying for their teacher!:)</div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmUBpEdXM36xrb1usd-TgY8PWOkSDrCi3WphPm4PiEEmjOCbsSQI3_ReAc3_NME3QBHSY8lxaqRC3B3f54tzgJJty5kGqz_IRKSVqZ17YQbuIo6keFpaBFz7o8_g_AnvciGqPnTBaRnA/s640/blogger-image--1120382987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmUBpEdXM36xrb1usd-TgY8PWOkSDrCi3WphPm4PiEEmjOCbsSQI3_ReAc3_NME3QBHSY8lxaqRC3B3f54tzgJJty5kGqz_IRKSVqZ17YQbuIo6keFpaBFz7o8_g_AnvciGqPnTBaRnA/s640/blogger-image--1120382987.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First day of school ever for these four! Looking nervous....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfCj-pMU2b7gZ10Q2JmynfXtcIGvIVI-OCCFAKg3cojzppQtvaH-Yvii3uaGZC6JVvPtILy_NSiPaE6sV-hCCaLUJkUbySiM3X6X-dovTSzL-jVLdtVRkfzobtA1mtsqI-qsrVu98mjc/s640/blogger-image-611762998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfCj-pMU2b7gZ10Q2JmynfXtcIGvIVI-OCCFAKg3cojzppQtvaH-Yvii3uaGZC6JVvPtILy_NSiPaE6sV-hCCaLUJkUbySiM3X6X-dovTSzL-jVLdtVRkfzobtA1mtsqI-qsrVu98mjc/s640/blogger-image-611762998.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">M. Is looking so grown up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NOawTCuVI3Df_bV6Ixg4up0Gskcbb4u4SoivouY60aVtwxHZmQF1_1pi-EUBPhVaQtbQLv1bgu4DIwAGpXp-3oI3MAyjI7Y4dNHTAbhlX_iyoYydJGyR8KSvMjdffNfRR35mwDzryto/s640/blogger-image-316447808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NOawTCuVI3Df_bV6Ixg4up0Gskcbb4u4SoivouY60aVtwxHZmQF1_1pi-EUBPhVaQtbQLv1bgu4DIwAGpXp-3oI3MAyjI7Y4dNHTAbhlX_iyoYydJGyR8KSvMjdffNfRR35mwDzryto/s640/blogger-image-316447808.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First day of Middle School! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0ezecKOKtMjSk9XWSzLsd4Gb9mQDBZB3dC6H0ZIU6gpijN_TigR7dDhQ4lvFRd6Xxq4RSBdCR95PSEqsQilAahEHiBBztDQDe18yM5kfBruklQyIEkPyrBezYCXDA_i2tbO7Db-vcNs/s640/blogger-image-1841982014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0ezecKOKtMjSk9XWSzLsd4Gb9mQDBZB3dC6H0ZIU6gpijN_TigR7dDhQ4lvFRd6Xxq4RSBdCR95PSEqsQilAahEHiBBztDQDe18yM5kfBruklQyIEkPyrBezYCXDA_i2tbO7Db-vcNs/s640/blogger-image-1841982014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sisters!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfrqKy4beZ-Qx3RMroA0b6WuUqtCKb0omuJqTTkGUu5L5OEqd6Q07Hf_u-zlGSUZDIW7PjrWWXzSsuRMPMQiHCKiZ_p2_QLu9QCTv4jCYP2EG_si4nUG197x3yWWYd2lThTSpaEREkto/s640/blogger-image-671809903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfrqKy4beZ-Qx3RMroA0b6WuUqtCKb0omuJqTTkGUu5L5OEqd6Q07Hf_u-zlGSUZDIW7PjrWWXzSsuRMPMQiHCKiZ_p2_QLu9QCTv4jCYP2EG_si4nUG197x3yWWYd2lThTSpaEREkto/s640/blogger-image-671809903.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All 15 kids...with differing levels of excitement for their first day of school! </div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-49576848167518723972015-09-08T10:13:00.001-04:002015-09-08T10:13:07.485-04:00Day #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXdfAHnpPmCn7LqwFZ50YvDQG1GLfyMPQBIAHIOOyeIzx2OitttAcWktEdEyqrme3kf5rm7MXf3WUdo68U5sTH0s0XScbYkvVBMf2OnkGis8NTcw_-ADngQgCdeSqGCeGKZhBl-36vCk/s1600/11937048_1088021017888992_8536015883166769141_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXdfAHnpPmCn7LqwFZ50YvDQG1GLfyMPQBIAHIOOyeIzx2OitttAcWktEdEyqrme3kf5rm7MXf3WUdo68U5sTH0s0XScbYkvVBMf2OnkGis8NTcw_-ADngQgCdeSqGCeGKZhBl-36vCk/s320/11937048_1088021017888992_8536015883166769141_o.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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J. is our second to oldest girl and child at Casa de Amor! Just a few days ago she celebrated her 12th birthday. This year she is in 6th grade and has many friends at school. She loves going to church and enjoys reading her Bible. Her sweet personality makes her a great influence on the other children! <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/20k20days?source=feed_text&story_id=1088021017888992" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="numeral" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">20k20days</span></a></div>
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If you'd like to make a one-time donation toward her care or become one of her monthly sponsors, you can do so at this link:<a href="http://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting</a>, or email Denise our child sponsorship coordinator at denise@casadeamor.org</div>
Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-44329893664786591692015-09-08T10:10:00.001-04:002015-09-08T10:10:26.587-04:00Day #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbRKNmjAJRFgaTLoUdYuTu0mvA_CHi2YMgEfBV7-je9tdv_hlNn1ZOx7vGOttqPcpDF_W_E5o9NlctjR0Vv3FWFBb8y71n4QJsmhNjfSi8wirh2FSE9W1guaoSkPQ25eeNYQgXE_Ls-8/s1600/11951149_1087293341295093_978637086036598362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbRKNmjAJRFgaTLoUdYuTu0mvA_CHi2YMgEfBV7-je9tdv_hlNn1ZOx7vGOttqPcpDF_W_E5o9NlctjR0Vv3FWFBb8y71n4QJsmhNjfSi8wirh2FSE9W1guaoSkPQ25eeNYQgXE_Ls-8/s320/11951149_1087293341295093_978637086036598362_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Many of you already know this little boy, but for our new followers, I’d like to introduce you to B.! He is 7 years old and has lived with us since he was a baby. This year he is in second grade and is learning how to read. He has some physical challenges that have made life a little more difficult for him, but he is overcoming these challenges every day. He is rarely seen without a smile! </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/20k20days?source=feed_text&story_id=1087293341295093" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="numeral" class="_58cl" style="background-color: white; color: #627aad; cursor: pointer; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;">20k20days</span></a></span><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">If you’d like to make a one-time donation toward his care or become one of his monthly sponsors, you can do so at this link:</span><a href="http://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting</a> or email our child sponsorship coordinator at <span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 20px;">denise@casadeamor.org</span></span></div>
Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-90510830962695146212015-09-08T10:07:00.001-04:002015-09-08T10:07:53.715-04:00Day #1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcB6DrBIFK_7qNBZPiM4HReaK_oCqV0t-7QQM-dShJ7q51ft6Zry4VhitxWcxts1k6EIjV5EnuqijK4vs9XPWOOMbIYkCLgJELNVJC8ayyTUWkUWwaxaQjQpbyDxLeylitjO1_ZSzbKM/s1600/10900042_1086687194689041_1891785250113494489_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcB6DrBIFK_7qNBZPiM4HReaK_oCqV0t-7QQM-dShJ7q51ft6Zry4VhitxWcxts1k6EIjV5EnuqijK4vs9XPWOOMbIYkCLgJELNVJC8ayyTUWkUWwaxaQjQpbyDxLeylitjO1_ZSzbKM/s320/10900042_1086687194689041_1891785250113494489_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Today we would like to introduce you to our first child of our <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/20k20days?source=feed_text&story_id=1086687194689041" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="numeral" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">20k20days</span></a>campaign! It is our first "Surgery Saturday," and many of you are already familiar with this little boy, C. He had open heart surgery on August 3rd and has made an amazing recovery! You would never know all that he has been through in his short life. He came to us at 6 months old with a heart murmur, but about a year ago we were told that the hole hadn't closed and instead had grown larger which required open heart surgery to close it. He started pre-school this year but is having to take some time off due to his recovery. He can't wait to go back! #20k20days</div>
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If you'd like to make a one-time donation toward his care or become one of his monthly sponsors, you can do so at this link:<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcasadeamor.publishpath.com%2Fsupporting&h=QAQHaYECcAQEZRCUBR8n63mnE6GMUZR0mTjKSYLXNWgw8Dw&enc=AZMB89656gFfedGYGSZY4d0LQzfk5srs9veK8OgvXqZaqxb9cY71XqetvV9K1MZgbPbEgFCbhEaU-f52bbs5w3ceqHq8vKhBLCTrepmplBp-Zod7OcVWXRShs19Hzssms1B8H12AjGCS_ra5l60y7F8hrhhHuZ5NJiUMmoaCC-J-e5srJN4f7ptwSqLFDrZmwGvq59fkEIkltoTg_efOuuhQ&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting</a>, or email our child sponsorship coordinator at </div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">denise@casadeamor.org.</span>Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-18368897881029295602015-09-04T23:02:00.001-04:002015-09-05T17:21:36.341-04:00EXCITING UPDATE!<i><b>He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah17:8</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguwHY909F7kVfewzDAeTcOO0_cUbZosTKZg32AVK_s8c41YDCY-WhKnO8TM-CPZYgE_TmYvGBbUmmVp3emdU0WiwyfpZxlTkC1RjNq6i7RKOvs7wNS5gZxHE_DHy3UCJMS6E87BBwj2A/s1600/tree-mural-16-of-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiguwHY909F7kVfewzDAeTcOO0_cUbZosTKZg32AVK_s8c41YDCY-WhKnO8TM-CPZYgE_TmYvGBbUmmVp3emdU0WiwyfpZxlTkC1RjNq6i7RKOvs7wNS5gZxHE_DHy3UCJMS6E87BBwj2A/s400/tree-mural-16-of-19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In June, a wonderful team of volunteers from Orphan World Relief came to Bolivia and painted the dining room of our Boy’s Home. The bright yellow color has given life to the dining room, and makes the room feel like a home. Several of our current volunteers are very artistic, and worked together to paint a tree with hundreds of leaves. The children watched as the volunteers painted, and begged to join in painting.<br />
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As the leaves were painted, we spent time praying, and thinking about all of the people that have been involved in the children’s lives. Between mission teams, previous volunteers, child sponsors, and the many people that have prayed for the children – hundreds of people play a role in the children’s lives. An analogy began to form about the leaves on the trees, and the people the Lord has put in the life of Casa de Amor.<br />
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Over the last few months, due to surgeries, hospitalization, government mandated pay increases/ bonuses, Casa de Amor has experienced a time of trusting the Lord in our finances like never before. He has always been faithful to provide, and He has used many of YOU to do that.<br />
We would like this mural to be a tree of remembering the Lord’s faithfulness in a tangible way. During the month of September, we would like to memorialize the Lord’s provision by “selling” the leaves, branches, and trunk of the tree. We are so thankful for your generosity to Casa de Amor, and we would love for the children to tangibly see how many people love them.<br />
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By “buying” a leaf, branch, or trunk, you will be providing for the operating costs of Casa de Amor such as rent for the children’s homes, staff salaries, and daily necessities. Leaves will be sold for $100, branches will be sold for $500, and the tree trunk will be sold for $5,000. Donations can be made on PayPal or by check, and we will then paint the name of the donor in the leaf, branch, or trunk. If you would like to make a donation on behalf of someone else, or as a church group, that is also a possibility. Mail a check to GOAL
PO Box 357
Collierville, TN 38027. Or click here for the link to PayPal <a href="https://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting">https://casadeamor.publishpath.com/supporting</a>.<br />
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Our goal is to raise $20,000 in the next 20 days. We know that the Lord is faithful to provide, and are excited to see how He will work. Each day for the next 20 days, we will post a photo and update on one of our children with a link to donate. Please feel free to share these updates with friends and family, and check back here often for the latest updates! We will also be using the hashtag #20k20days !<br />
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We serve a great, powerful, and loving God, and are so thankful for everyone of you – your generosity, prayer, and love for the children of Casa de Amor. Please join us in praying and sharing about how God is at work in Bolivia!<br />
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Danyelle Graveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09028996463529961921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-46679165246768265142015-08-14T17:47:00.002-04:002015-08-16T10:25:00.848-04:00Sharing Our Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwju4Twz1br-Cv2hYX86M34eljou9P6ULXWyf-k088T5p4niBlzLc59_yxwasX-PNNVBdo1lHZ1xFw1xrEN0mxk2jXiofs3lPbQYOcp8qViL0F-7E-q8nwIZb_HT7yE3stp2Kcd_4cAV2/s1600/Edson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwju4Twz1br-Cv2hYX86M34eljou9P6ULXWyf-k088T5p4niBlzLc59_yxwasX-PNNVBdo1lHZ1xFw1xrEN0mxk2jXiofs3lPbQYOcp8qViL0F-7E-q8nwIZb_HT7yE3stp2Kcd_4cAV2/s320/Edson1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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For those of you who have been following our financial situation, we scraped up enough money to pay the staff their portion of the July salaries on time. We still have a few more days to pay the social security portion and taxes that are required. To do this we still need another $5000 just to finish paying July's salaries. Ideally we would be able to pay August's by the end of the month and get back on track (this requires an additional $15,000 by the end of the month). God has been so faithful in always providing what we need and we know He will not fail this time. Will you please pray with us for support and creative ideas this month. If you like to keep up to date on how to pray, we will keep the thermometer updated with the current giving for August on our website <a href="http://casadeamor.org/">casadeamor.org</a>. We would so appreciate any help you can give!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-39488835343344920452015-08-06T10:53:00.001-04:002015-08-06T10:53:39.111-04:00Happy Bolivian Independence DayOn August 6, 1825 Bolivian gained its independence from Spain. Today celebrates the country's 190th anniversary and it is quite a celebration down here! All week there have been stands on many corners selling Bolivian flags and other items with Bolivian colors. Many of the public transportation vehicles have been decorated and houses even have flags hanging on them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsvF2TryF9mMFoTHQ76B_QrtsMHOHB_SPmv2OWXeXWhUB8Fcq4BfdrLqQW85s3gzc8SbuK7Bu2eaX-SSdOqeYi2Tb86BX5DfsAiU_Qrn2Np3sP9xJpB58Zeyfl_JvndPUiJWo8hGd4YwQ/s1600/BoliviaFlagPicture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsvF2TryF9mMFoTHQ76B_QrtsMHOHB_SPmv2OWXeXWhUB8Fcq4BfdrLqQW85s3gzc8SbuK7Bu2eaX-SSdOqeYi2Tb86BX5DfsAiU_Qrn2Np3sP9xJpB58Zeyfl_JvndPUiJWo8hGd4YwQ/s320/BoliviaFlagPicture.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday all of the kids were out of school because many of them were marching in parades. They do this a couple of times a year and it is quite a sight! I don't think I have ever seen so many people in one place in my life! It reminded me of New Year's Eve in Times Square! I was at one of the biggest parades downtown with J and one of the Bolivian staff. It was an adventure I won't soon forget! </div>
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Here are a couple of pictures of J walking in the parade. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIc3oqFKPyyUmle5R79tbt6fqvrU0OS2EXqvkMzC7MHz2dEZuc9L43uNl_NWgc_rLjxZgbfuMp6ChOV_MaIxpgHkejUcHVcngcBA7bK5PhKEYolxi-qSsK1mRJ-Q9wuiMwXhpFi7asKTM/s1600/Desfile-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIc3oqFKPyyUmle5R79tbt6fqvrU0OS2EXqvkMzC7MHz2dEZuc9L43uNl_NWgc_rLjxZgbfuMp6ChOV_MaIxpgHkejUcHVcngcBA7bK5PhKEYolxi-qSsK1mRJ-Q9wuiMwXhpFi7asKTM/s320/Desfile-5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J with Tia Sarin after the parade!</td></tr>
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One of our oldest boys, E, also got to march in a parade yesterday. Unfortunately because of the timing, I wasn't able to get there to take any pictures of him. He got to carry a flag in the parade because he is one of the best students in his class!! I was so disappointed that I couldn't get there to take any pictures. I'm sure he looked so handsome marching in his uniform and proudly carrying the Bolivian flag! We are all very proud of him and how well he is doing in school!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Independence Day from Bolivia!!!!!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-74213822442881498852015-08-05T14:35:00.003-04:002015-08-05T14:35:52.270-04:00Update on Our Tough Little Monkey!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6XgdIH_vv8JGOBiuxvCz_Z-zqlEUz9QHoSHMfZsCxCRT_LbLBpk5Jl89uBtKeIvjO5ZWcZg9C26-dgzEspH2oyoLDoDqteCjlluDk_kQzxdseguvM-kq2FP6IpwlpJl9eeZ-4Lvb5YQs/s1600/K+after+surgery+2+days.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6XgdIH_vv8JGOBiuxvCz_Z-zqlEUz9QHoSHMfZsCxCRT_LbLBpk5Jl89uBtKeIvjO5ZWcZg9C26-dgzEspH2oyoLDoDqteCjlluDk_kQzxdseguvM-kq2FP6IpwlpJl9eeZ-4Lvb5YQs/s320/K+after+surgery+2+days.png" width="192" /></a></div>
Hannah snuck a picture of K today when the nurses stepped out of the room!! He is doing great!! He was having a really hard time yesterday being all alone, but was in much better spirits today. They have removed most of the tubes and he is even able to play a little today! We are hoping that he can be released from ICU tomorrow! Thanks for all of the prayers!!! God is answering!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-38681228781092179792015-08-03T15:19:00.001-04:002015-08-03T15:22:11.778-04:00Successful Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dw_aBNwBHMTokgDKEej9g5JbRRWvqwVQeqx5gg2FIUEw9uM2BDWzfsygqm5Z-iPAZGlUvXawdgkpynU4XFusn2Mg1eiyXMNVrLPxtDsDJAyPDO_FtKS0RylYwYBU_OKOO-WGlbS5QOAy/s1600/K+after+surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dw_aBNwBHMTokgDKEej9g5JbRRWvqwVQeqx5gg2FIUEw9uM2BDWzfsygqm5Z-iPAZGlUvXawdgkpynU4XFusn2Mg1eiyXMNVrLPxtDsDJAyPDO_FtKS0RylYwYBU_OKOO-WGlbS5QOAy/s320/K+after+surgery.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here is K immediately after surgery. He is stable and doing well. He will stay sedated most of the day and will remain in ICU for a few days with only short visits. Thank you so much for all of your prayers! One of our volunteers got to be in the surgery the whole time and got to listen to his heart when they were finished (she is a med student) and says there is no more murmur!!!! We are praising God for his faithfulness!!</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-86468636514674446802015-08-03T12:42:00.001-04:002015-08-03T15:22:11.782-04:00Out of SurgeryK (or C), depending on which spelling of his name you look at, is out of surgery. We will let you know more and post some pictures as soon as we know more and someone can visit!! Thank you for praying!!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-24571221327259699802015-08-02T16:07:00.000-04:002015-08-03T15:22:11.773-04:00Waiting for Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWEK4x8Uh-ulBqakhD4E3XHvPPJqjRmdsMIajyS_ZU8Nz_UoTyM62qLBaY1Y77dW-XzrYm956WNj1FcFRh4HZ2qEXPc6KKcZnvwjbJDJEO8rsRc3UYb62XsEimCpzX39X0epPpQ9f03xa/s1600/Kliber+%25288+of+19%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWEK4x8Uh-ulBqakhD4E3XHvPPJqjRmdsMIajyS_ZU8Nz_UoTyM62qLBaY1Y77dW-XzrYm956WNj1FcFRh4HZ2qEXPc6KKcZnvwjbJDJEO8rsRc3UYb62XsEimCpzX39X0epPpQ9f03xa/s320/Kliber+%25288+of+19%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
As I type, I am currently sitting on a hospital bed with the sweetest little 4 year old boy I have ever met. K is VERY happily playing on Kirsten's iPad driving cars, building with virtual Legos, and playing peek-a-boo with animals! I know I'm a horrible babysitter, but there's only so much you can do after 4 full days in a hospital room with a seemingly, perfectly healthy little boy. To look at him and play with him, you wouldn't know that anything is wrong. But tomorrow morning (hopefully) K will have open heart surgery to repair 2 holes in the ventricular septum of his heart. This surgery was supposed to happen on Friday (as many of you already know), but it was delayed because there weren't any beds in ICU for him to go to after it was completed. We are really hoping it can happen this time. We are all getting a little tired of being cooped up in a small hospital room (especially K). He is being such a trooper though. He is happy and playing with his toys and always ready with a hug!!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hospital where K will have his surgery.</td></tr>
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Yesterday I was greeted by him running down this ramp with open arms! He brings such joy to all of us at Casa de Amor!! Please join us in praying for him over the next several days that his surgery would be a complete success and that his recovery will be quick and with as little pain as possible. Pray for peace for his sweet spirit as well. He is a very sensitive little guy and is a bit nervous about tomorrow. Thanks for your partnership with him! We will post an update as soon as we have one!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1011876784321532852.post-79853938908310504812015-07-27T14:32:00.000-04:002015-08-03T15:22:21.917-04:00Surgery Update<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surgery Postponed :(</td></tr>
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Thank you all for praying for us and the surgeries this month. Unfortunately, I's surgery had to be postponed because he caught a cold and was running a fever the day he was supposed to have his. It has been postponed until October, but we are praying that it will be able to happen sooner than that. We received all of the money we needed for his surgery, so we will save that for whenever it actually happens!! Thank you so much for your donations this month!</div>
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K's heart surgery is still scheduled for later this week. He goes into the hospital on Wednesday, but the surgery isn't until Thursday or Friday. We will keep you updated on how that goes!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0