Fun at the Home

Last Monday, we went to the children's home, Hogar de Vida. We have been visiting and serving at the Home since 2003 when Don and I made our first trip to Guatemala. We have watched many of the kids grow up and have enjoyed getting to know the new ones. It takes us about a half hour to drive there from where we are living. It is really only about 5 miles as the crow flies but we have to drive on winding, dirt mountain roads.

Our goal when we go is to try to help out as much as we can. They are currently short handed with their staff so I like to help in the kitchen and with laundry etc. We also try to bring an activity for the kids to do. If we can take over the responsibility of the kids, we can give the workers a little break.

This is Venuncio. If you have been following our trips to Guatemala, you may remember him as a baby. He was very sick when he was little so we had him with us for quite a while. We figured out that he had an issue with formula and had to buy a special kind for him. He is now 2 years old and rather chunky! It is fun to see him all healthy.

 

These little cuties are Rosa and Sebastiana (or Tiana). Tiana is finishing up her activity - a crocodile form that they weaved different colored strips of foam through. Behind the little girls is Chepa. She has a neurologic disorder and has frequent seizures which is why she is wearing a helmet. Her health has gone down hill dramatically since we have seen her last.

 

The girls and Don helped the kids with their activity while Samuel and Caleb played soccer with some of the boys. Here is Samuel with Beni.

 

Angelita has downs syndrome. She has lost weight and aged dramatically since we have seen her last. She is always very excited to see us and would make Don grape kool-aid (his favorite) every time we came. This time she did not even have the energy for this simple task. We are not sure of her age but she has thrived in this home setting. She always had specific tasks to do and she took care of Chepa. Now her and Chepa are both requiring a little more attention as their ability to care for themselves is decreasing.

 

We had a great day serving at the home. Caleb spoke more Spanish than I have ever heard him speak. It was fun to watch Bethany play with and watch over the little kids. Hannah and Samuel had fun just playing with everyone. Don loves to make up songs and silly jokes with the kids. And for some reason, washing their laundry, doing their dishes and mopping their floor is way more fun than doing my own! We plan to go back next Monday with another activity and to serve them in whatever way we can.