Here at the home we have a core group of people who work for, and with, our kids. Consistency of routine and people in their lives is important for their mental health.
We all want someone in our life who will be there for us in the long haul. These kids are not just orphans, although we have a few who are genuine orphans. A lot of them come from abused backgrounds. Any and every type of abuse. It is hard to trust adults when the most important people in your life, the ones who are supposed to provide shelter, food, clothes, security and love, are the ones causing you the most hurt and damage. It is hard for me as an adult to understand this let alone children who are on the receiving end of the abuse. It has the potential to scar and damage these kids for life. Their bodies as well as their mind and their feelings. It changes the way they see the world, the way they react to others, the way they trust (or never trust), the way they express anger, love, their needs, sadness and any other emotion.
Those of you with kids know how much power you have to change and shape the lives of little ones in your care. This is made much harder when there is pre-existing hurt.
Rodolfo is the main house parent and assistant administrator. He has worked with us for almost 8 years. He is a good role model for our kids. He teaches them respect and how to work hard. He He also teaches a Wednesday night Bible study at our church.
Adrian is the other house parent for the boys. He has been here for almost 6 years. He loves to always have worship music playing for the kids and buys new flowers every week for the table. He isn't afraid to get on the floor to play with a kid or get in on a game of basketball or soccer with the kids.
Graciella is the house mother for the girls and our smallest boy. She joined us just over 2 years ago and brought her three daughters with her. She is married to Rodolfo. They have all become a part of the family here.
Susana has been with us as our cook for almost 2 years now. The kids love to chat with her while doing dishes and some of our kids jump at the chance to help her out in the kitchen. Though she is not involved with the direct care of the kids, her love for them is obvious.
And although you have probably seen too many pictures of me, here is another. :)
I didn't want to be by myself so here I am with Noe. I arrived at the Children's Home in January but I was only here once a week on Friday afternoons to give baking classes. I felt called to learn the administration aspect of running an orphanage and started here full time in May of this year. I am helping out wherever I can. I do administration and computer stuff in the morning and spend the afternoons with the kids. I love being a constant part of their life. I give them love (sometimes a few too many hugs and kisses!) and try to teach them to love God and respect others.
We as a staff are dedicated to serve these kids for God. For all of us, this is a ministry. The house parents live here full time and though they have days off, they go above and beyond for the kids. We want to provide a safe place for these kids to grow and learn and be loved properly. Definitely not always an easy task, but one worth so much and with so many rewards.
My prayer is that these kids will grow up loving God and wanting to serve Him in any way possible. That they will learn how to love and trust and be whole. Please pray with us as we take on this challenge.
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