Casa family

Here are some pictures from a few Casa kids that are no longer with us, but still think of the Casa as their family. We had a wonderful time visiting with  a few that we have not seen in many years and others that we do see throughout the year as they live in the city. One person that we had not seen for several years was very excited to be back with her children. She said that the seeds of what was planted in her is what now gives her strength. She was very sorry for the trouble she caused when she was here. Now a wonderful women that loves the Lord and works to follow what she already had planted in her heart. This time of year is always a joy in that way as we get visitors from our past. Many blessings to you and have a wonderful Christmas season!

A baby needs love

Last Sunday we had a special service to present a baby before God. The mother Caty was a child at the Casa many years ago and had been helping us in many ways in Casa de Niños. She wanted to present her baby with us at the Casa because it still feels like her home. I shared about the story of Samuel with everyone and gave an illustration of a leaf that will dry up if it does not have a connection with the tree. A unconditional love is what is needed for a life to not dry up or become hard. As what Jesus taught us in John 15 about being connected to the true vine. True love only comes from following God's principles about unconditional love. The world does need real true love. Not something less.

God bless you and have a wonderful day!

There is a story in every life

Stories are forming all around us. Good and bad stories. We sure pray and believe hard for good stories in all our Casa children. Please pray for our children.

Irma here is reading a story to a large group of children but only a couple show in this picture. The children were hearing a cute and funny story that brought out at times laughter. Just as stories are forming within these children so it is good to add into their lives times of pure joy. God can do a work in their lives when joy and peace is present. 

Please continue praying and supporting the Casa. We need you very much to stay with us so that we can continue doing good things for the children that God has sent us.

Together

These children are having a great deal of fun. As I watched them I saw a beautiful picture, but at the same time 4 very different situations.

I have always enjoyed this scene of children playing. They seem carefree as they enjoy the simple things of life. Their home situations are complicated; sad, and seemingly irreversible. 

Finding joy in the middle of bad situations is something we all have to deal with, but it is moments like this one pictured here that demonstrates that we can and need to find joy. Even in our different lives and situations we can find points where we share peace and joy.

Blessings to you and have a joyful moment in your full day.

Refreshing

Homemade frozen fruit treats are among the best summertime refreshments that we have here. Sometimes leftover fresh fruit drinks are poured into plastic bags and then tossed into the freezer for those moments when one needs some refreshing. Kids and adults alike will be caught sitting outdoors enjoying that special treat. I love ones that are made with leftover chocolate drink, or ones made with lemonade. This is the best form of "air conditioning".

God bless you all and have a wonderful "cool" day!

Sisters 

These cuties are two of  three sisters that are with us at the Casa. Seeing moments like these is what makes our work a blessing to those of us that are here for the little ones. This picture was taken at the school closing ceremony. It was not a special dance or presentation but they were just full of joy and having fun. This is part of our goal and what we are by keeping the brothers and sisters together during this difficult time in their lives. We are able to give them an environment where they can continue to develop, and where the fruits of the Spirit can grow in their lives.

Thank you for being part of their lives, and if you have not been a part in your prayers and giving please do consider helping them in these two important ways. 

School is out, summer rains are here, and the joy of vacation times rings in the air.

 Continue is His love and joy, and have a wonderful day!

Adoption

Adoption is a word that can have different meanings depending on who is in the picture. To someone looking to adopt a child it is a process more difficult than being pregnant. Only those that have gone through that process can appreciate what I am saying. My focus here is the perspective of a child that is without a home. Children have illusions, thoughts, misconceptions, and pain in their heart when they think about this thing of adoption. All they really know is that they want a mommy and daddy. It is a sad thing that Irma and I deal with and see in the children that come to us. We are called mommy and pappy and take that temporary spot for many. They need your prayers. Each child needs a deep touch of God's love. Too many will not reach that special place or goal of being adopted. Many will not have a good loving home to go back to. Yes, pray for a real touch of His love. Pray for us to pour out as much love as we can to help them have good thoughts of motherly love, and to feel the secure and pure love of a father.
God bless you all and have a wonderful day!

         Are you tough enough?

 At Casa de Niños we are looking for missionaries to serve as workers.

Are you "cut out" for orphanage work?

We need house parents, and a person to work under Irma and I running the day to day activities including supervising the Casa staff.

House parents for the girls we are looking for a mature single woman to take the roll of mom to the girls, and a second young single woman to assist.

The office person needs administrative skills and being able to be over or guide workers that would be under your responsibility. All these position offer room and board. As a missionary you would raise your personal expenses.

Any questions contact Russ at: russ@casadeninos.org
Thanks and have a wonderful day!

Casa kids growing up
This cute little one is a daughter of a girt that was at the Casa many years ago. It is fun to have extended relationships where we can continue to minister, encourage and share love. The work of planting seeds takes form in this example when Casa kids come back to visit or help out, giving us times to continue participation in spiritual growth of His little ones. Joy flows often when dealing with those little lives. Joy is a powerful tool that is needed in times of growth. I believe this is why some kids come back as they feel God stirring, and they need some joy for God to continue something inside. We all need to grow. We will find that life has a mixture of hard times and joy times. Both are needed for good growth to happen.
Blessings and have a great day!

Treats and prayer

Last Friday night we had a prayer time for the children. We do it once a month. The children do see it in the order listed above, but the point is getting them into prayer. Some of the kids do very well in this and yes there are others that just barely make it through to the treats part. The time is kept short because of the issue of order. All in all the children are very good in those times of controlling their desires to move. The children prayed for the house parents surrounding the house parent for the boys and an empty chair for the house parents for the girls as we are still praying for that position. We pray strength for out staff as we fill that position taking turns on the shifts. Not the best situation but it is what we have. We prayed for several things that affect our lives then had a time of fellowship at the end which was a fun time for the children. Prayer is important and I believe God loves to hear the prayers of the little ones.

God bless and have a wonderful day!