Still settling in

We're still settling in to our new location. During the recent Synod in Lima Maria Andia went with Padre Jaime to get us some new bedspreads. However, they couldn't resist the temptation to try on some of the beautiful dance costume pieces sold at that location. Aren't they cool? Stay tuned for our pictures when we do the dance contest at school later this year.

Guys and Goofy Gals!

Smiles

Well, the new place seems to be agreeing with the kids. Vicki and Maria A, in front of the new paint job the tutors just completed out front. Also, Jose, Maria A., and Edgar are seen here in front of the new curtains. Each cottage now has curtains thanks to the AMAs of Lima. The last picture is self-explanatory..GOOFY TEENAGE GIRLS!

BUMMER!!!

Well, Beethoven, the dog that wandered in and was loved by the kids, wandered out on Sunday. The girls, especially, were crushed. However, in transit to school the kids have seen Beethoven at home with his original family. After mopping about a couple of days, the kids have decided to set their sights on getting another puppy. To be continued......

OH! OH!

Well, the kids are indeed settling in. Today Vicki and I will be going by to pick them up for church in two taxis. Last night, at a teen's meeting at the church, Giovanna came to ask if SUSANA could have a dog. I said we might be able to do that, and we knew someone who had puppies now. Giovanna said there was a puppy THERE that wouldn't go away and they want to keep it! Guess we'll have to deal with that today. The idea of a stray isn't very cool.......more later.............PRAY for the right decision!!

Daily Chores

Yes, indeed. We've moved, but daily chores still need to be done! We've got to wash out our school clothes, iron tomorrow's uniform, and help wash dishes. Susana (in the purple) does her laundry while Margot finishes up in the kitchen. We have to get the clothes line up soon! Right now we're hanging our laundry over the volleyball net.

Edgar

Edgar turned 12 on Christmas Eve. He has been with us about a year now. Loaned out by an alcholic father to work for a baker, Edgar was taken into care by the court as he was being extremely overworked. Solemn and serious, Edgar is beginning to loosen up. He is a sharp kid.

Houseparents

I thought you'd like to see our houseparents at Sagrada Familia. Left to right: Ricardo is a young lawyer needing any kind of work experience before he can move up; Nestor is the church music director. In back is Luis, a recent graduate as a teacher and agronomist. In front is Zoila, an English teacher needing more hours than school can offer. Next is Ruth, another teacher and administrator of the church COLLEGE PREP school called the "Academia."

By the way, all of these are Sts. Augustin seminary students.

In the other picture is Sonia, our last houseparent. She has been helping at San Jose and now has to say goodbye to the younger kids- always hard.

Move in day

Casa Hogar "Sagrada Familia" opens

Yesterday at 4 p.m. there was the sound of an engine revving up outside the gate. Yes, it was Tio Jose with the whole Casa Hogar "San Jose ' family. Of course the top of his combi was covered with bags and packages. Within minutes Jose, Edgar, Susana, Margot, and Giovana were busily carrying things in to their respective cabañas. Susana asked if they had to ride the combi to school in the morning with the little ones. When I replied, "Yes, for now," she rolled her eyes and sighed. I think she is ready to experience a little more independence! After sharing some cake and some very warm words from Maria Perez, the younger kids loaded up and rumbled out the gate to return home for the night. Already there was radio music blaring from each of the cabins. The teenagers were establishing their new turf!

Meet Our New Directora!

MEET OUR NEW DIRECTORA!!! Yes, we now have a new director for Casa Hogar Sagrada Familia. On the left is the director of Casa Hogar San Jose, María Perez. On the right is our brand new director, Jackie Aurora Urquizo Torres, who has experience directing a facility for girls age 5 to 17. Jackie seems a sincere, sensitive person eager to work with youth. We praise God for his provision! The two directors are sure we can actually get the kids transferred for the first day of school on Monday! MANY PRAYERS NEEDED!!!