Dear
Faith Partners,
There is
a huge tree on the grounds of El Hogar. The trunk looks like it
could be 100 years old. I thought about how this tree is similar to
the strong foundation this place is providing for 100's of children.
It's branches rise high above the razor wire fence that sits atop the
cement block walls that surround El Hogar. The branches rise above
the evils and unsafe environments that all of these children would
grow up in if not for El Hogar. Like the branches, El Hogar will
bring most of these children up and out of the depths of poverty,
rising above where they came from.
The name,
El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza
(The Home of Love and Hope),
certainly lives up to it's name.
I saw
love
today....
~ in the
words and actions of Director Claudia as she made the birthday of a
little girl, Nancy, a very special day. Nancy's dream is to be a
doctor. Claudia gave her doctor clothes, a medical kit and a
stethocscope to wear all day. She had a pediatrician and an
orthodontist come to the orphanage to talk to Nancy about becoming a
doctor. She was able to visit the orthodontist's office today as
well. During the morning gathering, a birthday song was played over
the loud speaker and all the children sang to Nancy. This evening a
few of the volunteers went to “Doctor Nancy” in the clinic with
various ailments so she could cure them.
~ as a
teacher fixed all of her student's collars and lovingly touched them
before their day began.
~ in one
of the volunteers, who said he was not a kid person, yet bought candy
for the children's store so that they can continue to sell items to
the students of the orphanage. He also bought Doctor Nancy flowers.
~ in the
eyes a child as he grabbed my hand to stand next to him during the
morning meeting.
I saw
hope today …
~ as
teachers came to a 2-hour workshop after working all day to listen to
one of the volunteers talk about how to help some of their students
with learning problems.
~
as we observed students learning various skills in woodworking,
metals, electrical wiring and computers at the El Hogar Technical
School. These students want to learn a trade in order to better
their lives.
~ as I
heard a boy at the technical school wanting to be one of the ones who
make a difference in the lives of the Hondurans. He wants to have
his own business in order to give jobs to others and help his
country.
El Hogar
is a holy place. As soon as you enter the grounds, you feel a
positive spirit that can only be of God. He is in the eyes and
smiles not only of the children but in the volunteers. It is a total
giving and receiving of love. One can never give without receiving
something in return. There are many riches of the poor that one can
only experience living in this type of environment. I feel blessed
that I was able to share in the riches of this trip. Thank you for
your financial generosity and prayers that have allowed me to be part
of such a wonderful experience.
In God's
Love,
Kathy
Kremer
For
Thursday June 27th: Lord
Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the kingdom of God in
villages, towns, and lonely places: Grant that your presence
and power may be known throughout this land. Have mercy upon
all of us who live and work in rural areas; and grant that all the
people of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and
all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to
produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good
things come. All this we ask in your holy Name. Amen.
(Our Birthday Girl, Ready to Become a Doctor)
(Rubbing Alcohol Hurts, even on fake injuries)
(Metalworking & Welding Class)
(Carpentry Class)
(Electric Shop Class)
(Getting to Know the Kids of the Technical Institute)
(Teachers Learning from One Another)
Kathy, thank you for your beautiful description of life at El Hogar. It really does sound like a holy place. Blessings to everyone in your last days. I know you will make the most of them.
ReplyDeleteTravel in safety and Gods hands. Bless the great work you are all doing.
ReplyDeletePeace.