CadaNino

Thanks for following this Blog for 2 years!

2010-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Click Here for new Site

http://cadanino.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all our friends for their support and donations. In addition to some quality time with my family, Summit Junior League came through again with some great clothing donations. Lot's of interest and support from new friends and old.... thank you. And when I tell you that we need prayer the most, I mean it. We are charting new waters for us and for a blended Christian ministry within a government hospital/orphanage.

In addition to all the clothes, I acquired a couple of wireless video cameras, new HD video camera, new Mac-Mini (for dual boot) and a regular digital camera (GE... how's that work Jack?? Number 1 or two in cameras? always on sale at Radio Shack).

Great time at Allen's wedding. So nice to see him so happy. Also, rented a pontoon boat for Jamie Jr.'s 25th birthday. This type of craft has come a long way in terms of comfort, speed and quiet ride. Rianna graduated from High School on Saturday and is slated to attend a division of my Alma Mater; Syracuse in September.

Byron starts with me tomorrow. Pray for him. I'm going to through it on heavy at the beginnning so he get's it. He is a terrific young man and his wife is expecting a baby in October.

Paz

Planning and organizing a bit..

2010-06-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

We had a baby shower for Ena on Friday. It was truly moving and I do believe that the Lord touched her heart. The generosity and heartfelt support was wonderful.

I head north on Thursday and am trying to button everything up. We have a good team now watching the kids in the Clinica, so I am confident they will be fine

Second major parasite attack on my guts this weekend. Think we have the formula for treatment now.

I head north on Thursday and am trying to button everything up. We have a good team now watching the kids in the Clinica, so I am confident they will be fine.

The popcorn machine is retired for now.... it was getting out of control. There is a trip to a museum later this week and I will not be here on Thursday the day that they celebrate Father's Day. A group of kids went on an adventure to Retelheu to participate in National sports competition. They should be here momentarily.

Thank you dear reader for your thoughts and prayers...

ODAT

2010-06-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

1) June 7th - 23 years for the founder.... clean and sober..

2) Planning Zoo trip on Thursday

3) Grant writing. Trying to gather financial support for additional staff and programming

4) National sports competition for special needs kids this SUnday and Monday. Hope to take 12 kids on an overnite adventure.
I already reminded everyone to make sure we pack the right meds...

5) Founder down for three days with Montezuma's revenge... or is it now Che's revenge. Stay away from the ceviche in the
rainy season. Thanks heavens for modern antibiotics.

6) A couple of sunny days make a huge difference. Too much time indoors and damp effects the mood and spirit.

More than ever, we ask for you to pray for us...

Looking for Local Director

2010-06-04T16:47:00.001-07:00

Director Cargo:

Cadanino, un ministerio cristiano basado en EE.UU. está buscando un Director Guatemala basado. Descripción del puesto, incluyendo pero no limitado a:

1) El trabajo directo con los estudiantes en CRPN 25% -50%

2) La coordinación administrativa de los calendarios y los gastos en efectivo

3) La participación y el liderazgo con los maestros CRPN y coordinar las actividades educativas y viajes.

My friends wrote this prayer and it helped keep me focussed

2010-05-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

Después de todo lo que ha pasado en nuestro país queremos agradecer a Dios por la vida de cada uno de ustedes, porque están bien y podemos continuar amando, sirviendo y compartiendo con todos aquellos a quienes amamos.

Los queremos mucho y en medio de todo el trabajo que no dudo nos absorve tantoa todos, queremos que sepan que todos estan en nuestros corazones y... qué bueno es poder escribirles y expresarles nuestro cariño.

Oremos por todas esas familias que hoy estan sufriendo, ayudemos a quienes podamos yno nos olvidemos de compartir el glorioso Evangelio de nuestro amado Jesus, Recordemos que !Cristo en Nosotros es la Esperanza de Gloria para muchos!

Bendiciones en el Señor,

Con amor en nuestro Señor Jesús,

Quique &Carol Cazali
5218-7482

Fundaniños
Un lugar de Futuro y Esperanza
.

jkhdjkv

2010-05-31T10:23:00.001-07:00

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd3w7btf_1000zqfnjvc8

Yesterday's Sermon was great. I am sooooo close on my Spanish

2010-05-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

I re-dedicate myself to an expanded vocabulary.... Come along if you'd like

VERY very sad day ...

2010-05-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Learned that a friend was killed here on Thursday. He had started a new job within the past month to earn a bit more money. He leaves a wife and a young son. Very sad and scary. Not to diminish his death or victimize the victim, but bus driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in this country. RIP.

God can use the Internet and FaceBook

2010-05-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

The first friend to reach out to me about the continuing natural disasters here in Guatemala this morning is an old friend from work. I haven't her in person in almost five years, but I know they are praying for the kids here and me. Isn't that amazing? God touches each heart in a different way at a different time and we have no idea how he will use us. Or, importantly, when and how He will use us.

Sandy Rhodes visit Guate Zona 13

2010-05-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Volcanic Ash in front of the house

2010-05-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

May Birthdays!!

2010-05-27T06:23:00.000-07:00

Prayers - Blessings and hopefully CAKE!! ??

Anahi 7
Ingrid 10
Clarita 24
Pasucal 23
Jon 18

Staff

Milvia May 10
Jeanet May 11
Alida May 31

I knew I should not have left....

2010-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Where to begin. So much went on in my absence and soooo much catch up...

Anahi had both legs operated on Monday. She has the cutest little blue casts on her legs. SHe stayed overnight in the hospital and is back home. All the iniciales moved back into the infirmary. I may be able to poach their former bedroom as my classroom.

Because a high ranking government official was slated to visit here, there were lot's of improvements to the physical plant. Yippee!! Under a separate group of fotos or videos I will post some of the good stuff.

Good news - Bad News.... Ingrid turned 10 and had the accompanying maturing female thing. If I need to explain my position to you please skip this paragraph. I am very happy that her physionomy will support a normal life expectancy hormonal life.

Angelito went today to be fitted for walking braces. When he gets them, I think he'll still need something to stimulate his brain and the desire to crawl and walk.

Flora and Aura helped me bag 42 popcorn snacks. Very time consuming. Turns out that she has attended "third grade" and can read a bit and count well. Her seizures are quite profound and I am so very sad when she has one when around me. I hope to figure out how to help her learn.

Eight year old Heidi is adoptable. The USA is not part of the four country pilot program now that Guatemala is ostensibly compliant with the Hague Convention on International Adoption. She is a delight and very sweet child.

I go with MM to Antigua on Friday to see if Angelito can be part of an intensive three month program to stimulate his crawling and walking. They have a broad spectrum of medical capabilities there. Let's pray for Angel.

My lunch club continues to provide me with the best meal of the day. They will close the pool for a month to fix it up. I suspect their total expense won't even equal my 1/200th of the upgrade at the SHort Hills Club.

Little Lizzie Waller followed up with my pal Wendy Wright in D.C. They had a great activity today.

When in Arlington we started planning next two missions trip here. Very exciting and lot's to do.

We are in talks with the local Telethon and hope to participate at some level. We'll see.

There are several sidebar issues. Staffing and compensation as always.. Activities... trips..

Tomorrow we take 20 kids to the park Campo Marti for an outing. SHould be nice.

Thanks for your prayers and reading this...

Back to Guate...

2010-05-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to you all for a great visit... Lizzie, JJ, Jay, Dave, Kat, Ann, Jud, Audrey, Brij, Jennifer, Ellen, Erin and of course, Stuart and Nancy. Stu and Nancy asked me to share my Testimony today at Church. I enjoyed it and had positive feedback. Fortunately, Bob preached after my short talk. He did a great job and is a phenomenal speaker and his testimony and delivery way above my pay grade....

A great 10 days in Florida, Texas and D.C. I can't wait to get back and see the kids. 3:30 am comes around quickly.... p+l

One Year Anniversary!! Thanks ya'all

2010-05-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

Year in Review

What a fascinating first year we have had at CadaNiño here in Guatemala City. We have firmly established a long term working relationship with the government owned and operated, psychiatric hospital for developmentally disabled orphans. I sometimes refer to our tiny ministry as glorified Candy Stripers (auxiliary hospital volunteers); lots of joy and laughter, but limited line production inside of a complex hospital orphanage. Our small group of five physical therapists are there to help and support the government's medical and administrative staff. Our primary focus has been on los Niños iniciales*, the four children who are completely disabled and that live in the infirmary. In the past twelve months, Ingrid, Angel, Suzi and Anahi have made significant strides in their physical, spiritual and intellectual development. We continue to believe that Ingrid and Anahi will one day walk and that Suzi and Angel will continue to have greater mobility and dexterity.

In January, I moved into my new apartment across from the center. By Guatemalan standards it is quite luxurious and by the standards set last year bouncing around hostels, and boarding houses, it's very nice. (Pictured above: Ramon, Lucas, Jamie)

My view of the southwestern part of the city and country include: a large part of where my kids play outside, unbelievable sunsets and three active volcanoes. The neighborhood is relatively nice and safe by local standards. We are near the airport, the military base and several schools.

The first quarter has not been without its challenges. For a variety of reasons, the general population of the center has increased to around 70 full time residents. This time last year we accommodated only 50, but with the successful completion of a wonderful construction project, we had space for more residents. Unfortunately, the general fund of the hospital did not include an increase in staff. In fact, we (they) have actually shrunk headcount a bit. Additionally, limited finances have pinched the budget for medicines. This situation appears to be improving for now and we do need to be thankful that modern medicine has made this all possible.

Our first Missions-visit trip was a rousing success. We have several great ideas for future groups, interns and maybe even some full time missionaries. It's a quirky environment here, but generally clean and safe. Everything works: "kind of" or "eventually." The missionary visitors are four women who work together at First Rate, Inc. in Dallas Texas: Katherine Brown, Ann Lane, Bridgit Stone and Audrey Whitesides. They immediately bonded with the kids and were profoundly moved by their evolving relationships. One of our more senior residents (Cecilia) elicited a deep and profound moment when she lead us all in prayer after a long day at the center. Additionally, CadaNiño is involved or funding a wide range of educational and entertainment activities for all the children at the center.

On a personal note; I remained enthused and committed to this ministry. It is fun, challenging and exciting. Though I visit USA frequently, I miss my family and friends. I continue to fund 100% of my expenses and the organization's overhead, with all financial donations going directly to the salaries of the physical therapists and nannies. They typically earn between $200 and $300 per month and are frequently single Moms with mouths to feed. It is rewarding to know that it is a win-win situation. The children receive additional help and the employee's are able to make ends meet.

A recent acquisition by CadaNiño is an Orville Redenbacher Hot Air popcorn maker. This has been a huge success. The kids thrill to see the swirling kernels rapidly pop-up and overflow out of the machine. Now if we can only get the ratio of butter and salt perfected....

Hope you will keep us in your prayers and consider us in your giving efforts this year. Also, we would love to host you or a group in this beautiful country. The Mayan history here is truly amazing and visitors are always amazed by the beauty of the country and the kindness of its people.

In His name,

Jamie

Founder CadaNiño Ministries

Found this post.... My friend is getting ready to publish his

2010-05-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

book and he gave us a nice mention on his Guatemala journey.

Indulge me a little Patriotism

2010-05-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

We had a guest in the hostal last night from Nigeria. I showed her around the neighborhood; the bakery, Shucos, frutas and tiendas. She did her undergraduate in Houston and heads to Cornell for graduate studies in September. Her worldview was in many areas the opposite of mine.

When we chatted this morning she indicated that she had not had such a positive view of the USA until her recent nine month travel. Apparently, many of the issues that she sees as shortcomings in America she found in all the countries of her travels. In fact, she noted, they are worse!!

Stealing from Churchill and others, we agreed: "Representative Democracy is a terrible form of government, but it's the best by far ever invented." (apologies for inaccuracies of the quote)

Could this be any cuter??? Baila Imatacion

2010-05-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Never ever fight with girls Chupete pierda a una muchacha

2010-05-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

NEVER FIGHT WITH GURLS !!!!

They might win!!

Garbage Truck

2010-05-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

So I was following this garbage truck and a young man was sitting down and reading a book. I like to think it was the Bible.

By the time I was able to take a photo, he had prepared for their next stop. The sanitation workers union here is not very strong (non-existetnt) so it is typically a pretty bad job with ow wages and few amenities.

Gracias a Las Familias!!

2010-05-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Los Reyes Y Canciones

2010-05-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Full Force Palos

2010-05-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Chupete Amarilla

2010-05-10T18:37:00.001-07:00

Chino gana cinturón amarillo

2010-05-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Chino Recibe su Amarilla Belt

We celebrated Mother's Day on Friday!!

2010-05-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

We had a nice celebration for Mother's Day yesterday. This holiday appears to be of greater import here than in the States. It's a holiday for government employees with a day off or extra pay.

Our trip to the park to workout for the Special Olympis was re-scheduled because our transport bus had lost it's brakes. Hopefully, we'll have it back by Monday. We had one child returned to her family home because of improved housing and food circumstances. It's great to see this when it can happen.

During the Mothers day celebration, I offered a brief prayer thanking God for our Moms and asking special consideration for those who have already gone to be with the Lord. Our teaching assistants planned and executed the event and introduced a couple of fun and hysterical parlor games. Watch for the videos...

Bless you for thinking of us here....

. .

Another week flies by...

2010-04-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

We took several children to visit and orthopedist. More details in separate post, but basically the prognosis is good. Surgery and prosthesis can have big benefit for several of the kids.

We went to a farm today (kind of a petting Zoo) Took around 20 kids and eight staff folk. Just barely enough. It was great! They need more of this type of stimulation. We are talking about getting a couple of rabbits for our classrooms. There had been a problem awhile back with a cat, but the benefits outway the difficulties. You have probably heard the cat story, but if not just ask me next time we chat or send me a message.

Weekend plans include the Jaime movie and foto theater. I set up my classroom with monitors and computers and play slideshows and movies. The kids seem to enjoy the fotos of themselves far more than Hollywood. Maybe it is their short attention span. I also have tons of black and white small fotos and a couple of the folks spend hours "organizing" them and discussing. At the end of the time, we shove them all into the same brown sack and the process begins anew the next time...

Prayers for ENA. Her Baby is due in June and she is getting large...

I will follow...

2010-04-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Nothing goes according to my plan. I went to the center this morning planning to spend an hour there and then drive to Church. We had a nice prayer lead by Cecilia and sang some Christian Kids faith songs in Spanish. I gave a little talk on Jesus' life and job till he turned 28. The they kids started losing interest. Well, if the Word can hold their attention for 20 minutes (ish), I'll take that as a W.

We watched the second half od Winnie and Tigger- as well as some foto albums on the pc monitor. Before I knew it, it was obvious that the drive to Casa de Libertad was unlikely. We inflated a beach ball and had a ball. Ysis one of the kids of a co-worker is learning some photography and basics of using a computer. We really take these things for granted.

Yesterday was a great day in spite of failing to attend my PEA reunion. Unfirtunately, Flor had a brutal seizure and fell on the floor where we were washing it. These seizures are just exhausting for her. She is very disoriented afterwards, but fairly calm.
In spite of the difficulty, I was glad that I was there for her and could lay hands on her head and pray with her. This photo is from before the episode. You may recognize the T-shirt.

Ann's Lane....

2010-04-23T08:11:00.001-07:00

Terrific feedback and memories from our good friend Ann...

So it's been two weeks since we returned from Guatemala and the 4 of us can think of little else. What a profound experience and as we had anticipated - life changing. That said, an anticipated experience reminds of this: when parents are expecting a baby, they anticipate that they will love their child more than anything, but they cannot imagine how much or really what that kind of love represents until they experience it first hand. So - the experience in Guatemala was kind of like that - we expected something, but we could not have anticipated that there were many emotions that would change in hue and intensity. A few of those feelings for me were sadness, gratitude, compassion, dispair, fear, self-evalution, God-ness, joy and of course, love. We knew that it would be an important experience, but I'm not sure any of us could have imagined how important. We've each said it is importat that we capture (or try to capture) these experiences. I've been slow to do so, but it's time I try.

Bridgit's video captured the images of what we saw and with each image is an intense memory. When we arrived and for the 4 days we were there - it was sensory overload: smell, sights, sounds and cognitive accompaniment of wondering 'what can we possibly do to help?' It truly was overwhelming - bars on the doors - self inflicted injuries - unusual behaviors - autisim - Spanish that I couldn't understand - non-words that I couldnt't understand - hands reaching through bars for a brief moment of contact - but ulitmately I was overwhelmed by the universal language of love, touch and kindness. It was in a sense 'shock therapy' for us to re-caliibrate our brains and try to become more aligned with what's important - I'm thankful that those children and adults can remind me how much we are all alike and how much we need each other. Again, we were and are overwhelmed with the question: 'what can we do?' Jaime for sure has answered the call and is navigating through custom and politics to help - and we are blessed enough to have stumbled (coincidence? - probably not) onto the work he is doing. We're hopeful that we can support his efforts and if you visit, I don't doubt that you will be overcome with the desire to help as well.

While I continue with my own spiritual journey and while I struggle because of an early and regular exposure to religious legalism - I trust that I'm being lead to discover more about what God and what Love really mean. There are New Testament words that continue to play frequently in my mind and I believe them...they probably sum up my response to Guatemala:

Suffer the children to come unto me for such is the Kingdom of God.
To him who has been given much, much is required.
All things are possible for those that love God and are called according to his purpose:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

A.L. 2010

Dear Diary

2010-04-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

So the day started watching the nurses sew up the back of Beatrice's head. She had a nasty nasty three inch gash. The hair, blood and thread almost did me in. Poor thing is in so much anguish that these are self inflicted. She has several other scars on her head and is so very frustrated. Her frustration leads her to acting out a lot.

We had two groups visit the center later in the day. A wonderful group of folks from the Neurologico Institute and my friend Jed and his friends from here. The first group has a school for Down Syndrome kids and the later are deeply involved in equine therapies. The horse activities are less than 1000 yards from our center and my house. I am nearly pinching myself with joy. I have been jogging around their facility for over a year now and always noodled with plugging in. Who knows, I may even take some lessons myself. I rode quite a bit as a child but we were too lazy for saddles so always rode bareback.

Appointments with orthopedic technicians tomorrow for Anahi and Ingrid. Should be interesting. Remind me not to be penny wise and pound foolish. This project started a year ago working within the system. Everybody was helpful, kind and professional. The kids have some therapies at another center, but little overall progress was made.

I finished the study of Acts using the Bible Study Podcast. This dude Chris Christiansen has been an excellent teacher. The right level for me. Thoughtful and knowledgeable without being too academic or pedantic. Though it has been a slow study for me, I have a much greater sense of the time line for Paul and the early Church. Also, a much greater appreciation for what they went through and how the Holy Spirit moved them and used them in spite of overwhelming challenges.

I owe Kat my quarterly update for the newsletter. I better get moving on that. Also, preparing for my 35th Exeter ( PEA ) Reunion next week. I seem to have been roped into three panel or activities. I am looking forward to seeing old friends.

Rosario Turns 20 years old Feliz Cumpleanos

2010-04-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

Pizza and Birthday Cake!!!

Thanks Brij and Friends for a great week and a great

2010-04-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

video.. Brij, you are a genius. Do you remember the dinner we had where we heard this song...?? Nice insider touch...

Week in Review.

2010-04-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

Five days have passed since my re-enforcement troops returned to their primary posts. They strengthened our courage, resolve and commitment when they were here and still while they are remote. Excuse the troop analogy, but it really does feel like a battle some days. We know the good guys win in the end and in this case there is really no no enemy, but the extraordinary large pool of need is a mountain that does need to be attacked and taken. Kat, Brij, Audrey and Ann really were a powerful Blessing to the kids and myself. The kids keep asking for them and are so appreciative of any attention or act of kindness. Cecilia has appointed herself the guardian of my classroom and offers a running commentary on the photo montage on my computer screen. She gets so excited when she sees First Rate folks. Sometimes she'll run out of the room to drag someone in and point one of you out. She gets fuzzy on names, but had Tia Ann's name on the ready yesterday. You're all either my daughter, sister, Mother or wife according to her and the others. I just answer, "Si" to the familial questioning. Cecilia also always ask for my Mom and wants to pray for her. My Mom had the good news yesterday that her Melanoma had not metastasized.
The 5 days the FR folks spent here were great for me and this ministry. The morning Devo's were a great time to get together and reflect at a deeper level. The day to day fray can be so demanding that I lose sight of the Lord's vision for the community of CRPN and FR(usa), etc.
I love talking about kids, the center, the neighborhood and the country. For me, it is a Blessing to find people interested in this quirky little ministry.

That still and small voice in my morning meditation

2010-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

Was not saying, "take a few weeks off and indulge yourself with worldly luxuries." Nope, instead I heard, "Get moving. Times awasting. There is need right in front of you." I said, "Drats" and got moving.

Video Shoutout to Friends who are coming

2010-04-06T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hope your Spanish is good enough to follow along. I had asked them to tell you a bit about themselves.

Good Friday and comensurate challenges

2010-04-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

After planning little for Holy week here, I realized that the center was very short staffed and the kids had even less to do than usual. I have been fiddling with videos and movies. Very mixed results. Extremely short attention spans and heads in motion with profound autism. I have had better experience with Youtube kids cartoons and have leaned toward the classic Sunday School class type songs. Many of these folks have been institutionalized for many years and have a working knowledge of bible songs and concepts. We sang the song we used to sing skiing... "jesus loves me this I know, because he brings me powder snow...." Just kidding- sacrilege eh? No, the famous song that Jesus loves me because the Bible tells me so.....Nothing like an old standard on Good Friday

Happy Gurl!!

2010-03-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Ah.. sweet luxuries of life...

2010-03-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

Four days without high speed Internet. Almost as bad as a few days without running water, I have no idea how dependent I have become on the things we take for granted. Limited access to internet for me means less interaction with friends and family. More pressure to focus on activities and plan ahead. I am so spontaneous and laissez-faire that if drives people around me a bit nuts at times. The past few days with little internet and projects here, USA and in the "cloud" I have been challenged.

Last night I walked out of my nearby house and stood on sidewalk in front of the government center. It was 9:15 ish. Technically, not dangerous, but with no street lamps I could not see anything till the last minute. It is a C- neighborhood. Not very good, but not the worst. The problem is that bad things happen in all neighborhoods: even the areas with private security. I was not frightened per se, but I was aware of read, send and go home quickly.

Anyway, today I am enjoying the benefits of TurtleNet here at work. About the speed of AOL dial up circa 1996. Ok for email, but not much else. So much of what I do is photography that is is very limiting.

Another day in the life... I prepared a cute foto presentation of Suzi this morning and can hopefully get that up and running.....

Pray for the kids here at Easter please. Little planned to celebrate the Day in our Lord's life

WOWIE ZOWIE 250 Pounds of Clothing - Junior League of SUmmit is the BEST

2010-03-26T08:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you so very much to the "Thrift Shop" in Summit operated by the Junior League of Summit. They have thoughtfully renamed the store, "The Second Time Round." For the second time they have come through with terrific quantity of donated clothing.
I have always known that they do fine work and really help people, but I can tell you from today's vantage point, this is awesome. My "kids" really need this stuff and I had started taping out my immediate friends and family for used clothing donations. Because of Continental Airlines, I am able to check three large bags with up to 75 pounds each at no additional charges. I have the blessing to see first hand how the things that we are able to discard is put to very good use.

So. please support and thank the Junior League near you....

The Lord Loves a cheerful giver.

2010-03-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

This morning a friend made a generous contribution to CadaNino. Most of you know my ambivalence and self consciousness when it comes to asking for money for the kids. I feel good that almost all of my expenses go towards supporting them, so at least I am eating my own cooking.

My pal gave in a way that reminded me of this parable. For me, it is always a challenge. When I had a good job and my tithe looked substantial, was I doing enough? We won't know for some time to come, but I know in this case, he was stretching to make the gift and that means a lot. I told him first and formost to always pray for CadaNino and all the kids. I always thought people just said that and because I was in sales, I always thought only of making the sale. From my current vantage point, I really see that better now..... Anyway, to refresh your memory of Mark 12

The Widow's Offering

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins,[j]worth only a fraction of a penny.[k]
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2012&version=NIV

Great Event at Zoo for Down Syndrome Day.

2010-03-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

My writing skill do not begin to give justice to this special event. It was one of the most heart warming and moving events of my adult life. Obviously, having worked in this realm the past year I had greater appreciation for the whole event and how much it meant to my kids to watch. We only took 3 of our Downs kids and 12 of our other kids with special needs. They were really appreciative and responded very well. Two hours walking around the animals was a hoot, but perhaps tiring

.

Fresh Water... or "Water Water everywhere and not a drop to Drink"

2010-03-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Cool organization installing water filters and spreading the Good News: A couple of weeks ago, my friends Sergio and Nixie spent the afternoon with us here at CRPN. They were en route to deliver a couple of water systems to remote villages. This is an amazing organization that delivers something that most of us take for granted: clean healthy drinking water.

"On March 4 and 5, Sergio and Nixie will visit CadoNino, a foundation dedicated to supporting orphans especially those with special needs. CadoNino currently works with CPRN a residential center in Guatemala City for children with special needs. The center is owed and operated by the Guatemalan government social services agencies and has about 50 residents. Cato Nino with a staff of four professionals works to supplement the limited government staff by providing education and developmental activities for these special children. Even government facilities in Guatemala do not always have clean water and HeartSprings will visit this and other facilities to determine if the Safe Water System can be used to provide safe water. Sergio and Nixie while there will share the love of Jesus with these children and staff alike."

http://www.heartspringsinternational.org/news/58-guatemala-trip-2-27-3-5.html

International Down Syndrome day! Did you know?

2010-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

That March 21st is designated as Down Syndrome Day? I did not until it was brought to my attention. We are participating in the day here in Guatemala tomorrow at the Zoo. Not sure how large the event is, but certainly looking forward to it. We have five children with Downs and they are wonderful.

http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

"Down Syndrome International (DSI) has officially earmarked 21 March as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). The date was chosen to signify the uniqueness of Down syndrome in the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used synonymously with Down syndrome. Commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day started on 21 March 2006, it has " grown " manifold globally."

"The annual observance of WDSD aims to promote awareness and understanding of Down syndrome and related issues : and to mobilise support and recognition of the dignity, rights and well being of persons with Down syndrome.

DSi has decided not to designate specific themes , thus giving greater flexibility for individuals and organisations Worldwide to select a theme that would be relevant to their community. Most WDSD activities have had a tremendous impact , as it showcases the abilities, talents and accomplishments of persons with Down syndrome. Celebrating WDSD proactively has empowered persons with Down syndrome and their communities globally. Many have partnered and engaged with civil society & youth with positive outcomes."

Seven Baptisms ...One day.

2010-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

As the unofficial cameraman, I was busy clicking away during the immersions. The Holy Spirit was present and all were moved. Great to see Staci, Katey and Alycia take the plunge. They are really great young woman. Fun to see Quique in his undershirt in the pool as well. God is Good.

Henri Nouwen

2010-03-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

I was introduced to the writings and teachings of this guy awhile ago. I thought his material interesting and relevant, but I did not dig into it. Lately, I spend more time reading him and listening to his audio and video. He is able to articulate the feelings and connections when working with special kids in a way that I admire.
I also receive a quote of the day from his organization: From Today:

Bringing the Spirit Through Leaving

It is often in our absence that the Spirit of God manifests itself. When Jesus left his disciples he said: "It is for your own good that I am going, because unless I go, the Paraclete [the Spirit] will not come to you. However, when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you to the complete truth" (John 16: 7;13). It was only in Jesus' absence that his friends discovered the full meaning of his presence. It was only in his absence that they completely understood his words and experienced full communion with him; and it was only in his absence that they could gather in a community of faith, hope, and love.

When we claim for ourselves that we come to our friends in the Name of Jesus - that through us Jesus becomes present to them - we can trust that our leaving will also bring them the Spirit of Jesus. Thus, not only our presence but also our absence becomes a gift to others.

http://www.henrinouwen.org/

Visit to Fundaninos in San Jose Pinula

2010-03-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

Always a fun afternoon. There is amazing construction going on. The missionaries from Acts 29 are finishing the second floor of the infant and toddler house. So much activity and joy!! The traffic in and out of the city was unbelievable. Tio Edgar commented that it was one of the worst days of traffic in his 5 year tenure as taxista.

Fiddling with PhotoBooth we had fun.

Kemp asks Waller for Football Advice...

2010-03-08T04:02:00.001-08:00

The highlight of the weekend was Jeff Kemp (former NFL Quarterback) asking me about how to improve his football skills. Having watched football for years, I offered him several unsolicited pointers and advice on plays, techniques and rules. He graciously accepted my input and will clearly benefit from the insights of this armchair Quarterback.

Special shout out to Ted, Jim, Robby, Ellen, Warren, Jennifer, Mary Margaret, Tim, Paul, John, Bob, Stuart, Nancy,Jeff, Wendy and of course Ed.
Make sure you see Kim Dawson's new film, "Letters to God"

The best part of the conference as always was the late night Prayer gathering. Stuart leads us and really touches all of us. The other highlight for me was the opportunity to tell friends about where we are in our journey and get their insights into where we go. Studying other models for ministry and mission are helpful to our journey. All of us have unique and common challenges. I am happy to learn at the feet of such a wonderful teacher and fantastic classmates.

Doctor Director... we are hard at work

2010-03-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

Prayer Works.. Thanks for prayers for my Mom

2010-03-03T13:49:00.002-08:00

Just got this note from my brother.... very very good news

"Bee called me after getting home from her latest consult with Shattner. The CT scan taken on Monday indicates that the problem spot identified in the CT scan from October is no longer there. Shattner said this is very good news and asked Bee to come back for a checkup in 6 months. Bee did not know why the change, and really does not care.

Bee was elated and felt like a great weight had been lifted. She also indicated that the reduced creatinine levels reported by her nephrologist had also been very welcome news that made her feel much relieved."

¨¨Shocked.. I tell you I am shocked¨¨

2010-03-03T10:32:00.001-08:00

The quote from Casablanca when the inspector discovers gambling inside of Rick´s cafe.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/quotes?qt0429972

¨http://www.prensalibre.com/pl/2010/marzo/03/379161.html

Eleven-month investigation led to the dismantling of a clandestine structure dedicated to drug trafficking, which was embedded in the National Civil Police (PNC), so yesterday was captured Baltazar Gomez, director of that institution, and two in charge of fighting drug in the country.

The investigations were made by the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), prosecutors and investigators from the Interior.

The investigation began with the armed confrontation occurred in April 2009 in Amatitlan, when it was established that a police party of the cargo robbed drug traffickers linked to the Zetas.

It was thus found that Baltazar Gomez, who until recently served as director of the PNC; Nelly Bonilla, principal in charge of combating drug trafficking, and the officer Fernando Carrillo, highlighted in the Ports and Airports of that institution, were part dome responsible for several robberies of drug.

First Testimonial of visiting Missionary .

2010-03-03T08:32:00.000-08:00

My buddy Nelson came down and jumped right into the fray. He has a heart for service and needy children. Here is his commentary:

I had one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences in my life when I visited the complex that Jamie volunteers with the special kids in Guatemala city.
Jamie and I spent my days in Guatemala playing with the kids and talking to them and we tried to give the all the love that they are lacking from being abandoned from their own families. It is really amazing how much love these kids need; they would come up to you and give you a hug with so much love and express their gratitude by telling you things such as thank you, or thank you and you are my dad.
It really left me with tears on my eyes just to see how good these people are and the extraordinary job that Jamie is doing down there, and I really cannot wait to go back.
The most shocking of my trip was when I fed a kid who was on a wheelchair and he could not even pick up his own spoon to feed himself, it really makes you thank God and think about the things you take for granted such as something that we do so routinely and we don't even think about it like eating, smiling, walking, etc..
I hope that more people start coming down and help these kids because they really need it. It makes me upset when I see that the normal orphan kids get so much help from our country but not too many of us are willing to deal with the special need kids and they are the ones that need it the most. If you ever want to come down and help I assure you it will be a tremendous rewarding experience and also Guatemala is a great place to vacation after you are done helping.

Nelson

Carwash and Planting flowers

2010-03-02T14:11:00.000-08:00

some pics

more about Adoptions

2010-03-01T08:00:00.001-08:00

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd3w7btf_754cx2j5fcf

Guatemala Adoptions?

2010-03-01T07:57:00.001-08:00

Need to be a detective to figure out what this means. Also, what it means to CRPN.

http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd3w7btf_753hsv3mwcx

Through a letter, Hans van Loon, Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law-entity that oversees the implementation of the Hague Convention on international adoptions, "reaffirms its support for the pilot project of the entity Guatemala.

Pastors Sergio Nixie y Carlos visita Centro

2010-02-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dia Lindo

HELP HELP

2010-02-27T05:58:00.001-08:00

LOOKING FOR GUIDANCE AND INSIGHT

Theories and practice behind small sums of money for this type of kids. One girl had her purse stolen with about 80 cents and the reaction was to crack down on all financial incentives. They take such pride in having a couple of pennies and buying a bag of chips or candy bar. Breaks my heart to see the complete closing of a door that can bring them pleasure and a feeling of independence. Sonia, the girl who had the money stolen, works outside the center a tiny bit and people give her 10 or 20 cents from time to time. I am probably most guilty of said activity. Another woman Flor frequently works in the kitchen. She is happy for the activity and to be out of the main fray. Does anybody know how people address these issues?? Remember... no potential support for infrastructure or an activity that would further burden the over burdened staff.

Also... do you have any knowledge on formatting in Blogger? I think the front page needs work.

Lizzie is here and spent the afternoon with me at CRPN

2010-02-27T05:50:00.000-08:00

She did really well with the kids and plugged right in with Cecelia. Lizzie remembered that I call her The Jefe - or little Genral or .....

Lizzie loaned her the english spanish dictionary for the nigth so she could study up. Never mind that she is 43 and thinks she is 12.

Anyway - Big day ahead. Our friends Sergio and Nixie are flying in from Costa Rica.

Fotos de ayer

Jumping Rope

2010-02-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

What a joy to see the kids playing and having fun. Of course these things are always rigged against the boys. I mean, do you really want to win the jump rope contest. ANyway, Katti always seems to win and she should. She is a great kid with terrific coordination- except when she rode the bike full speed down the hill into the metal security door. We drove her to the ambulance center because the open gash in her arm almost went down to the bone. I was squeamish...to say the least. Anyway- she is recovered and the best dancer and jump roper now!!

Another day in Paradise... well kind of

2010-02-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

Beautiful sunrise here and a great day ahead. I am struck by the many challenges we face individually and collectively. As we start to develop routines and normalized schedules I am amazed by the hard work the employees of Cadanino. Long hours and sometimes difficult conditions are always present. A new woman Patti is really doing great. She seems to have broken through to Angelito! He was more animated in his interaction with her than I recall seeing him. He has been so very hard for me to reach.
I have been trying to jog in the mornings and then it is easier to stay at the center later in the day. Late afternoons are always interesting. The "off times" have always revealed what is really going on in anyplace. I always liked to work the Friday after Thanksgiving or the week between Christmas and New Years. People let their guard down and are more candid about the challenges they face (or avoid).

Lizzie comes to visit later this week. I can't wait. When she came last Easter, we were a work in progress and I was very distracted by a project. She went with my Mom to the Doctors yesterday in NY. Also, we will see our friends Sergio and Nixie on Saturday. They are Pastors from Costa Rica and like family to us.

Mama rockin' my cradle or 5.6 Earthquake?

2010-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just another day...

Moderate 5.6 magnitude quake reported in Guatemala -USGS
23 Feb 2010 11:32:54 GMT
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A moderate 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook Guatemala early on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The quake hit at 4:52 a.m. local time (1052 GMT) at a depth of 4.5 miles (7 km), centred 51 miles (83 km) north northeast of Huehuetenago, and 106 miles (171 km) north northwest of Guatemala City.
A 5.6 magnitude quake is capable of considerable damage but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Great weekend! Nelson delivered 50 pounds of chicken

2010-02-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

and bananas to our friends at Fundaninos and a ton of soccer and kickballs to CRPN.

It was great for me to have a buddy to explain what we are up to. What we can do and what we steer clear of.
Walking around the super store to buy toys for the kids, we got to brainstorm about what works and what doesn't.
He was intuitive and insightful quickly. The CRPN kids are really tough on everything and it has to be durable
and functional. He acquired a blow up punching(like) bag for small children and the kids loved it.
He had the opportunity to help feed kids at lunch. He had the assignment of helping Moises to eat and
he found it very rewarding and emotional. What more can we ask for?

Great news about my FR friends. They are coming down in April! One project will be some type of profiling and
story telling about each of the kids. Many of them have lost their personal stories and have no fotos of their earlier
years. We approximate birth dates for some and have invented names for some.

My daughter Lizzie is coming to visit this week and I head to NYC to see Ma in the beginning of March. No rented car for
me this week. Helps keep me focused on the kids. I have just enough of a life here that I can get distracted with the think of thin
things

I debate posting things like the article about the bud drivers assistant. I don't want to be alarmist, but danger is very real. I say this for visitors and not for myself. I am clever and keep a very low profile. Those of you who know me well, know that I am a big mouthed know it all and keeping quiet is not my strength. In this case, I take it very seriously. I do not cower in fear, but I do not stroll cavalierly around the neighborhood or city either.

Have a good week.... unless you have already made other plans

Not cool.. The bus 83 that serves our neighborhood is attacked

2010-02-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

The 83 bus was attacked on Thursday and the young man who collects the money was murdered. He was the first cousin of our friend Celeste and know by folks in our neighborhood and those that travel by bus to and from work.
In less than two months there have been 16 bus drivers assesinated here in the capital.

This is sad and scary.

2.Otro ataque fue perpetrado en el transcurso de la tarde sobre la 20 avenida y 2a. calle zona 6. El hecho cobró la vida de un ayudante de la ruta 83 que provenía de la Colonia La Reinita con destino a la Colonia Santa Fe zona 13. Se trata de un menor de 17 años identificado como Juan Luis Morales, la víctima fue reconocida por su progenitora Maritza Morales, mientras que el piloto fue atendido por crisis

nerviosa.http://www.elperiodico.com.gt/es/20100219/pais/138621/

2.Other attack was carried out during the afternoon on the 20th Avenue and 2nd. calle zona 6. El hecho cobró la vida de un ayudante de la ruta 83 que provenía de la Colonia La Reinita con destino a la Colonia Santa Fe zona 13. Street Zone 6. The fact killed an aide of Route 83 that came from the colony's Warbler bound for the Santa Fe area 13. Se trata de un menor de 17 años identificado como Juan Luis Morales, la víctima fue reconocida por su progenitora Maritza Morales, mientras que el piloto fue atendido por crisis nerviosa. This is a child under 17 years identified as Juan Luis Morales, the victim was recognized by her mother Maritza Morales, while the pilot was treated for nervous breakdown.

and from another paper...

Por Prensa Libre.com

17:29 | 18/02/2010

Juan Luis Pérez, de 17 años, ayudante de un piloto de autobús de la ruta 83, murió esta tarde al ser atacado a balazos en la 20 avenida y 2ª. calle de la zona 6. Este es el segundo ataque armado contra trabajadores del transporte colectivo.

El piloto del bus resultó ileso, pero sufrió crisis nerviosa.

El occiso fue identificado por un familiar, indicaron Bomberos Municipales.

Preliminarmente se indicó que el automotor se dirigía de la zona 6 hacia el centro de la capital, cuando un delincuente disparó contra el ayudante.

Por la mañana, dos hombres mataron a tiros al piloto de un autobús urbano en la colonia Maya, zona 18. La víctima fue identificada como David Giovany Mayén.

En repudio al ataque los compañeros del conductor asesinado paralizaron el servicio y bloquearon el paso hacia la colonia Maya.

Con este ataque, sube a 16 el número de pilotos que han muerto de forma violenta en lo que va del 2010.

Pilots and People

2010-02-20T05:54:00.000-08:00

My new pal Nelson from Atlanta is here for a few days helping with the kids. He has a servant heart and love for children. In his free time from commercial airline pilot he pursues the neediest of the needy kids to help support and feed them. Since we have enough food at CRPN, he is helping in other ways and we are learning and evolving as we go. He visited the kids with me as we were winding down for the day and immediately bonded with Heidi and a couple of the others.

For me, it is a joy when someone plugs in and "Gets it." Though I am a verboose former english major, I have difficulty explaining what we are doing. My feeling is 2 or 3 fotos of us and you either get it or you don't. I am happy for you if you don't get it. This is not for everybody.

Teacher to coach at Puerto Rico Regional Special Olimpics Game

2010-02-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

Teacher, Rocio Santizo, is supervising and coaching the Guatemala delegation to the Special Olimpics in Puerto Rico. They left today and will be actively competing for the next several days. Rocio is actually the head of educational initiatives at CRPN and a good friend. She is smart and hardworking.

And from Deguate Publication

Juramentaciòn Olimpiadas Especiales
18 Feb, 2010 - 11:44:35

Más
Con la firme convicción de representar su deporte y sobre todo a Guatemala, fueron juramentados el 15 de febrero los atletas que participarán en los II Juegos Latinoamericanos de Olimpiadas Especiales, que se realizarán en la ciudad de San Juan, Puerto Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, del 18 al 27 de febrero del año en curso.

La juramentación estuvo a cargo del General Sergio Camargo Muralles, quien instó a los atletas ha realizar su mejor papel, y a la vez los felicitó por los logros que han alcanzado hasta el momento. También felicito a los padres y a las personas que colaboran estrechamente con los atletas.

La delegación está integrada por los atletas Valentina Bolos, Laura Marroquín, Alfonso Romero y Oraldo González, quienes competirán en atletismo, en las pruebas de 25 y 50 metros.

Acompañan a esta delegación: Karla Sosa (Jefe de Delegación), Yaeko Cifuentes (Subjefe de la Delegación), Rocío Santizo (entrenador), y Héctor Ramos (Subentrenador).

Durante el acto de juramentación la entidad de Olimpiadas Especiales otorgó un pin representativo al Comité Olímpico Guatemalteco y a sus patrocinadores, por el apoyo que día con día brinda a esta noble institución.

Bring in the Clowns!!

2010-02-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

A great day yesterday with our clown volunteers! This great group of folks volunteer every other week to come and entertain the kids. They are associated with a dental group and they are a true Blessing. We need 5 more groups just like them!!

Dia de Cenizas

2010-02-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

I guess it was my Episcopalian roots. Today was a nice day at the center with a couple of very nice priests giving a service to the kids. A very thoughtful and appropriate homily. And then the ashes. Several kids were eager all morning for the service.

Very nice...

Prayer Partners on duty and looking for more....

2010-02-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

We have prayer partners for our kids. Below is a prayer that was written by one of our prayer partners. What our kids need most is your love and prayers. Their material needs are principally addressed by the Guatemalan government. They need your love and someone who cares about them. We have shied away from the monetary adopt a child concept. Maybe someday we can have video cams operating to visit with kids. We really don't want money (at this point) but do want you to think about and love these kids. If you think you would be intersested in being a prayer partner pls let Ann Lane know at this email address...amml1221@gmail.com or me jamiewaller@gmail.com We hope to have the foto albums associated with the names. We have skad of fotos, but need to find the time to associate the names with the individuals.

The prayer one of our fearless and anonymous prayer warriors wrote -

"Lord, wrap your loving arms around these children and adults in Guatemala and let them feel safe and peaceful today.

Please Dear Father,Calm their fears, dry their tears, and heal their spirits and bodies. Let them know that help and hope is on the way.

In Jesus' name, I pray for your children -

Alter Moises Martínez Aguirre,
Alfonso Martín,
Evelia Martíz,
Oscar Mart,
Elfido Augusto Marroquin
Héctor Miguel,
Tomas F Muñoz,
Hugo Paìz

Thanks!

Productive day and prayer request

2010-02-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

Went to visit Dennis McCutcheon at Vine International warehouse. Wow! What a tremendous facility and what a great ministry for the Lord. They gave us some generous donations of medical supplies which will come on very handy right now. Budgets are tight and there is always need.

The prayer request is that the pallets of materials they have ready to go to Haiti will be released by the government here. They have some critical supplies of antibiotics, latex gloves etc. that are in short supply in Haiti since the disaster. Please pray that the right buttons are pushed and the goods are released without onerous tariffs.

Also, please pray that the donations of medical supplies continue to be shipped from the USA. They have a unique and incredibly low cost process to ship missionary and medical materials to this needy country. They have been doing it for something like 20 years. Nearly usurious tariffs make it extremely difficult to get materials in and out of the country. You would think they would be more sensitive to the needs of the poor, but in a country of such rampant corruption, officials make bad decisions. Anyway, pls pray for Vine International and their ministry here in Guatemala.

The Week Ahead

2010-02-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

Met with Blanki to discuss priorities. She is a ball of energy and enthusiasm. I am trying to evolve the management style of the upside down pyramid. In our case, the neneras who have the most face time with kids and the most unpleasant jobs of bathing them and changing poopy diapers are at the top of the pyramid and our goal is to help them do their jobs better and to bond with the children. Generally, management here is top-down and autocratic. Kind of an industrial era approach. Should be interesting to see how she is able to settle these quarrels and disputes. As for me, I have long grown weary of office politics.

Good sermon at Church yesterday. Kind of answering my current struggles. I become frustrated with the "battle" and I forget that the battle really belongs to Him. I need to suit up and show up, but he has the plan. Matthew 11 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Relationship: What my kids need more than anything is someone to love and care about them. One wish list idea would be to set up a mentoring/big brother/prayer partner program. I really am not crazy about the Foster international pay programs. My dream would be for relationship devoid of economics. The vague vision would be for each kid to have someone who loved them and prayed for them. Contacted them as possible; but was not in a funding relationship. Maybe I am too weird but I think that they need love more than anything and there just ain't enough of that to go around right now..... This is way early to work through, but directionally I would love to know what you think....

BTW: 13 more kids are coming this week. This will put us near 80!! When I started we were around 45. The physical plant can accommodate, but the government staff is stretched.. please pray for all...

I'm off to visit Vine International shortly. They do tremendous work importing wheelchairs and the like. Dennis and Cindy McCutcheon are the folks here who make amazing things happen: http://dennis51.wordpress.com/

Psalm 8287

2010-02-14T05:21:00.000-08:00

Not really a Psalm, but maybe a confession - plea - lamentation - meditation.

Trying to find words and format to describe our challenges, joys, blessings and struggles. They are all so intertwined. This group of children are wonderfully perplexing and the challenges are truly multi-dimensional. Our lives together are as much an inner dialogue between me and God as well as the outward expression of improving their quality of life and relationship.

Covey calls it, "the thick of thin things." That is a huge part of my day to day struggle. When ministering to the needs of these kids; and importantly the needs of the people who work with them, what is a "thin thing?" I try to bring snacks and treats for the staff on weekends and evenings. Try to cheer them up and relate to them personally. Each individual is so very special in the eyes of God (and hopefully mine). Yet there is not time in the day or candies in the store, that can bring the joy of the Gospel.

I also frequently struggle with: micro - macro. My main focus is the clinica quatro (four invalids in the clinic). I try to spend as much face time with them as I can. I also try to spend what we USA parents call "quality time" with them. We could discuss the folly and complexity of quality time, but suffice to say, it means that we take time when not on the cell phone, making lists or planning to do something else. With Autistic kids, being in the now and having presence is brutally difficult. There are seldom major breakthroughs and each step forward is matched with one back, one to the side and one lying down...:)

Days here are full. Typically arise between 6:30 and 7:00. Morning prayers and organizing. Visiting with folks in the hostal and then off to work. Six days a week, I spend the day till 5:00 pm at the center with the kids. Cadanino has 4 employees and the government has 40 employees that I work with. Everybody is great and I love these folks. With a unique year end planning and restructuring, the government is doing an impressive job of trying to manage a process and improve the outcome and services. If you have a corporate background, you understand what I mean by that former sentence. If you don't know the ultra secret double entendre codes of corporate double speak; the organizational and budgeting process is brutal. Especially if there is too little money and too much turnover. Though I am not a part of the process of change for the staff, I certainly feel their pain. Many of these folks have become close personal friends.

If you have read this far, you are still wondering why I named it Psalm 8287. Clearly this is not a psalm nor a prayer. Not even really a meditation. The number 8287 is the number of days since I was last separated from alcohol. Not very interesting to most folks, but certainly relevant to me. The challenges of this ministry need to be maintained within the context of recovering people. My grandiosity really wants me to fix all these kids and right now! I am massively frustrated with how slow progress is and how limited the improvement in physical and educational milestones are.

Thanks for reading...

Not the most esthetically pleasing venue

2010-02-12T05:24:00.000-08:00

Some shots of the yard at CRPN. Some kind folks are talking about helping us renovate or improve our dangerous yard. There had been jungle gyms and the like in another era, but appropriate equipment for this wide range of mobility may be difficult to determine, yet alone acquire and assemble...

Anyway.... Overview vid:

The yard....

The Yard and Orchard

Th th th... thats all folks

My Susi gets a Reprieve!

2010-02-10T14:42:00.000-08:00

We took Susi this morning at 5:00 am to be evaluated for a possible placement in a specialized Children's Hospital in Antigua called Hermano Pedro. Looks like she and Elfido will be moving there at the end of the month. Realistically, they can much better serve her needs. We all love her: since she has no communication skills, she expresses everything through her face. She has a smile that could warm any heart. She is really quite capitivating. We ran out of formula so I had the pleasure of helping her devour mashed potatoes and then she did me the favor of also devouring my Flan - which kept those 300 calories going straight to my waist. We were also able to place Joannah at the Hogar known as Manchen. She is a sweet teenager and has fairly normal intelligence so her needs will be much better met there. All in all a few wild days. I won't post anything about Rudy's funeral because it was so sad, complicated and raw. It was a beautiful ceremeny and the long procession to the cemetery was unbelievably moving.

Place holder for accident video

2010-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Very sad news today

2010-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

The 20 year old son of my friends Hilda and Obdulio died this morning of Dengue hemorrhagic fever. He was in a hospital, but may have been misdiagnosed initially or had a secondary infection.

I work with Hilda and got to know her family when I first arrived here a year ago. My first project was to acquire t-shirt fabric for her at the center because she is the seamstress and she constructs all the children's pajamas. We drove around the "Garment District" looking for quality and good prices for big bolts of fabric. The garmento experience of my youth was of little help as the fabric was already fairly cheap and there was little room to negotiate.

I know their other children better than the boy who died. Their youngest son, Williams has a learning disability and is nearly blind. I went with them to several appointments with specialists and neurologists. He is in school now and doing fairly well. Unfortunately, their house was robbed last week when the Dad stepped out the a nearby store. They locked Williams in a bedroom and ransacked the place. And now they lose their oldest child who also has an 18 month old kid. So very sad...

Getting in Shape for the Special Olympics

2010-02-07T05:58:00.000-08:00

Olimpicos Especiales

I understand that Rahm Emanuel will be more supportive of the Special Olympics and I would like to personally invite him to spend some quality time here with us.

That being said, the season of excercising is starting we went to the Park on Friday and made some progress. The group we took are less experienced athletes and we somewhat reluctant to take instructions. That means.... it was a lot of fun and they had a good time in the sun!!

Visit CRPN....

2010-02-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

Come Visit

A few people have visited us here in the capital of Guatemala and a few more have expressed interest in helping out in person. It would be great to have you here and it is fairly easy to get to. Lot's of major airlines fly directly to the capital city and I am literally an 8 minute walk from the airport. A normal US Passport is all you need from a legal point of view and no special shots or medicines are necessary. My apartment is inside a small hotel and they have rooms from cheap dormitory style to less cheap private rooms. Lots of housing options.
We are right accross the street from the center so I have no excuse for arriving to work late. Other volunteers can come and go as you please.
Now for the tough stuff. These kids have profound disabilities and substantial physical and mental challenges. They are not for the faint of heart. Most where adult diapers and all kinds of smelly germy events occur continuously. Runny noses and coughs in your face as you move a kid from a wheelchair to the play area are common. Prior to my time here I had little or no experience with this type of kid. Frankly, I was uncomfortable with the sounds and smells. Have I scared you away yet??

At any rate: come for an afternoon or come for a week. We can put you to work whatever your skillset or area of interest is. Most of these kids are just starved for individual attention. The weather this time of year is pretty good so we put down pieces of carpet outside and generally spend several hours a day in the sunshine and fresh air. You won't have to change diapers!! I am ashamed to admit that I don't.... But the smiles and hugs you get will last a lifetime.

They get it!!

2010-02-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

We played with Photo Booth application in my MacBook. Pascual and Pancho had a ton of fun messing around with the images. Pancho is unable to use any words, but he really understood the fun of being in the amusement park photobooth distortions. Pascual was loving it too and he is very verbal. In fact because of a speech impediment he is almost slaways shouting at the top of his lungs.

Groundhog Day (+1) in Guatemala

2010-02-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Just flew in from Dallas with 200 lbs of clothing donations. Thanks to First Rate and all our friends there, we had more clothing donations than we could carry. One of the old duffel bags bit the dust with the zipper busting open and TSA taping it back together,,,, kind of..

Special shout out thanks to Kat, Bonnie and Jud....

And now another typical sunset....

FAQ Brief History of CadaNino

2010-01-25T07:17:00.000-08:00

Anyway, I pieced this together from old emails and added some thoughts. Talk about Roshomon. I was a true rookie this time last year and now I am becoming the quintessential sophomore...

The outline of Cadanino:

2008 - Wallers went to Guatemala to study looming humanitarian crisis related to the end of
international adoption. Ten homes were visited: 5 NGO types and 5 Government
CRPN Was the stand out as neediest and most compelling orphanage.

2009 Return to Guatemala and start Cadanino.

2010 Today we employ 5 people working physical therapies with the kids at CRPN-

January 24, 2010 - From the first brief visit to the center, I have known that God wants me involved with these kids. It can be an emotionally brutal place and the dynamics are difficult to describe. In this case, I think the photos tell the story than my limited wordsmithing capabilities. When you look at some of these pics you either get it or you don't. There is nothing wrong with not getting it. I did not get it myself until this started two years ago. I generally shunned complicated handicapped people. For me, I suspect it was a time and place thing.
My commitment to this center and these children is pretty much open ended. I may not live and work there full time for ever, but I am committed to the kids (especially the invalids of the clinic) for life (theirs or mine).

Anyway a couple of quoted emails over the past two years...

From a letter to a friend explaining the background

BTW- The YPO in early '08 started this project. Greg Garrett gave a brief presentation and it really took my heart. I felt the Lord calling me to get to know Greg and his Orphan Helpers. Part of my challenge last year was my lack of clarity and multiple mandates. In addition to the immediate identified need here, I was also trying to find Jamie Jr. (JJ) a job and career. It was not going well with JJ and I think Uncle Sam has more experience with these lads. JJ is loving the Marines. Concurrently, multiple issues in Guate and Orphan Helpers needed clarification-

2008- Guatemala changed adoption laws. For simplicity sake we'll say the change was for the better. The fear had been that many orphans would be stranded and grossly neglected. Also, OrphanHelpers had a mandate and small grant to expand from Honduras and El Salvador to Guatemala. They specialize in incarcerated males. During the year 2008, their patron for expansion was unable to fully deliver on the pledge because of the economy.

The Lord had touched my heart with this one Government center for profoundly retarded orphans. The images of the kids haunted (in a nice way) all year. I am calling the place Aurora 13 for now. It is tricky the interplay here with the government and charities. In fact when I showed up on day 1, they did not know what to do with me. Since then, the director, Celedonio, has become a good friend and we played mini-golf this weekend.

Aurora 13 has had virtually no Christian or Church support in a long time. There are about 55 people and half wear adult diapers. I have no training with mentally handicapped people unless you include Wall Street types. They have a large staff and the kids have a lot of very good food. I particularly enjoy helping at lunch feeding a couple of the wheelchair kids. Ingrid is about 12 and has almost no motor control. Her face is cute and appears normal and does not have the traits of downs syndrome or other obvious mental shortcomings. The other adorable child is AnaNin. She is profoundly retarded and also has the condition where they push their hand down the back of her throat. Consequently, she remains in restraints continuously. She also has an autism that has her hitting her head against the wall. She has scars on her forehead. The restraints prevent her from incurring more. One of the other children in restraints has given me an idea for a new appetite suppressant... more on that another time.

And another note to friend

AURORA 13 b4 CadaNino

The other project in Guatemala is what I am calling, " Aurora 13." It is the government run home in Zona 13 for mentally handicapped. The place is called Centro Residencial Psiquiatrico y Nerologico. They have about 55 residents and most are profoundly retarded. I had visited their last year with the secretary from Biesestar Social. The current director is becoming my friend and he has a good heart. He cam to play mini-golf when I took 8 of the Fundaninos boys to mini-golf on Saturday.

This government center has limited resources and little recent history of volunteers. God has called me to this home since last year as the memories of these needy people has haunted my dreams and waking moments. Because of the government involvement, I am trying to keep a very low profile. I saw that years ago there had been some negative press about inadequate care and I do not want to do anything that would jeopardize my ability to help the kids. The last two weeks my main accomplishments were:

1) Forge relationship with staff

2) Cook pizza for lunch for staff

3) Acquire medicine for epileptic sister of laundress

4) Help 8 year old nearly blind son of Seamstress

5) Acquire fabric in Zona 7 for seamstress to make clothing for residents

6) Donate 100 pounds of clothing to kids

7) Donate DVD player to the infirmary- for nurses and kids

8) Hire a part time physical therapist for a pilot program. Three months of half days on Monday-Friday

I don't mention these things to boast, but to give you an idea of the flexibility that I have. My foundation and associates are happy to put resources to work in a spontaneous and flexible way. Similarly, I made some small gifts at Fundaninos; a laptop for Kevin, meat and chicken for some visits, cookies and candy continuously. Additionally, I left a few dollars that I hope Quique can use to have Juan's front teeth extracted or fixed and also to take Emna to a different doctor for diagnoses. She is my favorite and such a cutie. She appears pigeon toed and have limited muscle response. Apparently, doctors have said she does not have downs syndrome, but there is definitely something else going on with her. Maybe is it a type of autism or something else neurological. Needless to say, I will do whatever in my power to help her as appropriate. "

Cynthia - One of my two 2010 favorite Kids She's really cute,

2010-01-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

but a perpetual motion machine....

Clown Day Today !!! Great Fun

2010-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Blanki and Ingrid

2010-01-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ingrid and Tio Jaime

2010-01-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

Flora One of my good friends .. helps in the Kitchen

2010-01-21T08:41:00.000-08:00

Carmen Maria Head of Physical Therapy

2010-01-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

Angelito

2010-01-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

77 Times or 7 x 70 Times ???

2010-01-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

Numbers matter. How many children do you have? I have two and several step-kids.

At the CRPN there are 50 kids. 2009 we focussed on the invalids and a handful of others. I can say I know 8 to 10 pretty darn well. And then I notice the next kid or group of kids I want to spend time with and focus on.

Two girls: Cynthia, 9 and Elsa 12, have recently caught my attention. Because they are well behaved and relatively healthy, they had not caught my attention previously. Both are quite developmentally challenged, but both are sweet and calm. Elsa is a bit of a loner and spends long hours staring at the wall even when she can be walking around the yard. Cynthia is a perpetual motion machine: She just keeps moving and probing and examining everything. Though I don't think she has PICA, she does want to use her tongue to taste test everything. She usually manages to acquire a piece of fabric and will play with it for hours. No doubt her taste testing has had some bad experiences, but she has no language skills whatsoever.

I am frustrated that there is not time in the day to spend quality time with each of them. They seem to really respond to one on one attention. They are mostly in the main room with the full group and get little individual attention.

Where am I going with this. I guess I am thinking about God and how he loves all 6 billion of us and how he pays attention to us individually and works with us in all our shortcomings and handicaps. The idea that he gave us the manual as a guide and sends us many feedback mechanisms amazes. When I see the limitless need and suffering in the world, particularly my little corner, I am sometimes overwhelmed by my inadequacy. It is then that I really appreciate and loving and all knowing God who takes care of it all. All of it..... and don't forget it.

Day off and Kayaking

2010-01-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

Since I work at the center most Saturdays and Sundays, I have had little time to explore the country. Monday and Tuesday I drove to the famous lake Amititlan and went kayaking. Had a great time, but it went way too fast.

Lot's of good things happening at center. Blanca is a ball of energy and has great gardening and arts and crafts projects. Another group went to a regional therapeutic center and may be able to get three of our younger students placed in all day nursery school (well kind of). Please pray for some of our aggressive boys. They really suck the life out of all of us.

I have been busy sending out the belated Christmas Cards and trying to catch up with friends via email. It is very time consuming, but glad that all my friends have not all forgotten me. Also, working with other friends on clothing drives in the USA. I had become somewhat disenchanted with the process and then I realized how much we have come to rely on the donations. I really enjoy each day seeing who gets Lizzie's Exeter basketball sweatshirt. I have refrained from photographing as it might be too funny and therefore a bit voyeuristic and inappropriate. We do have a lot of laughs, but they are hard to share with the outside world. It would be too easy to mis-interpret and caste a negative light. On the other hand: the negative light has been caste.

Just Another Guate Sunset

2010-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

Nice... very nice....

What a great week. I moved into my apartment. Nearly froze two nights and had to re-inflate my bed 4 times last night. When I awoke, I was surrounded by plastic.
Maybe I need an upgrade.

With everyone back top work and n the groove at CRPN it was an interesting week. All the workers got the message that it is time to take our energy level up
a few notches and improve our interaction with the residents. The women are now sleeping everynight in the new section and it appears to be working pretty well.
This was Blanca's first week with Cadanino. Her energy is great to watch and she has started a garden with the older kids and trying new activities all around the
center.
Heartbreak in Haiti. I am sad and prayerful. Such a tragedy.

Matteo de Bendfeldt Nacio

2010-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

My Pastor and his wife just had their first baby. I am friends with the entire family and they are excellent folk. In addtion to helping me with CadaNino, they started and run Fundanino. Sorry for naming confusion. Francisco is my Pastor and I have learned a lot from him even though he is young. He really has a gift for preaching: emotional enough and very thoughtful.

Queremos compartir con ustedes nuestra alegría por la bendición que Dios nos acaba de dar, acabamos de recibir a nuestro nuevo nieto MATEO (Quiere decir REGALO DE DIOS) hijo de nuestros hijos Francisco y Carol, peso 6 lbs. 11 onz. y midio 50 cms.

Where does the time go??

2010-01-12T13:40:00.002-08:00

It's nearly mid-January and planning my week back in NY. The move into an unfinished apartment nearly unfinished me. I was never good at the household stuff and have not improved over the years. Spent last two nights in the new place. Nearly froze. Low 40's and no heat. I have a ton of windows which was the plan to maximize natural light. But the winds creep through the less than airtight window seams and keep me COLD...

Worth the wait. The sunsets are gorgeous. With a southwest view the sun goes down between the three enormous volcanoes. Two of the volcanos are continuously erupting and are an awesome view at God's handiwork.

Kids are doing well.

We just hired a general manager for the team.

2010-01-12T13:40:00.001-08:00

Blanca

Nice visit to Fundaninos yesterday

2010-01-08T05:14:00.000-08:00

Spent the afternoon at Fundaninos and caught up with the kids. The two new borns are really cute: Cheppe and Vela. Cheppe has a great sense of humor and smiles a lot.

A group of volunteers from Pennsylvania were there and two of them: Jamey and Deb had been there for three months at the beginning of last year. It was great to hear their point of view on how things have improved and flow more smoothly now. Consistent with my observation.

Lord Bless this place and keep them safe in the hours and days ahead.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

Excited to get a good start on the year. I arrived Saturday and spent the afternoon and all day Sunday at the center. Weekends and evenings are the most important time to be there because it is when there is a skeletal staff of government employees and minimal activities for the children. We spent yesterday afternoon in the sunny part of the yard and listened to some music. The older girls are insistent on fairly current and popular dance type music. A couple of the boys really enjoy the music also.

Still lots of folks on vacation. Many people save their vacation days so they can have lots of time off during the holidays. Others take their time in January and that presents a different set of challenges.

My first Facebook post indicated that all wal well with Wendy's thumb. I had been told by the non-medical types that it was healing well and that is true. What I failed to understand is that they had to cut off the top part because the skin graft did not survive. Yeach... Well at least I give the government hospital credit for trying. It was almost an inevitability that she would lose part of it.

Two commitments for the coming year: 1) find a way to give the disruptive adolescent males more activities to calm them down and 2) create more activity for the quiet well behaved kids who are nearly neglected because they aren't constantly acting out.

God Bless!!

Cadanino Guatemala 2009 What we are doing- Update!!

2009-11-29T11:41:00.001-08:00

The ministry that we have started is called, “CadaNino” which generally means each child. We chose the name because we believe that God values and loves each and every child. We believe that every child is worthy and needs individualized love and attention. CadaNino is the US based organization that supports our work here in Guatemala at the government run residential center, “Centro Residencial Neurologico y Psiqiuiatrico” or CRPN. Currently, Cadanino has retained a physical therapist and two nurses aides to work physical therapies with the children of the center.

CRPN- is owned and operated by the Guatemalan Government. Their version of human services, Bienestar Social, is the operating entity that funds and manages CRPN and several other similar centers. CRPN is a mix of psychiatric hospital and orphanage for profoundly developmentally challenged people. There are currently 52 residents ranging from 6 years of age to 46 years old. Approximately half of them require extensive psychiatric and neurological medications. A little more than half the residents also wear adult diapers. The intellectual impairments range from downs syndrome to low intelligence from birth defects and malnutrition. Many resident suffer from a wide range of epilepsy and autism. Less than 10% of the residents have a family member who is able to visit them. Several of the residents have little biographical history on file; many people have only approximate birthdays and birth years. CadaNino staff of 3 (plus jkw sometimes) are technically volunteers to the center. Though our ministry is explicitly Christian, we are non-sectarian and non-denominational in our initiatives.

Our objective is to be of help where the government resources may not be currently available. Also, we attempt to have candid discussions with senior directors of CRPN about our desire to not expand our role beyond the limited project. Currently, the government of Guatemala has done an excellent job managing and improving the quality of care for the residents. In the past seven months there are significant improvements in the areas of nutrition, medicine and education. The initiative has focused on the developmental needs of the four children that have been living in the infirmary. They are complete invalids and are not able to live within the general population. They are Anahi -6, Ingrid-9, Susi-12 and Angel-13. With seven months of physical therapy the younger children, Anahi and Ingrid have started crawling and are able to put food in their mouths about 50% of the time. Susi and Angel have much more profound challenges and we have been happy with some movement and improved muscle tone. The known abuse of these children prior to their arrival in the institution is mind boggling. The fact that a couple of them lived through early childhood illnesses is quite amazing. CRPN is nearing completion of a new wing for the center. The new section will house the woman’s dormitory and bathroom. It will also provide a room for physical therapy and an office to the psychologist.

We have been using the therapy room with temporary carpets and the results for the four aforementioned kids is phenomenal. The ability to play,crawl or roll around on the floor is a vast improvement over the continuous restrictions of their beds and wheelchairs. The past seven months have required flexibility and creativity. The Director of CRPN, Celadonio Soto, has become a good friend and is thoughtful about the appropriate level of participation for our ministry. He cares a great deal about the kids and is realistic about what they can expect in the way of government support. To be clear, the small project that we have in place is nothing compared to the economics and management of a 50 bed hospital like setting. The cost and logistics of food and medicine (to say nothing of expensive adult disposable diapers) is enormous. I describe the government support as, “three hots and a cot.” That is to say that they are well cared for in the basic needs of nourishment and shelter, but that some of their personal individual growth opportunities may not be fully recognized.

I’d like to briefly profile the clinic kids – Anahi is the youngest and she is adorable. We believe her father is also her Grandfather. Let that thought sink in for a few moments. She is 6 years old and has profound autism and limited neuromuscular development. Because she is young, she seems to be physically strongest. She is able to crawl and stand up in her crib. With an adorable face and beautiful eyes, she has a nasty scar across her forehead which is presumed to be related to the type of autism where she rocks incessantly back and forth and will hit her head against walls or any hard surfaces.

Ingrid is 9 years old and has progressed well also. Her arms and legs are severely curved near the hands and feet as the result of fractures in infancy. The fracture bones were never set and thus the bone increased and grew, but with a warp. One leg is also significantly shorter than the other because it was also fractured at the thigh. She was misdiagnosed with osteo-imperfecta which is essentially a fragile bone syndrome. She arrived at the center two years ago, severely malnourished and absolutely unable to use her limbs and hands for anything. In addition to the good food they provide her, she was consuming a good amount of high protein infant formula and is now at full weight for her height. Because her hands are of little use, she has become overly accustomed to retrieving sustenance through the bottle and we are weaning her from the bottle now at 9! A lack of stimulation and education has left her eye hand motor control to that of a 4 month old child. I believe that her eye hand coordination is improving and that within a reasonable period she will be able to feed herself.

The older two children are amazing cases as well. Susi has a smile that melts my heart and captivates all who see her. Her facial expressions are the only thing she is able to use to communicate. She arrived at CRPN a year ago weighing only 20 pounds at 11 years of age. Her legs and arms were in a semi permanent fetal position and of little use. Apparently, a grandmother had tried to take care of her because her prostitute mother was unable to provide for her. Susi’s very low brain function keeps her from being able to swallow any food or chew anything. All food needs to be liquefied for her and then slowly poured down her throat with little help from her swallow mechanism. Meals are slow and messy. Nevertheless, her weight has doubled this past year and she continues to make huge strides in physical therapy. She can hold her head up for 30 seconds unassisted and can roll over on flat surfaces. She also has a severe curvature of the spine that has delayed the development of one of her lungs. Part of the difficulty in feeding her is that liquids tend to get coughed up because of the stomach lung connection (how’s that for a non-medical non-scientific observation).

The oldest child is Angel and he is perhaps the most enigmatic. He appears to be far deeper in his autism and low intelligence. We don’t know much about him except that he was apparently severely abused for much of his childhood. He has scars all over his torso and the nurses indicate that his anal sphincter has signs of sexual abuse. He has little interest in food or activities, but is improved since he was put on an anti-depressant that stimulates his appetite. He is quite tall, but shows little desire to use his extremities.

The other 48 residents are fascinating and special children as well. Each one touches my heart and is worthy of God’s love. I have been appreciative of the time that I have had to get to know people individually. There are several people on staff that have become close personal friends. They are saints and heroes to me. The average salary for most of the nurses aides (neneras) is about $200 a month. Many of them are single head of household parents. They are also an important part of our ministry. My role today is pretty much player-coach. I try to have my hands in everything, but then step back and assess where there is need and where we can have impact. Jesus has been my guide these past seven months and stood by me even during the periods with our mis-steps.

I believe I have seen God’s face in the smiles of some of the children. Not just during our photo ops, but during those quiet periods when not much is going on. Suddenly they notice, “hey somebody is paying attention to me and playing with me.”

I rent a small room in a nearby hostal. It is very clean and comfortable. I have internet and cable television and live a fairly normal day to day life. Staying close to the center, I am able to come home for lunch many days and catch up with the news and emails. I hit my knees in the morning and evening to thank the Lord for his many blessings and challenges.

My Church in Summit, Renaissance Church has been very generous with donations of clothing. Each month I have distributed 100-150 pounds of clothing to people that I know are needy and put them to good use. It’s always fun to see a resident wearing a Pingry, Newark Academy or Dartmouth t-shirt.

At present the plan is to continue spending most of each month here in Guatemala. Though my ability to predict much about the future is questionable, I am very committed to this center and this group of children. Lizzie and I have rented a small house in Summit. I think that will still be "home base" for me the next few years. I love telling people about what we are doing down here and look forward to telling you more soon.

Cheers,

Jamie

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2009-11-29T11:40:00.002-08:00

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2009-11-29T11:40:00.001-08:00

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Back in Guate... Rock n Roll

2009-10-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Great first day back. Much to catch up and do. Kids are great. Susi holds her head up much better than I would have imagined 12 days ago. God is awesome.

The volunteer clowns came to visit and are always a huge blessing.

Fascinating Kids school - Part boarding school part assistance

2009-09-19T17:53:00.001-07:00

Has a wonderful visit to ASOL with a group called "Unidos por Amor"

Very dynamic and interesting philanthropy-

Independenca Day Celebration September 15th

2009-09-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Lot's of activities...