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The Search for Significance

January 25th, 2012 by Arwen McGilvra

By Heather Radu-

“The Search for Significance.” Besides the title of a best-selling book, I believe within every human heart lies an innate desire to achieve significance.

When it comes to reaching that goal, I believe there is no better way than taking a mission trip to Dorie’s Promise.

“God has placed the nation of Guatemala in our hearts,” says Heather Barnes, whose first trip inspired her and her husband to adopt a son from our orphanage. “Now we know we know it was more than just adopting our son. It was about our lives being forever changed by the people of Guatemala.”

With many churches and other groups now planning for summer trips, it is a good time to consider coming. We have designed trips to allow team members to build relationships with children here and in surrounding communities.

Children are always excited to meet visitors. To facilitate one-on-one bonds, we pair each of them with a mission team member—a match we hope will lead them to becoming friends forever.

In the community, you will meet some of the most impoverished people anywhere. They live on, or near, garbage dumps and fashion homes from cardboard and tin. The many people we serve eagerly await the teams that bring Christ’s love and provide basic necessities. Items that seem ordinary to many Americans, like soap and a pair of shoes, can brighten the eyes of a five-year-old boy more than you can imagine.

Don’t take my word for it, though. In addition to Heather Barnes, listen to others whose lives have been changed by the significant work going on here.

Alexandra Graziano says her time at Dorie’s Promise taught her and other members of her team about the importance of reaching out.

“Seeing how deeply the Special Mothers loved the children was beautiful,” Alexandra says. “To be a part of that ministry was an unforgettable experience. It challenged each of us to step outside our comfort zone and embrace this new world.”

Carolyn Emmert, who lives in a small Kentucky town, came twice in 2009—the second time bringing her nine-year-old granddaughter.

“Every time I go to Dorie’s Promise I come home happy about the wonderful work that happens there every day,” Carolyn says. “I feel incredibly blessed to have been there and experienced the loving people there.”

Henry Bond says his week here gave him the opportunity to yield his self-centered lifestyle.

“I don’t think I would be the same person I am today had I not taken a risk and traveled to Guatemala in order to volunteer at Dorie’s Promise,” he says.

Want to join Henry in satisfying that inner search for meaning in life? More information is available on the “missions” tab, or you can contact me via email.

Tags: Dorie's Promise, Forever Changed International, Mission Trip, Missions, serve orphans, short term mission, short term missions
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One Year Since They Arrived

January 18th, 2012 by Alej Diaz

By Alejandra Diaz-

One of the more stirring success stories at Dorie’s Promise is the Najera Cinto siblings. These five children were all reunited last year when now 14-year-old Mirna came to live at our home. She joined her three younger sisters—Ingrid, Ana and Maria—and baby brother Abraham, who have been here for almost two years.

I clearly remember the day the first four arrived. While that picture will stay in my mind for a long time, what will remain forever is the blessings God prepared by guiding them here. One year later, Mirna joined them even though we usually only accept children u to age 12. However, because her brother and sisters were here, we made an exception. Having an adolescent at Dorie’s Promise has proved to be both challenging and rewarding.

Mirna is a happy girl who wants to discover the whole world. Sweet and innocent, after she arrived we realized that didn’t know how to read or write.

Despite this shortcoming, Mirna is learning quickly. Therapy has helped her overcome past difficulties and to learn to communicate with others.

Her sister, Ingrid, is also sweet and innocent, wearing a big smile each day. She, too, had never studied but on the first day of school she demonstrated that she was eager to learn. Ingrid is dedicated in everything she does and loves taking care of the little ones.

I still remember how hard she hugged her brother the day they arrived at Dorie’s Promise, like a mother trying to protect her baby. Ingrid is like that with all her siblings, including Mirna.

A normal eight-year-old girl, Ana is smart, sweet and funny. She loves to sing, dance and play, and has an abundance of energy. When Ana started school last year we quickly realized that it was her first year of studies. Yet she progressed so fast that it seemed Ana was an educational veteran.

This year she enrolled at El Shaddai Christian School, part of the evangelical church that has formed an alliance with us. We are sure Ana will take advantage of this great opportunity.

Fortunately, as the youngest Maria and Abraham had not suffered as much as their sisters. Still, they look much healthier and happier than on the day they arrived.

Without question, love produces miracles. The care provided by our Special Mothers and other staff members helps overcome many of our children’s past abuse and neglect. They deserve to be happy.

Our commitment is to help not only these five siblings, but every child who comes to Dorie’s Promise find that happiness. Each one is an opportunity to do what God called us to do: provide for the needs of the hungry, thirsty and homeless.

Picture 1: All five siblings in May of 2011

Picture 2: Ingrid, Ana, Maria, and Abraham in Dec 2010

Picture 3: Mirna, Ingrid and Abraham June 2011

Tags: Dorie's Promise, Forever Changed International, Guatemala Orphans, Orphans, serve orphans, Sponsor a Child
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1st Quarter Sponsor Updates Are Coming Soon…

January 16th, 2012 by Bradley Burck

By Bradley Burck

We just saw the first few drafts of the sponsor update videos for the 1st quarter. Sponsor updates will be released on March 1, 2012. We are so proud of the work that Pablo is doing for us. The quality of our sponsorship program just keeps getting better and better! Thank you for everything!

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Backyard Update: Green Grass Again

January 11th, 2012 by Alej Diaz

By Alejandra Diaz-

Although a sinkhole that developed soon after we started backyard renovations last summer sent us back to square one, two mission teams recently helped us put down new grass.

First, a group of missionaries visited from Dec. 3 to 12 to help with this as part of their projects. We also had a group from a Nazarene church that did additional work the first week of January.

These two groups invested about $1,000 in the yard work, a welcome addition to our resources.

Fortunately, the problems caused by the sinkhole have been resolved. However, we still need to meet with the architect to formulate plans to resume other improvements.

We had completed a covered patio and a wall behind the patio before the sinkhole developed and wiped out all the grass. All the small plants we had put in also had to be removed.

Because of this interruption, we had to restrict access to the backyard due to safety concerns.

While repairs were in progress, children had to play outside the homes or in a small, nearby park. This was not always a good option because of rain or cold weather.

Although we have green grass again, we need to wait 20 to 30 days before the kids can play there, so we can make sure the turf is strong enough to accommodate them.

Despite the setback, we saw something good come out of this situation. During their vacation from school, we enrolled the older children into a football-soccer course. To make sure they had adequate exercise, they attended for four hours every morning.

Not only did they enjoy the course, they did so well that the team from Dorie’s Promise captured the championship trophy! So God does have a plan, even in the midst of apparent disaster.

In addition to establishing a new construction plan, we also have to draw up a new budget.

Before the problems, we were about $5,000 short of the $20,000 needed to complete the renovations.

One of the primary reasons for this work is to meet our goal of providing an attractive, safe environment where children can exercise, have fun, and socialize with visiting mission teams and individuals. It will also provide a meeting space for staff members.

For us, Dorie’s Promise is a place where most of the dreams that kids have can come true—such as having a nice place to live, a good school, and proper medical care, not to mention people who care about you.

Since having a good place to play would likely make any child’s “top 10 list,” we want to make this dream a reality too.

Tags: backyard, Dorie's Promise, Forever Changed International, Mission Trip, Missions, serve orphans, short term missions
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A Quality Education

January 4th, 2012 by Alej Diaz

By Alejandra Diaz-

With Guatemala’s new school starting in mid-January, we are excited about six of our children having the opportunity to attend some form of private schooling this year.

Four of them will attend El Shaddai, operated by an evangelical church that has formed a partnership with us during the past year.

Those who have been accepted include Ingrid, age 10; Jennifer, 8; Ana, 6; and Amelia, 5. With the three older, we had felt led to search for an option to public schools. We also wanted to enroll Amelia in a Christian bilingual school.

Their classes will feature faith-based instruction. They will be conducted in Spanish in the morning and English in the afternoon.

Two other children will enjoy private education this school year. They include Brayan, 11, who has been behind in language and learning skills and will receive special therapy. Most of the teachers at the school he will attend are psychologists.

Another child, Mirna, 13, had never studied, so it would have been difficult for her to attend traditional classes. However, a home school program will tutor her at Dorie’s Promise.

Once children reach the age of four, we usually enroll them in public school. However, we had some experiences last year with the quality and level of education our children received. So, we prayed about other options, particularly for children in elementary years.

We are pleased with these changes, especially our partnership with El Shaddai. In addition to the children attending this year, we look forward to doors opening for preschoolers who will advance to the elementary level next year.

The church is also supporting us by providing some materials for the children. In mid-December, the principal stopped to visit and deliver gifts for the children. She also wants to help support Dorie’s Promise by encouraging people to volunteer here and collect donations for us.

We now serve 36 children, with 10 who have been in school for several years. Three four-year-olds are entering preschool this year.

We also have a small classroom at the home that serves as a place for early stimulation and learning exercises for children between two and four.

A quality education is one of the best things we can provide for the children in our care.

In Guatemala, only 69 percent of children between ages 7 and 14 attend elementary school. Because of their background, an education would only be a dream for the children at Dorie’s Promise.

We are thankful to God that we can make dreams come true for these precious youngsters. Thank you for the support that makes this possible.

Tags: Dorie's Promise, education, Forever Changed International, Guatemala Orphans, Orphans, private school
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Help End the Year Right!

December 31st, 2011 by Heather Radu

Thank you so much for your love and support of the children of Dorie’s Promise Guatemala. As we come to the end of 2011, I want you to know that you do make a difference in the lives of these little ones!

Please make sure you watch our 2011 Review Video. I trust you will really be blessed by it!

Our sponsorship push here in December has been blockbuster. As of today, we have had 60 NEW sponsorships! Each of those sponsorships has been matched — meaning right now we have 120 NEW sponsorships. There is still time to sponsor a child and have your sponsorship matched. The challenge lasts until midnight tonight! SPONSOR NOW.

If you would like to give a special gift for the children before the end of the year, you can do that as well by giving online. Every gift matters as we close out the year. GIVE HERE.

Again, thank you for all you do for the children of Dorie’s Promise. You are giving these children hope and a future.

God bless you!

Heather Radu

P.S. Please help us spread the word — sponsor a child (and see it matched) or give a special gift to help the children of Dorie’s Promise before tonight's deadline.

Tags: double, giving, Match, Sponsorship, year end
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Thank You for a Great 2011

December 28th, 2011 by Alej Diaz

By Alejandra Diaz-

As 2011 draws to a close, I wanted to reflect on our accomplishments and thank our many supporters who made a difference this year in the lives of Guatemala’s precious children.

More than 200 mission team members visited us during 2011, adding to the numbers who share our passion.

In addition, many Guatemalans came to volunteer and visit us often. All this help has enabled us to be considered one of our nation’s best children’s homes—not only for nice facilities but also for our quality of care.

This help is a blessing. So is the unconditional support from the founder of Dorie’s Promise, Heather Radu. Although far away, she is always calling, e-mailing and providing direction about the best way to do things.

The most rewarding part of my position is to feel our children’s unique and special love.

When our teacher left in mid-November, three of the older girls came to my office. One of them asked, “Are you leaving us?”

When I said, “No,” she replied, “Many people have come and gone, but you are still here and you should stay here, because we know you will always take care of us.”

That day I cried a lot because I sensed through her words God was telling me, “This is your place.” That thought keeps me going.

One of my dreams that is coming to pass (I will write more about this next week) is seeing some of our children attend private school to receive a better education. In 2011 five of our older kids applied and were accepted. This means we will be able to give something else that will be of value throughout their lives.

I also have long-term goals requiring more than a year to be fulfilled. One is that children receiving psychological therapy will recover from their traumas. Although this will take a long time, we will keep working with them and not give up hope.

Another goal is completing various renovations at Dorie’s Promise. Although sometimes the enormity of both tasks can seem overwhelming, I keep attending church, praying and visiting my family every weekend.

God uses all these things to give me strength. During difficult times, I tell Him, “For the time I am here I need to feel YOU holding my hand.”

As we prepare to enter a new year, I believe we are in for a great 2012. We have a wonderful team and many people praying for us, meaning we can open more doors for children needing a chance in life.

Thank you to everyone who offers support through visits, working here, making donations, sponsoring children or praying for us. We are a big family with one vision: to passionately serve the world’s forgotten children.

Tags: Child Sponsorship, Dorie's Promise, Forever Changed International, Guatemala Orphans, Mission Trip
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