By Alejandra Diaz-

As part of our mission to help Guatemala’s children, Forever Changed recently built a one-room house for a single-parent family that has been living in the ghetto for 16 years.

Three mission teams worked on the home, which took about three months to complete because of a lack of resources.

In addition, some of the teams that helped were small, and not all members were strong enough to work on an outside project.

Although only constructed of tin, wood and nails, Maria Graciela is grateful for it. The 44-year-old mother is raising two teenagers and two grade-school children on her own after her husband abandoned the family five years ago. Maria’s oldest daughter lives on her own.

“She can see the hand of God over her and her family,” says Joel Juarez, our missions coordinator and project director. “At first, when we mentioned helping her, she did not believe it. When we started to work with her, though, she got very excited.”

Joel notes that Guatemalans call a house made of tin and plastic a “cobacha.” Maria says she used to have a cobacha, but she now has a real house.

Volunteers also built a small retaining wall with used cinder blocks, cement, sand, rocks and metal columns. It will help protect the home during the rainy season.

The tin and wood columns on the old house were the same ones that were in place 16 years ago. And, while the new home sounds like a modest dwelling to most Americans, for this family it is heaven-sent.

Since the main goal of Dorie’s Promise is helping children, Joel could see the necessity of helping this family, especially because they have two little children.

“This project fits with us because we want to reach communities and improve their lifestyle,” Joel says. “So with this house we know the kids will feel better and live in better conditions.”

Not only is the family excited, so is the community. Before, they saw an old house that was ugly and dirty. Now, they see a solid structure that will resist the rainy season.

This house has boosted the family’s self-esteem, since they were ashamed of where they lived. Now they are proud and wear smiles on their faces as they express how thankful they are to God and Dorie’s Promise.

“For me this was an amazing experience—just seeing their conditions before and how they live now,” Joel says. “I am very happy for them. I can see the hand of God on this too, because He brought the right people at the right time.

“Once again, I can see that God is always taking care of us. Looking at this family inspires me to keep working and reaching people. It also teaches me how thankful I need to be.”

By Dr. Francisco Castro-

January marked the start of my sixth year as medical director and pediatrician at Dorie’s Promise. The past month brought non-stop activity and numerous issues to attend to, especially after Christmas vacation.

However, we were able to meet every need because of our committed, capable team, which strives to fulfill children’s needs.

Above all, we place a priority on children’s integral health. This includes day-to-day, individual attention for children, personnel and sometimes visitors. Whether a doctor, Special Mother or administrative personnel, everyone watches for the “little things” that can become major concerns.

By doing this we are able to promote children’s biological and physiological health, healthy social interaction, and supportive spirituality.

Naturally, we treat acute illnesses—mostly minor injuries—and respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin problems. However, we are aware that children at our home also suffer from chronic conditions, usually identified when they arrive. Most are curable, but some problems remain and will “mark” a child forever. This is the case with children who have cerebral palsy or a congenital syndrome.

The most common disorder is malnutrition, which affects a child’s stature, brain development, and sometimes his or her mental health. Of course, there is always hope. We often see the miracle called resilience. This is a phenomenon where—despite a miserable past, neglect and abuse—a child emerges to become a wonderful, affectionate human being.

Our health system has also evolved to provide useful norms and procedures that enable us to avoid nasty, infectious-disease outbreaks, a common problem in the past. However, this remains a threat in an institution where many children and adults live together.

As with any system, everything is prone to failures, as well improvements and innovations. This is precisely the challenge I see in front of us.

Our children still need improved developmental and learning opportunities, more daily physical activities, healthier diets, more effective dental procedures, and a healthy, stimulating environment.

Guatemala has slowed adoptions in recent years, which presents another challenge. While we still accept babies, other children are growing fast and will stay longer with us. So, another adjustment we must make is caring for older children, including adolescents.

This requires us to do more research on children’s adoptability and find more resources to deal with enormous social, economic and cultural situations, and work to prevent poverty and resolve other social issues.

We must also act as advocates and work to provide the best care possible if we want to see healthier children—and future productive citizens.

This means we must not only provide care at our home, but seek to help communities through comprehensive outreach programs. I believe this will be possible with solidarity, loving care and commitment from those of us who have the privileges of a wealthier life, education and Christian values.

I'm back in the U.S.  I'm so thankful for what the Lord has been doing for the people of Guatemala through me.  God's timing is perfect. Heres a video clip of my trip.

By Alejandra Diaz-

A mission trip to Dorie’s Promise can be life-transforming. Just ask Linda Taylor, a homemaker from a farming community in Canada, who visited in December with her youngest son, Stephen.

It was the first mission trip ever taken by the member of Grace Baptist Church in Sunderland, Ontario.

Linda and her son joined six other people from the U.S. They helped lay sod in the backyard, spent time with the children and helped children in the ghetto. Linda also taught girls at a state-run orphanage to make a Christmas poster using finger paints.

“The trip has helped me to see how unimportant accumulation of material possession is,” Linda says. “Being on the mission trip has increased my desire to preach the gospel.”

Building relationships with the children here warmed her heart. She says the kids and Special Mothers were so open and loving that she found it easy to fit and help in various capacities.

Her first day, little ones were already calling her “Mommy.” Linda was particularly touched by her interaction that week with Alex, who requires a wheelchair.

“He had such a beautiful smile and his eyes would light up as I talked and sang to him,” Linda says. “One day, Lester, a three-year-old boy, took my hand and directed me to him. Lester put his hand on Alex and rubbed his tummy, which made Alex laugh. That was such a loving thing for a little boy to do.”

Another highlight came during their trip to the ghetto. After sharing their lunch with a family living there, they walked along a path, handing out candies and supplies to children.

Suddenly, Linda lost her footing and fell. Immediately, two members and children from the ghetto surrounded her.

As she looked up, a young boy with concern on his face extended his hand, offering the Tootsie Roll she had just given him.

“Knowing how much a candy means to a child like this, I was deeply moved by his expression of love,” Linda says. “It reminded me of the verse that ends, ‘And a little child shall lead them.’”

Best of all, Linda knows she was in God’s will every day they were in Guatemala. Reflecting on her experience, she says her trip helped her to put others’ needs first and taught her the importance of prayer.

“When we visited the ghetto and prayed with four different families, the presence of the Lord was so near,” Linda recalls. “I am so thankful for this mission trip.”

Our goal for participants this year is 300. Nearly 260 have signed up thus far. If you would like to help reach that goal and have the same kind of experience Linda did, e-mail us today.

By Alejandra Diaz-

Last week Heather Radu wrote about the significance people can make in a child’s life by taking a mission trip to help the kids at Dorie’s Promise and others in the community.

In addition, those who want to make a difference on a continuing basis throughout the year can help sponsor one of our residents.

While supporters typically send $35 a month, a child’s full support requires more.

Two children in need of additional sponsors are Jonathan Mejia, age 9, and his brother, Gerson, who is 4.

Jonathan has lived here for more than two years. After suffering physical abuse, a social worker asked a minor’s court judge to send him to an orphanage while authorities investigated his home situation.

Six months later, the judge determined that Gerson was also at risk and asked Dorie’s Promise to accept him so he could be reunited with Jonathan.

Working with Jonathan has posed a challenge because of improper discipline, limited education, and the way his parents used him to resolve difficulties.

However, through therapy and special care, we have seen major changes in his behavior. During his first year, Jonathan received psychological therapy at the Pediatric Foundation. In 2011 we secured a special therapist who has worked with him on a weekly basis.

In addition, after progressing in his studies, Jonathan is in third grade—a bit behind normal, but he is catching up. He smiles more often after receiving gifts from sponsors and mission teams, a delight he had never known.

Gerson just started preschool and is doing well. He has also received the special medical and dental care that he needed.

These achievements have come at what sometimes seems like a snail’s pace. Yet today we see two normal little boys maturing.

Jonathan loves playing soccer, running, and watching TV. Gerson loves playing with other little children his age.

When people become sponsors, they bring new light and smiles to the faces of children like Jonathan and Gerson. However, it is not just the monetary support that matters.

When the kids at Dorie’s Promise receive gifts and personal notes from sponsors, nothing can compare to watching the joy on their faces.

When sponsoring a child, you also commit to pray for this boy or girl. Working with them as I do, I am certain that because of prayer Jonathan and Gerson are able to open their hearts to receive and give love.

They have also learned that there are other ways to solve problems than resorting to violence.

You may think of such steps as small or insignificant compared to the rest of the world. But in these brothers’ world, they are huge.

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.

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

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!

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.

Thank you my dear friends for your great genersoity. During the month of December each new child sponsorship was matched. We had 66 NEW Sponsorships! Matched that makes a huge impact of 132 total Sponsorships!

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