Happy New Year!

I hope that all of you had a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Last month was an eventful month for Ruth’s House. I’m very proud of Helen who finished not only her high school education, but also completed her two year program studying gastronomy at an institute. Helen was walking on a cloud at her high school graduation: celebrating the occasion with her classmates, those of us at Ruth’s House, and even a couple of friends and aunties from Talita Cumi. In the picture below: Me, Helen, Ruth, Regina.

In recent weeks Helen had reconnected with a former auntie from Talita Cumi who has given her a job and prepared a room for her at her home with her family. In search of work and a new experience, Helen decided to move in with her. While I would have liked to see Helen spend more time with us at Ruth’s House, I’m thankful that she is living with someone she trusts and knows and I always think it’s better when a child or adolescent from Talita Cumi can live with a loving family. Please pray for her as she walks on this new path in life, that she would seek out opportunities for higher education and that her relationship with the Lord would flourish.

I’m also proud of Ruth who finished her first year of medical school, studying such courses as human anatomy, molecular biochemistry, human embryology, and public health. Ruth exhausted herself with her studies and exams, and has been resting during the holidays. Soon she will be traveling to Cochabamba (a large city about 10 hours by bus from here) to participate in a church camp for young men and women. We’re excited for her trip and ask for your prayers for her safe travels.

I’d like to thank all of you who have prayed for the young women at Ruth’s House and have donated toward the young women. Your financial and spiritual support has gone a long way in helping the girls to have firmer steps after they leave their children’s home.

Life at the children’s home Talita Cumi has been one of great excitement and a flurry of activity over the past month. In early December, Melanie Reimer visited us from the United States to lead six sessions of First Aid Arts with about a dozen of the girls. First Aid Arts offers arts-based care for survivors of human trafficking and abuse. The girls learned more about how to recognize and reduce their symptoms of stress, sadness and anger through painting, drawing, journaling, music and dance. As I interpreted for Melanie, I was able to witness how a number of the girls showed up to the sessions sad or upset and by the end of the sessions were more relaxed and content. 

Later in December we had our traditional Christmas dinner where the children put on a nativity drama, complete with acting, singing and dancing. The children did a tremendous job.

On Christmas Eve we opened gifts, each child receiving clothing like hats, shorts, t-shirts, and socks. Afterward we shot off fireworks which is the tradition here in Bolivia. As part of the holiday festivities we also went swimming.

It’s been a joy having my parents here for the holidays. It’s a well-established tradition now that my father plays chess with the boys. My mom helped the girls make Christmas ornaments which were sold at the Talita Cumi Christmas fair.

Reflecting upon the year 2023 at Talita Cumi and Ruth’s House there is a lot for which to be grateful.

I’d like to thank all of you for your faithful prayers and donations for the children at Talita Cumi and the young women at Ruth’s House. I wish that all of you could visit the children’s home and Ruth’s House in person to meet all of these wonderful children, adolescents and young men and women. Your partnership with these ministries is having a kingdom impact.

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3)