TheHansonsinGuatemala

Welcome to Walter!

2012-01-30T06:01:00.000-08:00

The last of Casa Shalom's new children is Walter, who arrived a few days ago after being released from the hospital. Walter was recently severely burned on the lower half of his body by his stepfather. His wounds are extensive, but we are going to make efforts to get him plastic surgery to repair his skin. Walter, just like the other children who've recently arrived at the orphanage, has experienced trauma that we can't even begin to imagine. But we are believing that God will bring healing to these children and that one day they will have a powerful testimony of how He healed them and is using them to further His kingdom! An update on Walter: What a difference a few days make! We are happy to report that Walter, the little boy who came to the orphanage a few days ago after being severely burned by a family member, is happily and quickly adjusting to life at Casa Shalom. In the photo below, he is on the left in the front row with a smile on his face! Look at the difference between Walter in this photo and his photo taken upon his arrival (Wednesday's post).

Back row, from left: Victor, Juan Jose, Miguel, Omar. Front row, from left: a smiling Walter, Santiago, Alex, Chepe.

2012-01-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

Little Nelsi, age 9, and her big sister Gladys, age 11, are among the 6 new children that Casa Shalom has received over the past few days. The girls were abused by their stepfather and their mother was aware of the abuse, but chose to ignore it. Because of this, the girls were permanently removed from their home and placed at Casa Shalom. We hope that we can truly be a "house of peace" for these beautiful girls, and that the Lord will work to bring healing to their minds, bodies and spirits.

The state of Guatemala

2012-01-24T06:31:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of chronic malnutrition in children in the entire world? Given that the price of common Guatemalan food staples like corn has risen 60% - 70% in the last few years, this statistic is unlikely to change any time soon. We at Casa Shalom are so blessed to be able to provide our children with a diet specially created by a nutritionist to combat the extreme hunger and malnutrition children are often suffering from when they first come through the orphanage's gates! Thank you to all those who donate and help us care for these precious children of God! For more info about the state of Guatemala's children, check out this link here .

Welcome little Jose!

2012-01-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Among the recent who have come to Casa Shalom in recent days is little Jose, who is approximately 4-years-old. He was found wandering alone on the street in Guatemala City two days ago. He doesn't know where he lives or his parents names. Social workers believe he was abandoned. He was brought to Casa Shalom dirty, hungry and in shoes 4 sizes too big. He was quickly welcomed into the toddler house and given clean clothes, good fitting shoes, and a hot meal. Welcome to Casa Shalom, Jose! We can't wait to share the love of Jesus with you!

Baby Emilio

2012-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

God is opening doors for needy children to come to Casa Shalom! We've been praying for the Lord to send us more children, and we've received 6 new children at Casa Shalom in the last 48 hours. Baby Emilio, below, is one of those children. He arrived at Casa Shalom last night after being found alone in his grandmother's house yesterday morning. The neighbors say she's an alcoholic and leaves Emilio in the care of his 3-year-old brother (who is now missing) while she spends her days drinking in local bars. When social workers found Emilio, he was all alone in the house and had only one bottle and a hot dog, which was supposed to be adequate nutrition for a baby that we estimate is around 10 - 12 months old. We are so grateful for the chance to minister to this precious baby boy, who is now the youngest member of the Casa Shalom family. Please pray that Emilio's brother is also found so that he can receive the help and attention he needs. Be watching for photos and info about all of Casa Shalom's new children in the coming days.

Welcome to Margartia and Chepe

2012-01-20T14:24:00.001-08:00

On Wednesday, Casa Shalom received two new children into our very special family. Margarita, 11, and her brother Chepe, 9, are with us because their mother abandoned them several years ago. Since then, they've bounced around between the homes of many relatives, none of whom want to care for them any longer. We are excited to be able to pour into the lives of these precious children!

2012-01-18T13:18:00.001-08:00

From left: Julio, Juan Carlos, Jose, the other Juan Carlos, Alfonso and Clinton are all ready to attend class!

Back to school!

2012-01-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today is "back to school" for Casa Shalom's kids! The Guatemalan school year runs from January - October, and today Casa Shalom's preschool and elementary school kids started class. As you can see in the photo at left, they are VERY excited about starting school!

Tony's a big boy now!

2012-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day for Tony, age 5. Casa Shalom's kids live in homes based on their age and gender, and today Tony transitioned out of the home for babies/toddlers to the Luceros, the house for boys 5 - 10! Tony came to Casa Shalom as a little baby after his mother tried to sell him. He's lived in Casa Shalom's baby/toddler house for 5 years, but today he becomes a "big boy." He has been so excited about the move, and has hadhis bags packed and by the door for days.

Left: Tony in the blue shirt, Doris, the Luceros' house mother, and Victor, one of the other Luceros.

Update on Mynor's case

2012-01-11T17:07:00.000-08:00

We have good news to share with you regarding Mynor's case (see yesterday's post), although we still need your prayers for this special little boy! Today, Mynor was declared legally adoptable, but the Guatemalan family in question's request to foster him was denied. They will be allowed to petition to adopt him, but the outcome will not be known for at least a few months. We are celebrating Mynor's new status as adoptable, and praying that this precious family is able to make him their own.

Prayer for Mynor

2012-01-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

We have a prayer request we'd like to share with our Casa Shalom family all around the world: tomorrow is a very important day for 2-year-old Mynor, whose birthday we celebrated a few days ago and who was found abandoned in a ditch as a newborn(see Saturday's post below). At 12 p.m. CST, Mynor will have "definitive audience" with the courts to determine his legal standing. He will either be declared adoptable or will continue in "limbo" as unadoptable but without blood relatives, and likely to spend the rest of his life in an orphanage. There is a local Guatemalan family that has been trying to adopt Mynor since shortly after his arrival at Casa Shalom - they are a wonderful Christian couple with the means to give Mynor the loving, secure home he deserves! But due to complicated and restrictive Guatemalan adoption laws, the chances of this family being able to adopt him, or even become his foster family, are slim. Mynor needs your prayers! We are praying that the Lord touches the hearts and minds of the officials who will be handling Mynor's case tomorrow and that a miracle will be done so that he will be able to join this family that loves him. We ask that you join us in prayer tomorrow that the Lord's will be done in Mynor's life!

Happy birthday, Mynor!

2012-01-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday Mynor! Today is the 2-year anniversary of his birth and the day when he was found abandoned in a ditch on the side of the road in Guatemala City. The firefighters who found him said that had he not been found when he was, he would have died of exposure because his mother had cut the umbilical cord and left him lying alone in the ditch after giving birth to him there. Praise God for Mynor's rescue and for bringing him to Casa Shalom as a precious 5-day-old baby. Mynor is now a happy, healthy, thriving boy!

Children without an identity

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Please take a moment to read this touching article about the great number of Guatemalan children who are without any legal identity whatsoever. At Casa Shalom, we have several children who face this problem, as they came to the home without ever receiving a birth certificate, attending school or receiving medical attention. We are working hard to establish a legal identity for these precious children so they can receive the legal protection and education they deserve!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T14:24:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from all of Casa Shalom's children! We pray that 2012 is a year filled with God's blessings and provision for you!

Casa Shalom's newsletter

2011-12-26T19:08:00.001-08:00

Check out this link for the latest Casa Shalom newsletter. It's full of the latest Casa Shalom news and photos! Don't forget to share it with a friend.

A Christmas message from Casa Shalom's kids

2011-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our Casa Shalom family to your family!

2011-12-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

Check out this video of Casa Shalom's kids enjoying their 2011 Christmas party!

2011-12-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

This year, we are saying a bittersweet goodbye to Elias, one of Casa Shalom's oldest kids. Elias has been at Casa Shalom for over 10 years and is now moving on. Currently in his career program and studying to be a computer technician, Elias is moving this month to join the ministry of Brent and Yuliza Potter, missionaries from Texas who are opening their home to young men transitioning out of orphanages. We thank God for the chance to pour into Elias's life for so many years. He is a responsible, intelligent, and wonderful Christian young man. Go with God, Elias!

Christmas video

2011-12-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

Check out this great video of Casa Shalom's Christmas party with the Monroe Church of God in Monroe, Georgia!

Sign up for our newsletter!

2011-12-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

We will soon be sending out the 2011 Casa Shalom Christmas e-newsletter! If you'd like to receive Casa Shalom's newsletters in your inbox, please send us a message at: TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com

2011-12-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

Team members have been working hard alongside Casa Shalom's oldest kids to move dirt for the foundation for a new secure parking area for the orphanage's vehicles

New shoes for Christmas!

2011-12-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today, the visiting team from the Monroe Church of God in Monroe, GA, took all of Casa Shalom's children to a local Payless shoe store to purchase 2 pairs of shoes each! Each child and teen received one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of formal black dress shoes, which are a required part of the children's school uniform. Check out all the photos of the fun excursion below!

Right: Catalina gets sized for new shoes.

Juan Jose gets a little help finding a pair that fit.

Josue David found his tennis shoes!

Twins Magdalena and Candelaria get some help from their house mother.

After convincing her that women's high heels would not be a good purchase, Viviana found some sparkly tennis shoes she loves!

Carlos tries on a pair.

Fernando, 11-years-old.

We caught Candelaria trying to give herself kisses in the shoe mirror!

Giovanni

Clinton

Alex gets a boost while looking for shoes.

Elias and Cesar, two of Casa Shalom's college kids.

It took a whole team to find shoes for Mynor!

Julio

Martin

A whole stack of shoes ready to load onto Casa Shalom's big yellow bus.

The receipt from the shoe purchase was

over four feet long!

Welcome Monroe Church of God!

2011-12-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today Casa Shalom welcomes a short-term missions team from the Monroe Church of God in Monroe, Georgia! The team will be working on a few light construction projects around the orphanage and, in the greatest blessing of all, will be bringing the children's Christmas gifts and celebrating Christmas with them at a very special party on Thursday night. Please keep these short-term missionaries in your prayers this week as they serve at Christ's hands and feet in Guatemala.

Enjoying a new life!

2011-12-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Casa Shalom's children enjoyed free pizza courtesy of Domino's, which donates free pizza to orphanages across the country in the month of December. Below, Casa Shalom's newest child, Juan Carlos, enjoys his first slice of pizza, has unwrapped his first chocolate candy bar and has it waiting as soon as he's done with his pizza! Two weeks ago, he was living on the street and shining shoes to make a living, and now he's thoroughly enjoying his new life at Casa Shalom!

Goodbye to Alejandro

2011-12-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we said a very happy goodbye to a long-term Casa Shalom child! Alejandro, 16, has been at the orphanage since he was around 7-years-old when he was found abandoned in the streets of a nearby town with no idea who his family was or where he lived. Alejandro has grown into a respectful, responsible, caring young man who wants to be a botanist when he grows up! Over the past few years, he has developed a close relationship with a great Christian family and the family recently applied to become his foster parents. Yesterday, they were awarded custody and Alejandro left Casa Shalom after nearly a decade to be with his new foster mom and dad and brother and sister. Praise God for this happy ending for Alejandro!

Meet Juan Carlos

2011-11-25T13:36:00.000-08:00

Meet Casa Shalom's newest child, Juan Carlos. He is 10-years-old and came to Casa Shalom on Thursday. His parents abandoned him and he was living on the street, selling gum and shining shoes in the town of Quiché in order to feed himself. Juan Carlos has never been to school and is illiterate, but he's already receiving quality medical attention and will start school with the rest of Casa Shalom's kids in January of 2012! We are grateful to be able to make a difference in the life of Juan Carlos and we thank the Lord for sending him to us!

2011-11-24T13:30:00.000-08:00

Magdalena is home and keeping her house mothers busy! She wants to run and play instead of rest! She has her arm in a sling, which should come off on Sunday. Again, we praise the Lord for His healing mercies and we thank everyone who has joined us in prayer for this precious child.

Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:45:00.001-08:00

A very special reason to be thankful today: Magdalena will be coming home from the hospital this afternoon! Her doctors say her finger will be just fine, and that she will have no permanent damage, despite the blood vessels being almost completely severed and the bone being broken in many places. We are so thankful that our God still works miracles! We also thank our brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world who have kept baby Magdalena in their prayers during the past few days. Our God is greater!

2011-11-23T09:31:00.001-08:00

God is faithful! As of this morning, Magdalena's doctors have been surprised by her progress. She's able to move her thumb inside the cast, which the doctors say she shouldn't be able to do! They are cautiously optimistic that when the cast is removed tomorrow, they will be able to save her thumb! She's in good spirits and is making her doctors smile by singing at the top of her lungs in her hospital bed. Please continue to pray for more miraculous progress.

Update on Magdalena

2011-11-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Magdalena's hand has been put in a cast. Her doctors are saying that without a miracle, she will most certainly lose her thumb. But we believe our God is able to perform the miracle this precious child needs! She will remain in the hospital for the next 48 hours until the doctor can determine if the finger can be saved - please continue to be in prayer with us that the Lord will miraculously repair the severed blood vessels in Magdalena's fingers.

Pray for Magdalena

2011-11-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

An urgent prayer request: a few minutes ago little Magdalena, 2-years-old, shut her thumb in a door and is on her way to the hospital. The last joint of her thumb is barely attached, but we are praying the doctors will be able to repair it and that she won't have long-term damage. Please pray for a special touch from the Lord for Magdalena!

2011-11-21T13:07:00.000-08:00

The 2011 school year has come to a close, and Casa Shalom's teenagers are enjoying their vacation! From left: Edwin, Flora, Karen, Alejandro, Spike the dog, Maria and Enma are all smiles.

In case of emergency

2011-11-15T16:05:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, local firefighters gave an all-day first aid/emergency preparedness course to Casa Shalom's staff. As we mentioned a few weeks ago, the firefighters will be training the staff for free in exchange for the new ambulance tires the orphanage provided for the firefighters' vehicle. Now, the orphanage staff will be more prepared in in case of broken bones, earthquakes, fires, etc.

Cesar's degree

2011-11-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

Cesar, 18, proudly shows off his diploma! He came to Casa Shalom as an 11-year-old with no where else to go, and recently graduated as a certified mechanic with plans to begin studying mechanical engineering next year. The cycle of poverty has been broken in Cesar's life, thanks to a good education, and most importantly, the healing power of Jesus Christ!

2011-11-13T12:18:00.000-08:00

Mynor, one and a half years old, didn't play any soccer but he still enjoyed his trip to the soccer fields last week! He was more than content with his snow cone and straw. This special little boy who was found abandoned in a ditch on the day of his birth is growing into a handsome, happy child!

Fun at the soccer fields

2011-11-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

Each week, Casa Shalom's kids make a trip to the local town of Barcenas to private soccer fields where they enjoy exclusive use of the fields and enjoy snow cones, all courtesy of the fields' owners who were looking for a unique way to bless Casa Shalom. The kids always have a blast at the fields - in this photo on the left, Juan Carlos, 11, goes for the goal against Juan Jose, 9.

Casa Shalom's Christmas list

2011-11-08T13:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011 will be a very special time at Casa Shalom! The children will celebrate Christ's birth at a special Christmas party where they'll open gifts provided by a visiting team from Georgia, and they'll enjoy eating traditional Guatemalan chicken tamales! Apart from the children's gifts, Casa Shalom has created a list of "wishes" for this Christmas season. The items aren't soccer balls and shoes like the children usually request, but are more practical items needed to keep the orphanage running and in it's best shape! A few of the items are a "special request" for Casa Shalom's college students - the 3 young ladies and men who are pursuing higher education degrees need laptop computers to help them prepare their homework and presentations. These young students often leave for school before the sun comes up and don't return to the orphanage until after the sun goes down - so we want to help them maximize their study time! If you are able to make a donation to purchase one Casa Shalom's Christmas wishes from the items listed below, please let us know! Because Guatemala doesn't have a reliable postal system and there's no way to mail items to Guatemala, all items will be purchased here in country. For more information or to donate, please contact us at: TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com

- 3 HP laptop computers at $450 each

- 5 hammers at $25 total

- 2 small crowbars at $14 total

- 2 big crowbars at $22 total

- 1 large pry bar at $30 total

- 5 trowels at $10 total

- 1 socket set at $43 total

- 1 screwdriver set at $24 total

- 1 staple gun at $33 total

- 1 cordless drill at $94 total

- 1 grinder at $107 total

- 1 circular saw at $173 total

- 1 concrete blade for saw at $40 total

- 1 wood blade for saw at $29 total

- 1 palm sander at $74 total total

- 10 discs for grinder at $20 total

- 1 two hundred-meter measuring tape at $27 total

- 2 pickaxes at $28 total

- 1 set of metal drill bits at $23 total

- 1 set of wood drill bits at $15 total

- 1 set of concrete drill Bits at $9 total

Another valedictorian!

2011-11-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

Casa Shalom is proud to announce another valedictorian for the 2011 school year! A few days ago, Martin graduated from the 6th grade and was named valedictorian for his grade! He was given the honor of carrying the Guatemalan flag during his graduation ceremony. We are so proud of Martin and all the other Casa Shalom students who made great academic strides this year.

Casa Shalom blesses the bomberos

2011-10-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Tires so worn the wires are showing - not exactly the best for an emergency vehicle! A few days ago, the local bomberos (firefighters) knocked on Casa Shalom's gates looking for a donation to purchase new tires for their ambulance and we were able to buy them 4 new tires in exchange for a tour of the fire station for Casa Shalom's kids and a first aid course for our staff!

2011-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow and ending Friday, a group of volunteers will be riding 120 miles around Lake Okeechobee, in Florida, in support of Casa Shalom and orphans in Haiti! The ride is called "120 for Orphans" and has the potential to raise some much-needed funds! Please take a moment to visit 120 for Orphan's website, and please consider making a donation toward the ride. Your small donation can make a great difference in the lives of Casa Shalom's kids!

Academic crunch time!

2011-10-10T10:26:00.000-07:00

It's crunch time for Casa Shalom's school-aged children! The Guatemalan school year is ending soon, and the next few weeks will be dedicated to final exams, which are taken by all kids from kindergarten through high school. Over the next few weeks would you please keep Casa Shalom's school children in prayer as they study and prepare? We are praying for understanding, good memory recall, and good grades for all our children like Raquel and Yennifer below.

Casa Shalom named Ambassador of Peace

2011-09-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

This week, Casa Shalom had the great honor of being named Ambassador of Peace by the local
City of San Lucas. The Ambassador of Peace ceremony is held monthly in commemoration of the end of Guatemala's 36-year-long civil war, and honors local organizations that strive to promote peace in the area. Casa Shalom Directors Josh & Jessica Hanson were honored for their work in raising responsible, peaceful Guatemalan children who will serve as the next generation of leaders. Jessica had the honor of placing a white rose on the Statue of Peace, and gave a speech promoting Casa Shalom's work and goals.

Jessica placing the white rose on the statue of peace.

Directors Josh & Jessica Hanson with San Lucas Mayor Yener Plaza, and the commemorative Statue of Peace replica

given to Casa Shalom

Fun with paint

2011-09-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

With a recent visiting short-term missions team from Yakima, WA, the teen boys enjoyed painting their house. They painted lots of designs like these before the walls were covered in one solid color. Marvin, left, and Carlos were happy to get in on the painting action!

The Hansons in SOW Magazine!

2011-09-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Take a second to read an article on page 6 of Save Our World Magazine that features Casa Shalom Directors Josh & Jessica Hanson, and other young missionaries who are carrying the Gospel around the world! The online version of SOW magazine can be found here: SOW Magazine

Teamwork!

2011-09-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Some of the Estrellitas (girls 4 - 12) show off their teamwork! On top: Karen, second row from left: Estefany and Vivian. Bottom row from left: Yohanna, Maria and Yennifer.

Karen's quincienera

2011-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend, a very special Casa Shalom young lady celebrated her 15th birthday in a big way, with a traditional quincienera, the Latin American ceremony and party that celebrates a girl's transition into womanhood. Karen got a pretty, new dress and had her hair done by the other teen girls from the home. Right, her brother Edgar escorts her into the ceremony.

Karen is admonished on what it means to be a Christian young woman in today's society. She was told that she must be an example in love, purity and responsability.

The Estrellita's, girls ages 4 - 10, performed special praise and worship songs during the ceremony.

Karen, 15, and her brother Edgar, 16.

Karen loved her new dress, provided by her sponsor!

Meet Carlos

2011-09-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Casa Shalom's newest child, Carlos, age nine. After Carlos was orphaned, some friends of his parents took him in and began abusing him and denying him food and the chance to attend school. To feed himself, Carlos tried to steal some plantains from a nearby store and was caught by the store owner and burned with hot metal. We are so glad to have the chance to care for Carlos and to help him heal physically, mentally and spiritually. Please pray for Carlos as he transitions into life at Casa Shalom!

Tie-dye fun!

2011-09-05T09:02:00.001-07:00

The boys from the Luceros house (kids ages 6 - 10) show off the hard work they put into their tie-die t-shirts with a recent short-term missions team from Yakima, Washington! Back row from left: Lester, Alex, Victor and Omar. Front row from left: Jose, Miguel, Santiago, Cristian, Alejandro and Juan Jose.

120 for Orphans

2011-09-02T11:15:00.001-07:00

120 for Orphans - a bike ride around Lake Okeechobee in Florida to raise funds for the children supported by International Orphan Support, including the kids of Casa Shalom! For more info on how to support the 120 for Orphans effort, check out the link below!

120 for Orphans site

A special prayer request

2011-08-29T09:42:00.000-07:00

A prayer request from Casa Shalom: last night, a giant tree fell on the nearby power lines, completely severing them and knocking down nearby concrete power line pillars. The orphanage has been without power since then and the power company is saying it could be over a week before power is restored. It's very challenging to care for 57 children with no power, so pray it is restored quickly!

Cesar's special day

2011-08-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, one of Casa Shalom's oldest kids had a special moment as he celebrated his graduation from his college capstone course. Cesar Antonio, 18, is graduating this year from technical school with his degree as a mechanic. He hopes to continue his education next year and enroll in Guatemala City's University of San Carlos to study mechanical engineering. Cesar, right, with his younger sister Maria and younger brother Brayan helps care for the orphanage's cars and will continue to live at Casa Shalom as he continues his education.

Cesar gives his capstone course speech at a special ceremony.

All dressed up with his capstone certificate!

Cesar with his capstone graduating class (Cesar is in the middle row, third from the right).

The latest Casa Shalom info now available!

2011-08-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

To see all the latest Casa Shalom news and photos, please check out the link below for the most recent e-newsletter. In the future, if you'd like to receive the Casa Shalom e-newsletter in your email inbox, just send us an email at: TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com

Casa Shalom Newsletter August/September 2011

Casa Shalom newsletter

2011-08-19T07:56:00.001-07:00

We will soon be sending out another Casa Shalom e-newsletter. If you'd like to receive the latest Casa Shalom info and photos in your inbox, please send an email to TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com

Praise report from Sarai!

2011-08-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Fantastic news about little Sarai! Last week we posted a prayer request for her: after she complained of stomach pain, a doctor diagnosed her with a mass in her stomach that would need to be removed surgically. But yesterday, a specialist determined that she does not need an operation! He discovered that the mass was in fact part of her intestine that is slightly larger than normal, but doesn't need surgery. Praise God! We are so thankful that Sarai will not need an operation, and will be just fine. Thanks for all your prayers for this special little girl.

An update on Clemente

2011-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

A great update from a former Casa Shalom kid: This year, Clemente, 16, was able to return home to live with his mother. He is finishing high school and putting into practice some skills he learned at the orphanage. As one of the teens who took part in a professional baking course, Clemente earned a baker's license and is now working part-time at a bakery near his home to help support his family while he finishes his education. This is exactly what we strive for at Casa Shalom - to give our kids the skills they need to be successful after leaving the orphanage!

Christian Life Center

2011-08-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Casa Shalom welcomed a short-term missions team from Yakima, Washington! After traveling for over 12 hours, the team jumped right into ministry last night and joined a local Youth With a Mission group to hand out hot soup to homeless people in the local town of Antigua. The team was also able to distribute Spanish-language Bibles they brought to give away to the homeless. We are excited to minister with the team from Christian Life Center!

A new roof

2011-08-06T17:27:00.001-07:00

Using donations from people across the United States, the team from Trumansburg, NY is putting a brand new roof on the babies' and teen girls' houses! The roofs were very, very leaky and water was coming in in many places. These 2 new roofs will be a great blessing to the babies and teen girls. Thanks for all your hard work, Trumansburg tream!

Support for Sarai

2011-08-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

We are requesting prayer and support for a very special little Casa Shalom girl, Sarai, 5-years-old. Sarai recently began complaining of stomach pains and a trip to the doctor confirmed that she has a quarter-sized mass in her stomach. The doctors say it is non-cancerous but will need to be removed surgically. We are asking that you keep Sarai in your prayers as she goes through this process. We are asking the Lord for a smooth, painless procedure. We also ask that you consider donating toward Sarai’s surgery. The total cost will be around $1,000, including a hospital stay and medicine. Any donations toward this procedure would be a blessing for the orphanage and for Sarai. To donate through our supporting organization International Orphan Support, please click on the link below and under project name, include “Sarai’s surgery.” 100% of donations will be used for her procedure.
Anyone who has visited Casa Shalom knows that Sarai is always one of the first children to come running with a smile and a hug. She’s a bright, inquisitive little girl and we know the Lord will care for His child during this process.

Donate towards Sarai's surgery

Update: Fantastic news - just a few hours after this post, a donor pledged the entire amount for Sarai's surgery! God is good! To the donor - thank you for giving so generously to help us care for Sarai. And everyone, please keep praying for her and watch for updates.

120 for orphans

2011-08-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

To support Casa Shalom some pray, some visit and some ride 120 miles on a bike! Check out the link below for the "120 for Orphans" bike ride which is being led by director Jessica Hanson's father Rick Whitter. Over a 2-day period Rick and other riders will make the trek in partnership with International Orphan Support. Funds raised by the raised by the ride will go to support CS and other orphanages in Guatemala and Haiti.

120 for orphans

Trumansburg, New York is Casa Shalom-bound!

2011-07-31T19:14:00.001-07:00

We are excited by tonight's arrival of a team of 30+ members from Trumansburg, New York! The team of young people and their chaperones will be doing all kinds of work at the orphanage, from painting to roofing. We know they will be a big blessing to Casa Shalom's kids and we can't wait to see them interact with the children!

Angel

2011-07-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Angel, 4, shows off his silly side! The little boy and his siblings came to Casa Shalom in February after they were removed from their home because their mother couldn't afford to take care of the 8 of them. Neighbors report that the children use to go door to door begging for food - but all 8 are now happy, healthy, attending school and receiving great medical care.

2011-07-26T17:27:00.001-07:00

Today, Casa Shalom received an amazing donation! A young teen girl in Bloomington, MN, wrote us a letter explaining how she and her friend felt led by the Lord to sell doughnuts to raise funds for Casa Shalom - so that's what they did. And they raised $423.90! Her humble letter giving God the glory for the money raised was a testament to this girl's love for the Lord and desire to serve Him by blessing Casa Shalom's kids. We are grateful for this young lady's hard work and sacrifice and know the Lord will bless her abundantly!

Only in Guatemala!

2011-07-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine discovering a giant sinkhole under your bed! That's what happened recently to a lady in Guatemala City. As we missionaries in the country often say, "Only in Guatemala!" Check out the article via the link below.

Woman finds giant sinkhole under her bed

Big boy Mynor!

2011-07-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

What a long way baby Mynor has come! When he arrived at Casa Shalom a year and half ago, he was a sickly 5-day old baby who had been abandoned on the side of the road at birth. Here, he works with Casa Shalom's psychologist on early stimulation and development.

Thanks for ExploFest 2011!

2011-07-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to over 20 individuals who sponsored their entrance fees, the teens of Casa Shalom got to enjoy the 3-day ExploFest Christian music festival in Guatemala City in June! The teens wanted to express their appreciation to all those who helped them attend, and send a big "Gracias!"

Clinton, 12

Alfonso, 11

Marlon, 13

Kevin, 13

Alejandro, 16

Marvin, 15

Maria, 16

Colim, 12

Flora, 17

Karen, 14

2011-07-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Big Alejandro, 16, gives little Alejandro, 7, a piggyback ride during a recent field trip to the zoo in Guatemala City. The older kids at Casa Shalom take joy in helping out with the younger children!

Poverty around the world

2011-07-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

Check out some important stats on orphans and poverty around the world. This is why our theme scripture is James 1:27 (Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.)

Facts on Today's Orphan Crisis

From Florida to Guatemala to minister!

2011-07-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

Today, a team from 5 churches in Florida, including Cross Community Church and Ridge Community Church, spent their 4th of July traveling to Casa Shalom to minister to our children! The team will spend the week painting the outside of the educational complex, and building much-needed storage space in the clothing warehouse. The 22 team members are also bringing nearly 2,000 pounds of shoes, clothing and medicine to donate!

Josh & Jessica in SOW Magazine

2011-06-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the article about Casa Shalom Directors Josh and Jessica Hanson and their new baby Sophia on page 14 of Save Our World (SOW) Magazine! SOW Magazine

A visit from LifeChurch

2011-06-22T11:51:00.001-07:00

Casa Shalom's kids are having a blast with the visiting team from LifeChurch in Bloomington, Minnesota! LifeChurch has sent short-term missions teams to Casa Shalom for over 10 years, and the people have developed great relationships with Casa Shalom's kids. This week, the team will be taking the kids on fun outings to water parks, the zoo, and bowling! They will also bless the orphanage by putting a fresh coat of paint on the home of the Rayos, the boys from 10 - 14 years old. Keep the LifeChurch team in your prayers as they minister the orphanage over the next week!

A forever family for Jorge & Linda

2011-06-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Father's Day, 2 of Casa Shalom's children are getting a mommy and a daddy! The adoption of siblings Linda, three-years-old, and Jorge, six-years-old, will be completed tomorrow and the children will leave the orphanage to live with their new parents. Their adoptive parents are Guatemalan Christians who live in the nearby town of Chimaltenango, and are so excited to bring the children home. This is a huge success story - the 2 kids were brought to Casa Shalom two and half years ago, have grown and prospered with us, and will now have a forever

family. Please pray for Linda, Jorge, and their new parents as they adapt to life as a family.

Casa Shalom 2011

2011-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest video from the Casa Shalom Orphanage. It has lots of new photos of Casa Shalom's incredible kids. Check out the video at the link below, and don't forget to share it with a friend.

Casa Shalom 2011

Muchas gracias!

2011-06-10T04:00:00.000-07:00

GREAT news! All 17 teens all now have sponsors for the Explo Christian music festival! All will be able to attend, and we want to send out a BIG thanks to everyone who donated! $25 may not seem like much, but it shows a Casa Shalom teen that someone cares about them. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the kids of Casa Shalom. The concert will be at the end of this month - be watching for photos!!

Help a teen out!

2011-06-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's not too late to show a Casa Shalom teen you care! 6 teens have been sponsored for the Explo Fest Christian music concert, and we are looking for sponsors for only 11 more! Tickets must be purchased in the next few days, so we are asking you to give just $25 toward the price of ticket so ALL of our teens can attend! We are trying to foster a love of Christian music in the Casa Shalom teens - can you help us? $25 may not seem like much, but it can help an orphaned teen have the experience of a lifetime! To make a tax-deductible donation, click on this link: Donate via Paypal

Explo fest update!

2011-06-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

We already have 4 kids sponsored for the Explo Fest 3-day Christian music concert that's happening at the end of June! That only leaves 13 teens that still need a sponsor for $25 entrance fee. Show a Casa Shalom teen like Colim you care by making a donation that allows them to experience a great Christian music event first-hand! To make your tax-deductible donation via Paypal, click on this link: Donate to Casa Shalom

Explo Fest or bust!

2011-06-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

You can make a difference in the life of a Casa Shalom teen! Right now, we are raising funds to send the teens to a 3-day Christian music festival at the end of June! Explo Music Fest will feature lots of popular Latin American Christan bands, and the teens are all hoping to attend. We are working hard to foster a love of positive, Godly music in the teens. Each ticket for the 3-day festival is $25 - if you would like to sponsor one of the kids for the concert festival, you make make a tax-deductible donation via Paypal at this link (make sure to specify "Casa Shalom music"

in the memo line): Donate to Casa Shalom

2011-06-02T07:39:00.001-07:00

Today, we are excited about the arrival of a short-term missions team from Tennessee! The team will be led by Casa Shalom founder Jan Waldrop! We are excited to host Mrs. Waldrop and all her team members - please be praying for them this week as they minister to Casa Shalom's kids.

Little smiles

2011-05-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Boys will be boys! Little Cesar, Santiago and Victor clown around and enjoy some free time together. Cesar and Santiago are in first grade and Victor is in second - the boys are all part of the Luceros house and are looking forward to a week-long break they'll have from school very soon.

Candelaria and Magdalena

2011-05-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Twins Candelaria and Magdalena play peek-a-boo from behind a bench on the babies' playground. The little girls are the youngest of a group of 8 siblings that is now thriving at Casa Shalom. The kids came from extreme poverty and near starvation, but are now happy, healthy and progressing! Please keep these precious little ones, and all the children of Casa Shalom, in your prayers.

2011-05-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the link below for the latest Casa Shalom newsletter - it's full of the most current Casa Shalom news, info and photos! Casa Shalom newsletter

2011-05-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

We are putting in the finishing touches on the May Casa Shalom newsletter. If you would like to receive the orphanage's newsletter in your email inbox, send us an email at: TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com and we'll include you - it's a great way to keep up with all the latest Casa Shalom info and photos!

Children of the World

2011-05-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this great video that was made at Christmas by Children of the World, a non-profit group that is one of Casa Shalom's biggest supporters! Click here to see the footage: Children of the World Casa Shalom video

2011-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

In this picture, the Estrellitas, Casa Shalom's girls from ages 4 - 11, say hello from the playground outside their house.

Casa Shalom in the Evangel

2011-04-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

Check out a great article on Casa Shalom, found on page 12 of Evangel magazine!

A (not so) small miracle

2011-04-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that we haven't posted in awhile, but after reading this post, you'll understand why! We are happy to tell you about a miracle the Lord has done in the lives of our family this weekend.

As some of you may know, Josh and I were expecting our first baby, Sophia, on June 1. We had planned on giving birth to her in Guatemala, and were under the care of a good physician and had already chosen a good hospital for the birth. This Easter, we had planned on making one last trip to the United States before the baby's birth, in order to spend time with Jessica's parents who live in Florida. The trip was supposed to last only 10 days, after which we were supposed to return to Guatemala in plenty of time for the birth. But God had other plans for us and our baby!

Last week, after arriving in Florida, I began having some severe upper abdominal and back pain which I knew weren't just normal pregnancy symptoms. So, on Good Friday, through a rapid series of God-ordained happenings, we met with a local obstetrician that that specializes in high-risk pregnancy. After thorough testing, he diagnosed me with HELLP syndrome, a rare but serious variation of pre-eclampsia that causes the mother's liver to shut down and the placenta to malfunction. Because of this, baby Sophia wasn't receiving the nutrition she needed and was considered severely growth-restricted.

A short while later, the doctor decided that an emergency c-section was needed both for my sake and for the sake of Sophie. I was completely put under general anesthesia and Sophie entered our world at 7:54 pm on Good Friday, weighing in at 3 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 16.5 inches. She was 34 weeks along, placing her in the preemie category. Sophie's current home is the neo-natal intensive care unit, where she will remain for several weeks until she is able to come home with us.

The Lord's hand was upon us in so many ways during this process. After my surgery, my doctor informed my family and I that the only treatment for HELLP syndrome is delivery, and that without delivering the baby, I would have survived only another 24 hours. My liver was in such bad condition that I was at great risk of spontaneous bleeds and complete liver failure. God's timing couldn't have been more perfect - if we had remained in Guatemala and not taken this trip to the United States as planned, I probably would not have received the quick diagnosis and top-quality care needed to save my life and the life of our baby. We saw this trip as a short Easter vacation, but God knew that this trip would be life-saving for both of us.

Little Sophie has a long way to go, but she's strong and is doing well. We are so grateful for everyone's notes of encouragement, phone calls, comments and prayers. We wish we could respond to everyone personally, but we want to use this note to thank you! Please keep up your prayers for Sophie, her mommy and daddy, and her proud grandparents!

When are we returning to Guatemala? That is still up in the air! Please keep our return plans in your prayers, as you pray for baby Sophia. In the coming weeks, Josh will probably have to do some long-distance "commuting" between Florida and Guatemala, in order to continue our work as directors. But, day-to-day, Casa Shalom is being run by our administrators in our absence, and is in good hands. Our supposedly 10-day trip will turn out to be much longer, but were are immensely grateful to be under the care of an almighty and all-knowing God!

Easter Egg hunt!

2011-04-17T18:58:00.001-07:00

We just celebrated the 3rd annual Easter Egg hunt at Casa Shalom! In the morning, the big kids enjoyed a hunt, and in the afternoon, the babies and toddlers participated in their own special egg hunt. Enjoy the photos from Easter 2011.

Yohanna

Estefany

Vivian

Raquel and Maria

Marvin

Martin

Walter and Jason

Candelaria

Linda

Magdalena

Josue David

The babies and toddlers show off their goodies!

Candelaria enjoys her marshmallows and sucker from her Easter eggs.

All the Casa Shalom children with the team from Myakka City Church of God, the team that helped coordinate the egg hunt.

2011-04-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we received the team from Myakka City Church of God in Myakka City, Florida! We look forward to working with the men and women of this team on many projects around the orphanage this week. Please keep the team in your prayers as they minister to the kids of Casa Shalom!

Adoption in Guatemala

2011-04-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

We at Casa Shalom field many questions from families looking to adopt Guatemalan children. We often find it hard to explain Guatemala's complicated and broken adoption system which is governed by the CNA, a government organization that enforces a system of seemingly senseless laws. Take a moment to read this adoption story from the Freed family. The Freeds are missionary friends of ours who help run Orphan Resources International, a non-profit group that provides food and supplies to Casa Shalom and over 40 other orphanages in Guatemala. The story will break your heart and hopefully lead to you pray for Guatemala's adoption system. See the story at the link below:

Shyanne's Story

A new partnership for clean water

2011-04-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Casa Shalom is proud to announce that we have officially partnered with Healing Waters International to help provide pure drinking water for the nearby village, named La Embaulada, which has just over 500 residents. Just like in nearly every part of Guatemala, the water that comes out the faucets in La Embaulada is contaminated with parasites and bacteria, making it unsafe to drink without boiling first.
We are proud to have partnered with Healing Waters International, a Christian organization that works to provide clean, low-cost drinking water in Latin America, along with spreading the healing message of Jesus Christ! We at Casa Shalom will be selling 5-gallon jugs of purified water to the local community for just under $1/each. We pray the Lord blesses this new partnership and enables us to reach many members of La Embaulada! In the photo above, ladies from La Embaulada line up to receive a free 5-gallon jug full of purified water!

Prior to giving away free water, Healing Waters held a short church service for the local children and their mothers.

An interview with a 56-year-old woman who was born in La Embaulada, has lived there her entire life, and has never had regular access to purified water.

Giving away free water to the principal of the village school, for use in the school.

Prayer request

2011-03-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

An important prayer request from Casa Shalom: Please be in prayer for baby Dennisse, the one-year-old daughter of Casa Shalom administrative assistants Walter and Jenny. Dennisse has been in the hospital since Monday with a severe case of Rotavirus. Please keep this little baby in your prayers!

2011-03-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

The little ones have invaded the Directors' office! From left: Tomas, Linda, Josue David, Catalina and Vivian enjoy suckers during a visit to our office.

2011-03-28T08:16:00.001-07:00

We're happy to update you on Omar, the little boy who was operated on over a week ago, to fix his arm that was broken when he was hit by a car and never received medical care before come to the orphanage. Omar's surgery went well, but he's still in the hospital recuperating. Due to the serious nature of the operation, he could be in the hospital for another week or two. Please continue to keep Omar in your prayers as he recovers!

2011-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in Guatemala! Vivian, left, and Abby take time to say hi to the camera.

Omar

2011-03-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Many of you have been praying for Omar, a little boy who came to Casa Shalom a couple of months ago. Omar was hit by a car more than a year ago. His arm was left untreated and healed improperly resulting in very limited use and disfigurement. A missions team of surgeons visiting Guatemala this week are scheduled to perform surgery to repair his arm. Today we received word that they may not have time to perform his surgery. Please pray that Omar can still be included in their surgery rotation. This surgery would be life changing for this child!

Check Out Our Latest Newsletter!

2011-03-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

Our latest newsletter is now available online! Click here to see what's happening!

Newsletter in the works

2011-03-03T06:24:00.001-08:00

In the next few days, we will be sending out Casa Shalom's e-newsletter with all the latest info and photos from the orphanage. If you'd like to receive the newsletter in your inbox, please send your email address to: TheHansonsinGuatemala@gmail.com

Juan Jose

2011-03-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Casa Shalom's newest child is Juan Jose, who is nine-years-old. Juan Jose came to us a few days ago after his mother passed away and his father, who is 70-years-old, couldn't care for him and left him to wander the streets alone. Juan Jose is malnourished and very small for his age, but he's a sweet boy and we are grateful for the chance to minister to his needs.

A fantastic video

2011-03-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Check out this link for a great video made by teams from Cross Community Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Ridge Community Church in Dundee Ridge, FL. The 2 churches sent a team to Casa Shalom earlier this month, and the kids had a great time with them! The video features their work at Casa Shalom, as well as in Rio Bravo, an impoverished town on the coast of Guatemala where Josh and Jessica support a feeding center that offers the children of the town a free breakfast, their only meal of the day.

Check out the link for the video here: Casa Shalom Mission Trip

Chicken dinner

2011-02-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last night, the kids of Casa Shalom and the Life Academy team enjoyed a great dinner of fried chicken. But first, the Life Academy team and the Casa Shalom kids who work the chicken farm butchered the chickens needed from the Casa Shalom chicken farm. The Life Academy kids quickly got over any squeamishness, and did a great job butchering. The chicken was enjoyed by all!

New additions

2011-02-22T08:49:00.000-08:00

Meet Juan, Miley and Luis, Casa Shalom's newest kids! The 3 siblings arrived a few days ago, and are 9, 10, and 11 respectively. After their father passed away several years ago, their mother turned to alcohol and prostitution and cannot care for them. The kids are well-behaved and smart, and have fit right into life at Casa Shalom.