April Newsletter

Casa de Esperanza

Making a difference, one child at a time

P.O. Box 9222

Columbus, MS 39705

cdehonduras.org http://casastore.blogspot.com

Amigos de Casa,

Our new houseparent, Mirian started March 1. She is a wonderful employee and could not wait to get busy. She is not happy unless she is working. We could see immediately she was an answer to our prayers and we were ready to take more children.

With Mirian securely in place, we did take two new children. A brother-sister duo, Adonis is eight and Guadalupe is six. Some of our sibling groups do not act much like siblings, but these two do. They hug each other and there is no doubt in my mind Adonis would protect his little sister no matter what. The love they have for each other is quite endearing. Lupe, as we call her, is in kindergarten. Once we get the proper papers, we think Adonis will be in second grade. He seems like he will learn quickly and can read somewhat, but really has trouble with writing.

The children have missed a tremendous amount of school due to teacher strikes and other things. They have been going to school on a more consistent basis in April. We hope that continues. Rosy has completed her first quarter finals and the other children are preparing for those now.

Sisi was tested at Teleton and has improved dramatically. She no longer will be going to Teleton. There was a lot of rejoicing over that news. Reina, Doris, and Maryuri will still be attending Teleton for quite some time.

The hot, dusty, smoky dry season is nearly over. We have had many days with no water. All of us have had our share of hauling water. We got the approval for a new well. That was started last week. Drilling had to be done through solid rock and on the third day, they hit water. Our new well pumps four gallons a minute, not quite what we hoped for, but if that amount is sustainable for the long term, that will be sufficient for a long time. We are thankful for this new water source.

Pamela had the surgery on her foot. She is still healing and still seeing the doctor. This is taking longer than any of had hoped, especially Pamela. She walking more each day without the crutches.

As we dream about the future and expanding Casa to include some older children, we have begun to look at property for that second campus. We have seen some very nice property, but no decision has been made. One piece of property already has a house on it. The house would need a lot of work but would make a very nice dorm for the girls. The other property is very large and has no buildings on it. In fact, it has nothing but a horse trail. This land would have to be cleared before any building could begin. There is a natural spring and that property would never run out of water, a definite plus. It could also support a coffee farm, thus sustaining the new campus. Please pray for the best decision.

Karen and Dorian are visiting in the States for a much needed visit. We miss them, but do hope they are enjoying their visit.

During the month of April, we have been hit with several things.

• Both of the Casa vehicles, the van and the trooper, had to have major repairs. We were vehicleless for a while, which was a huge challenge. Then the challenge was to pay for both of them. That was $2400.00. Ouch!
• Minimum wage went up by a significant amount. This is the biggest increase in one year we have ever seen. The new minimum wage was effective April 1, retroactive to January 1. With 13 employees, this too was painful. The retroactive pay will be about $2000.00

• We have also seen a huge increase in the cost of electricity, with rates rising 24 %.
• Since the new cottage is now in use, there are still few things we need to complete that house. Things such as a few more cabinets, some bookshelves and toy shelves.
  A small closet-like piece for jackets and shoes will cost $170.00.

Toy shelves will cost $125.00 each and four are desired.

A custom bookshelf to fit the area in the library will cost $500.00.

The needed cabinets will cost $130.00.

• As the children play, windows continue to get broken. We would love to buy bars for the rest of the windows to prevent any further broken windows. This will cost around $600.00.

If you would like to help with any of these items, please send a check to:

Casa de Esperanza

P.O. Box 9222

Columbus, MS 39705

This month I would you to meet Nohemi (pronounced No Amy, with the emphasis on the my). Nohemi and her brother came to live at Casa in November 2009. They came from extreme poverty. Nohemi is 6 years old and is in first grade.

She does not mind the homework the way some of the kids do and does fairly well in school.

She came to Casa missing most of her teeth. They had been pulled because they were so rotten. Fortunately, they are baby teeth. Some of the bottom ones have come in, but she is still toothless on the top.

Nohemi was in Casitas Kennedy, the state orphanage, before she came to Casa de Esperanza. The only way she could get any attention while she was there was to cry. She cried and had a lot of meltdowns when she first came to live here. Those have not completely disappeared, but happen much less frequently.

She is a rambunctious little girl and it may be hard to make a lady out of that one. Please remember Nohemi in your prayers.

As always, we thank you for your continued support, love and encouragement. We would not be here without each one of you.

Please feel free to share this newsletter. If you have any questions, you may email me at terriltindall@yahoo.com

Sincerely,

Terri Tindall