This past month, Robyn and Joel Hanson had much to be thankful for as the adoption of 5 siblings from Hogar de Esperanza was completed. Although there were delays and new regulations, the family finally came together and has arrived home to Colorado. You can keep up with the Hansons on their blog www.joelrobynhanson.blogspot.com. Please pray for this family as they begin this new adventure and pray for the many children who are still hoping to have a family of their own.
Rebekah Rust is volunteering with us in the kinder class, teaching the 2 to 5 year olds at the orphanage. However, in her free time she is adding sparks of imagination throughout the orphanage through her gift of painting. The kinder room and the children’s casitas are now filled with beautiful paintings representing the children and the beautiful landscape of Peru.
To celebrate their second anniversary, Betania school put on a series of events in Salaverry, 
which several of our children participated in. Students competed in athletics and silly competitions, a formal flag-raising in the Plaza de Armas, and three separate parades. One night, the children paraded through town with candle-lit lanterns. Our children hoisted lanterns of birds, insects and a large star, all hand-made by our staff by bamboo cut from the banks of the River Moche.
The warm December in Peru still brings Christmas cheer with hot chocolate and presents. Many Peruvian businesses, churches and individuals have been hosting parties for the children. Our U.S. friends, To Every Nation brought Christmas joy to the children by purchasing new bikes for the orphanage. And, yet, in the midst of all the parties and gifts, the children are receiving the message of Christ’s birth and some are experiencing hope for the first time.
Thank you for your love and faithfulness to this ministry over the years. We are grateful for your prayers as we reach out to the hurting children of Peru and continue to grow.
Que Dios les bendiga, (May God bless you)
Board of Hogar de Esperanza
