What an exciting month at Hogar de Esperanza. We had 30 Coast Guard Academy Candidates come to the orphanage to totally refurbish the children’s playground. They finished their remodeling project very professionally and really had a big impact on our children. These men and women spent their spring break benefiting the children of the orphanage instead of going to a beach and relaxing. The children gave them a big thanks and may God bless them.

We had a special event at the orphanage in March. Our co-director Liz got married. She invited the older children to the wedding and the children really enjoyed it. Weddings in Peru start about 45 minutes late but last for five to six hours. The ceremony has a government official administrating an oath and then a pastor conducts a religious ceremony. Very interesting and if you visit Peru try to go to one.

We are continuing the water project. We now serve the water needs of 1500 people and we are continuing to add more people. There is approximately 15000 people living in the city and they all need clean drinkable water. In the future we hope to turn over the water system to a newly formed water district where the Peruvians will run it.

The staff and children said goodbye to two of our long term volunteers, Hayley and Erin, who served Hogar de Esperanza for 9 months. These girls worked in a variety of programs, including teaching our kinder class, conducting music and English lessons, guiding reading programs, gardening with the kids, tutoring and working as substitute madres in the casitas. They were a blessing to have around and everyone at the orphanage will miss them. Volunteers make up a large part of our ministry and help implement new programs for the children. If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who would like to come share their talents with our children and staff, please contact me.

Chau,

Dave