Hello and blessings to everyone from the Casa children, the Tia`s and our family. We continue to grow, move forward and experience the love of God through Jesus and you, as you pray and support the work the He is doing here in Guatemala. God is good and we see His Hand on our children, this ministry and in our lives.

The days seem to just fly by in the busyness of every day things and it is easy to miss the fact that our kids are changing and growing up so fast. Our babies are no longer babies as they walk and talk and get into everything, our littles ones are becoming teenagers and our teenagers into young adults. There is never a dull moment around here with 38+ kids in the home.

There was great excitement at Casa Esperanza as we were able to watch the World Cup together (We were blessed to borrow the Cable TV for the day). As you know soccer is huge in Guatemala and in our home and so it was great to watch the game and enjoy pop and snacks. Of course we had Anthony and half the kids cheering for Holland and myself and the other half cheering for Spain. It was a lot of fun and a great day (especially because “ Spain” won too…LOL). We also enjoyed our family hike to the river the previous day and so Sunday was a good day to relax. This is what makes this life here so worthwhile…just enjoying each day with our kids and as a family. There is nothing better than to hang out and enjoy each other…sharing laughter and the love of God. Living here has really helped me to appreciate what is really important in this life. I have also come to love and appreciate my wife more and my own 4 children. As a father I am surely blessed and have learned so much from all my children.

Paola is just one child that God has highlighted to me this passed month. She was my buddy on our family hike and has been in our home for almost 2 years. She is tranforming into a beautiful young girl and will be 8 years old this month. All I can say is that she came here broken, scared and very fragile with lots of anger and hurt. Paolo was on our weekly trouble list and became almost impossible to deal with. The Tia`s in the home were recommending that Paola be placed in a home that could provide more one and one help, but where? I couldn`t bear to give up and see her go, especially having her sister and brothers here too. I knew we could not change her…but God is faithful and when we are weak…He is strong and able. Now Paola feels safe, loved and has found her place in this home. She is doing well in school, helps out in the home with a smile, has friends and a confidence in herself. At times I shake my head in disbelief…is this the same girl? God surely takes care of us and we feel so blessed. We have great kids…and they too are beginning to see that for themselves and are changing, praise God.

Lester too has improved his attitude in school and in the home. He is beginning to realize that things just go better when you do right and listen. Some kids are just more challenging, but thank God that most of them only go through seasons. Lester just beams when he smiles and he still likes to teaze a lot, even though he can`t take it himself yet. Yes, boys will be boys and every boy has their time of adjustment phase and/or growing up to do. Lester now is enjoying having more privileges like playing X-box with the boys on Friday night or enjoying a movie on Saturdays once again. Lester also loves to play soccer, although he enjoys getting the ball and keeping it…showing off his footwork. Like I said, he loves to teaze and is a fun kid to have around.

So life goes on here. Please join us in prayer for funds to repair and finish the outside of the Casa home this year, including building more bunkbeds, purchasing mattresses and covers for these beds. We also pray for used or new “restaurant grade” ovens, appliances and kitchen equipment (preferably propane). We would also love to extend our play area for our little ones and hopefully build a larger playground for our medium to older kids. We presently have 38 kids and will eventually have 20+ more. These kids have lots of energy to burn off. Keeping these kids active and busy is a key to a happier home and definitely helps everyone keep their sanity. Ha Ha. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. We feel your love and pray for you as well. Blessings to you and your family.

From the directors, Steven & Patricia Peters