Casa Shalom named Ambassador of Peace

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

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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

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