Closing a chapter

After 4 and a half years of keeping our friends and family updated on our ministry at Casa Shalom via this blog, we feel that it's time to make a change.  Technology has advanced and we have found new ways to tell about all that the Lord is doing...so it is time to say goodbye to blogspot.  We are NOT leaving Casa Shalom.  We are just using different avenues to keep you updated about our work.  In the future, to learn more about our work at Casa Shalom, please visit the Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/CasaShalom) or the orphanage's website (www.CasaShalom.net)

Blessings!

Josh, Jessica and Sophia Hanson

This week at Casa Shalom!

Baptism

On Sunday, we at Casa Shalom had the great privilege of seeing 7 of our young men baptized in water in the name of the Father, the,Son and the Holy Spirit. The young man being baptized in this video is Martin, age 16. Martin is an indigenous Mayan Indian. His grandfather was the Mayan priest/shaman for their village, and as a small boy, Martin was being groomed to be the next village shaman. He participated in many pagan rituals, including animal sacrifices to the Mayan gods. After coming to Casa Shalom as a boy, Martin accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and renounced his Mayan religion. Today, Martin stood in front of the church and publicly declared that he is a follower of Christ. From a future pagan priest to a baptized Christ-follower! Praise the Lord! Watch for more info about the baptism in the coming days.

Princess Yuliza

We think that Yuliza, age 8, is a true princess! She came to Casa Shalom nearly 3 years ago after her own mother attempted to murder her and her 2 siblings. She came to us a scarred, broken little girl. But she's now a loving, happy and cheerful child. Thank you, Jesus, for sending Yuliza our way, and for the transformation in her life!

Welcome back, Domingo

Casa Shalom took in a new child today. Domingo, age 6, is actually on his 2nd stay at Casa Shalom. He came to us for the first time last year, after being removed from his parents' home because of their extreme alcoholism. He was returned to his parents' home after a few short weeks at Casa Shalom, but today he returned to us because his parents have separated and his mother's alcohol addiction is worse than ever. While we are very saddened by the choices Domingo's mother has made, we are happy to once again be able to provide a safe place for Domingo and we are glad for the chance to minister to this sweet child.

January's newsletter

January's newsletter is now live, and it's full of information and updates about Casa Shalom. Check it out at this link: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs143/1112278362632/archive/1112295551810.html

Welcome, Mauricio!

Mauricio, age 9, is another one of the new children that Casa Shalom welcomed this week. Mauricio has come to Casa Shalom after his father was convicted of killing his mother and incarcerated, and he was physically abused by his aunt. We welcome Mauricio with open arms, and are so glad to be able to provide a safe place for him!

Welcome, Ariel and Yamileth

Last night, we took in 3 new children. 2 of them are siblings Ariel, age 11, and Yamileth, 13. The children were sent to live on the streets by their mother, who is a prostitute. They're very malnourished, have never been to the doctor, have never been to school and are completely illiterate. But today, they are attending school for the very first time! Yamileth has shown us bruises from beatings her mother gave her, but she says she's so happy to be in a place where she's safe. This is why Casa Shalom exists - to care for these precious children who need a place to call home.

Child of the Week

Meet Esteban, Casa Shalom's child of the week!  To see Esteban's story, visit Casa Shalom's website: www.CasaShalom.net

Josue David's transformation

What a smile! When Josue David came to Casa Shalom 3 years ago, he came to us a frightened and abused little boy. It was well over a month before we saw him smile. Now, joy just radiates from him. We thank Jesus for bringing physical, mental, and spiritual healing to our precious children!

Cesar's new job

Tonight, our oldest child Cesar came to us with some great news. A few months ago he secretly applied to be a judge's assistant in Quetzaltenago, where he is from. Cesar is studying to be a lawyer and out of all the applicants was selected 

for the job because of his great grades and his ability to speak both Spanish and the local indigenous language, Quiche. Cesar will be moving and starting his new job in January and will be able to continue studying on the weekends. While its hard to see him go, this is exactly why Casa Shalom exists. Cesar is leaving here as a Christian young man who is educated and who has the possibility of changing this country. This is why you donate, this is why you pray and this is why we do what we do! Vaya con Dios Cesar.

November newsletter

To read Casa Shalom's newsletter from November, please click on this link: Casa Shalom November newsletter. To receive the newsletter in your inbox each month, click on the link and the click the "subscribe" link in the top left corner.

A special person

Child of the week

Meet our Child of the Week, Enma! Enma has lived at Casa Shalom since she was a little girl, when she was removed from her mother’s house due to the abuse of her brother, who no longer lives at the orphanage. Enma has grown into a smart, funny young lady and she’s quick to make new friends. Enma is currently in her final year of high school. In Guatemala, high school students must choose a specialty to focus on, and Enma has chosen physical education. She hopes to one day be a physical education teacher.

Welcome, Kevin!

Last night, Casa Shalom welcomed a new child. Kevin, age 9, was recently orphaned and he needed a place to call home. After eating a hot meal , Kevin's first event at Casa Shalom was last night's church service, where he was greeted with hugs and applause by all the children. We are asking the Lord to be "Father to the fatherless" to Kevin - Psalms 68:5.

A colorful celebration

Tomorrow is Guatemala's Independence Day and to celebrate, the children's schools have asked them to attend school all week dressed in various traditional outfits.  Back row, from left: Chepe, Santiago, Keily, Layo, Omar and Donaldo. 

New photos are up!

We've uploaded brand new photos of all of Casa Shalom's children, like Magdalena, left, to the orphanage's website. To see photos of all the kids, visit: www.Casashalom.net/Children

An identity for Yennifer

Another Casa Shalom child has gained legal standing and a legal identity! Yenifer, age 4, came to Casa Shalom in early 2012 after being physically abused by her mother.  Yenny's mom never registered her with the Guatemalan government, and because of that, Yenny had no legal identity or protection.  We were recently able to register her, and today, she received her brand-new birth certificate.  We are grateful that Yenny will now be able to attend school, and one day get a good job and vote, which are all privileges that come with having a legal identity in Guatemala.

Mynor's forever family

 Many already know the story of little Mynor, who came to Casa Shalom as a newborn 2 1/2 years ago, after being abandoned in a ditch in Guatemala City.  We are so excited to share the news that today Mynor is being adopted and will be leaving Casa Shalom to live with his new mom and dad!  We will miss Mynor greatly, but we thank the Lord that He has provided a wonderful forever family for this precious little boy. It's a very happy ending to Mynor's Casa Shalom story.

Left: Mynor with his new family and below: Mynor as a newborn baby at Casa Shalom.

A special visit

Yesterday, we were privileged to receive a visit from Olga Gonzalez, a former director of Casa Shalom. Hermana Olga was director many years ago, but we know that she touched the lives of countless children who came to Casa Shalom during that period of time. We are grateful for all the previous directors, staff and volunteers who sacrificed and paved the way for Casa Shalom to be what it is today!