Antonio's smile is just one of the many reasons that working with the kids of Casa Shalom is so rewarding!
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Christmas at Casa Shalom

Here at Casa Shalom, we're already making preparations for Christmas. The kids are making their Christmas lists and we're sure they've checked them more than twice! As many of you know, Casa Shalom runs on a tight budget. There's no extra money for things like Christmas presents and all gifts for the children are purchased with money donated from people who want to make the holiday special for the kids! If you are interested in donating to the fund to buy Christmas presents for the kids of Casa Shalom, any amount big or small is welcome! Please contact us at: TheHansonsinGautemala@gmail.com

On a side note, a new boy arrived at Casa Shalom yesterday. His name is Brandon and he's 5-years-old. Brandon, below, was abandoned by his family and courts sent him to live at the orphanage. Please pray that Brandon has an easy transition into life at Casa Shalom!

Election Eve

Although we haven't missed listening to the political rhetoric, banter and endless accusatory commercials, the U.S. presidential election has been on our minds. We will be keeping the United States in our prayers tomorrow as vital decisions are made regarding the country's future. Photo: Fuego (Fire) Volcano, approx 30 mins from Casa Shalom

Fried Chicken and Playtime!

After church today, we took the toddlers to Pollo Campero, a fried chicken restaurant like KFC, but much better! The kids stuffed themselves with fried chicken, french fries and ice cream and then played in the playground until they were worn out! Photo 1: Victor, Antonio and Cesar take their pre-lunch coloring very seriously Photo 2: By the time Sarai was finished with her chicken, she had ketchup all the way up both her arms! Photo 3: Evelyn and Tony enjoy their ice cream. Photo 4: Tony had a blast in the ball pit. Photo 5: Angel was first into the playplace! Photo 6: Sarai is all smiles inside the playground. Photo 7: Alex, Jose Marcelino, Cesar and Tony dog pile down the slide

Field trip!

All last week, the teen boys worked at a recreational center about an hour from Casa Shalom. They painted and cleaned, all part of a volunteer project to teach them about giving back. During the day, they worked and in the afternoon, they got to use the camp's pool and other rec facilities. Yesterday, all the children from the home got to travel to the center to swim and play soccer. Have you ever traveled in a 15-passenger van with 22 little boys? We have! We had to laugh when after about half an hour of driving, we started hearing a chorus of "Ya llegamos?" ("Are we there yet?").

At Casa Shalom, it was chilly and the kids were bundled up - but excited!






Only an hour away, the climate was completely tropical and the kids dove right into the pool! In the video below, Alejandro, Hector, the boys' house dad Walter, and Elias show off their skils.(Click on the arrow to play video)



Photo 1: After being bundled in hats and scarves, the toddlers weren't quite sure what to do with the pool Photo 2: No hesitation allowed - the teen boys throw their house dad into the pool Photo 3: Rosendo gives his little brother Victor a piggy back ride in the deep end Photo 4: A line of little boys wait for Josh to catch them in the water Photo 5: Tony got in the water, but that doesn't mean he has to smile! Photo 6: Carlos cools off and catches some sun.