Computers for Casa Shalom!

A few weeks ago, a friend from the United States told me that she wanted to help Colegio Shalom obtain some new computers for the computer lab. She had been in contact with Computers for Guatemala, an organization that provides computers to schools in impoverished and rural areas of Guatemala. She forwarded us the application for computers, we filled it out, and after some contact with the organization's director, we received news today that we will be receiving 12 new computers! Praise God! The computers are very much needed - the current computer lab is filled with very old machines, many of which don't even turn on. These new computers will allow students more one-on-one time with the machines and will allow the older students to learn more advanced programs. Thanks so much to Amy for being our link to this great organization!

On the up and up!

Casa Shalom has had an exciting, promising past few weeks. The new director has ushered in many positive changes. The food situation has improved, the grounds are being very-well- maintained and a new maintenance man has been hired. He's already making some much-needed repairs to doors and furniture. The director has some great plans for the future, including creating a library for the school and a chicken farm to provide meat for the children. He's also creating rooms to serve as living quarters for additional staff. Within the next few weeks, new house parents will be hired and each house will have full-time house parents. Please keep Casa Shalom in your prayers during this transitional time!

The upside of culture shock

When trading in your home culture for a foreign culture, there are many moments where you're lost, confused and wondering "Just what are these people thinking?" There are some moments, though, that you find yourself appreciating various aspects of your new culture. The Guatemalan culture is just not preoccupied with many of the issues American culture is. Here is a list of things we haven't heard discussed once by Guatemalans - and for that, we are grateful.

1. Miley Cirus
2. The mortgage crisis
3. The November election
4. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's twins
5. Going green (or anything environmentally-related - this may not be such a plus!)
6. The war in Iraq
7. How the iphone just didn't deliver as promised
8. Britney Spears' custody battle
9. Anything about Tom Cruise
10. The merits of PCs versus Macs

Newsletter

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Sí sí Señor

Last week during a group dinner (steak, mashed potatoes and beans!), the toddlers led a round of Sí, sí Señor (Yes, Yes Lord). Enjoy a video of their performance - they love to sing about Jesus!