Casa Guatemala (in the city)

When Doug and I first decided to volunteer at Casa Guatemala, we both felt certain that our leaving would not be the end to our connection with the orphanage and the children within it. We were unsure however as to what that meant for us, or how we could continue to contribute. Our answer came in our second month at the Casa.

One of the Varones Grandes, Jaime (pronounced Hi-May) made a very good impression on both Doug and I early on. It was not only his advanced English (which certainly helped) but also his maturity and eagerness to help both Doug and I with the other boys. It was in one of our weekly volunteer meetings that we discovered that Jaime, although set to go to high school in the city next year, did not yet have a sponsor to pay for his education. A look across the room at each other sealed the unspoken deal, Doug and I would sponsor Jaime for the next 6 years of his education. When we told him our plan he was completely overwhelmed, and we have no doubt that he will have much success in his future. Especially knowing his dream is to become an English teacher!

As the end of our Guatemala stay approached, we became increasingly eager to have some time alone with Jaime, but not sure how that was going to be possible. We again had an unexpected answer to our prayers, and were given the opportunity to travel with him to Guatemala city and help him get settled into his new school. We jumped at the chance.

Not only were we excited to have the time with Jaime, but we were also looking forward to visiting Casa Guatemala- Guate which is where all the new-borns and young babies stay until they are old enough to be moved to the orphanage. Doug and I had a wonderful afternoon playing with the children and Carlos (a severly handicapped 24 year old who has lived at the Casa his whole life). These children were some of the most happy and well adjusted I have ever met. Another example of how Casa Guatemala is changing lives and ensuring a future for it´s children.

Here are some photos of us with Jaime and the children on our 24 hour excursion to the city.



If you can´t see the above gallery, check out the link here - Casa Guatemala, Guatemala

and here´s a vid of Lyd´s playing with Carlos...


One last funny story about Carlos. When Doug and I left he signalled for me to give him a kiss, which I did. Of course one wasn´t enough and he wanted more and more. After 4, Doug shouted over...¨Oi Carlos, that´s my wife !!!¨. Carlos proceeded to laugh his head off....a funny and touching moment.