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Greetings from Cochabamba,
It is with mixed emotions that we share the news with all of you that we must move Pedacito de Cielo yet again. In August 2010, PDC was moved to another location in Cochabamba after only a year in a previous house. We were extremely excited with the new house and made renovations and changes to accommodate the children. We hoped that the landlord would allow us to stay at least a few years, which would create more stability in the lives of our young people. However, we were informed at the beginning of this year that Pedacito de Cielo would, again, need to relocate.
Despite the many challenges of location, cost and size, after an extensive search, we found an amazing house that will be the future location of Pedacito de Cielo. Although an older structure, our new home is ideal: it is close to Corazón del Pastor; it is spacious with many rooms; the yard is enormous with lots of outdoor play space; the owner has signed a 3-year contract; and we are saving about $100/month in rent!
With this move, comes some exciting news. For awhile we have been talking about the need to have a boys home, especially as our oldest boy at Pedacito de Cielo, Marcos, is really too old to be in a baby home. As most of our kids at PDC are out of diapers, we have decided that now is the right time to make this big change. The three girls who currently live at PDC will be moving into Corazón del Pastor and, beginning in August, Pedacito de Cielo will be a home for all boys! This is very exciting for the foundation because we will not only be able to accept more boys who need the special level of care we offer and a strong support system, but this begins a new journey for Niños con Valor.
Now, as perfect as the house is, it needs quite a bit of work :) Since the owner is planning on tearing the house down in 3-4 years, he has agreed that anything we put into it, we can take with us when we move out. So, while there are costs associated with this move, we believe this is a good investment.
This month's newsletter is focused on how you can be a part of this important next step in the growth of NCV. There is a lot of work to be done, and we hope that individuals and families, businesses and churches, schools and clubs can help us create a terrific house for very deserving kids. We shout out a huge "thanks" to Christ the Redeemer Church who, upon hearing of this need, made a substantial donation to help us get things under way.
As an old African Proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." We are appealing to you because you are all part of our NCV village.
Peace and Love,
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New House Renovations
Below we have broken down the renovation costs of the new house by room/section, using the estimates given us by an architect who is a friend of one of our Bolivian board members. More details on what is entailed under the heading "repairs" is available upon request.
If you are interested in donating to any of these items, please click the orange button to give online or you can send a check to the address given at the bottom of this newsletter. Be sure to indicate which room you would like to give to and if you are giving your donation on behalf of someone. All donors will be recognized with a plaque placed within the room unless anonymity is indicated.
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House Exterior
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The exterior of the house is, for the most part, in decent condition. However, we need to make some repairs and paint the walls for both cosmetic reasons as well as to seal the house against water damage during the rainy season.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $1240
- Repairs: $100
For a grand total of $1340 USD.
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Yard
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The yard is huge, and has been neglected. There is an old fountain we are going to fix up as a sandbox. We are trying to get the municipality to donate the sod and labor costs.
If we have to cover it, the estimated costs are-
- Maintenance and Sod: $400
- Sandbox & Top: $200
For a grand total of $600 USD.
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Patio
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We are going to cement a small section of the side yard to provide more space for the kids to ride their cars, as well as place the portable storage shed and laundry room recently constructed by the Embassy church from Canada.
The estimated costs are-
- Cement Patio and Installation of Shed: $450
For a grand total of $450 USD.
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Entryway
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The entrance is in relatively good condition, and just needs some patching of the walls and paint to make it a welcoming space for visitors to the home.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $275 USD.
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Play Room / Living Room / Dining Room
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This space is really three rooms. The first two of these will be used as a play area, a library, and the media center. Here, the kids will be able to play during the day and relax and unwind at night with a book. The dining room will be where the children eat each meal, and we want to be able to use this area for activities and crafts.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $380
- Repairs: $675
- Equipment: $175
For a grand total of $1230 USD.
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Kitchen
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All the children's meals will be cooked here. The kitchen area needs quite a bit of restoration and renovation. This includes storage that we will be able to take with us when we move out, as well as costs of setting up the panty which is not seen in these photos.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $180
- Repairs: $1080
For a grand total of $1260 USD.
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Outdoor Storage Room
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This area is located just outside the kitchen and will be used to store food, kitchen appliances, etc. We already have the storage containers and units paid for from a donation from a previous visiting team from Living Waters Fellowship.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $35 USD.
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Outside Bathroom
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With such a big yard our kids will be outside a great deal. Having a decent bathroom for them to use is important! Thankfully, all we need here is a little paint :)
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $65 USD.
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Psychologist's Office
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This office will be a relaxing area where all the children will receive one-on-one attention from the psychologist. Many of our residents need help working through and understanding past issues. It has a separate entrance so parents can enter without disruption.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $120
- Repairs: $125
- Equipment: $35
For a grand total of $280 USD.
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Office
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Unfortunately, we don't have a photo of this room to show you, as it is currently being lived in by the person who is watching the house during the month of July. However, this is where family interviews and the social work aspect of the foundation will take place. The equipment costs are for storage units, as unlike the house we are leaving, this room does not have built in storage.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $160
- Repairs: $220
- Equipment: $400
For a grand total of $780 USD.
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Clinic
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Primarily, the clinic will serve the children of Pedacito de Cielo and Corazon del Pastor, but gradually, will open up and be of service to children living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. Equipment includes a medical supply cabinet.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $175
- Repairs: $435
- Equipment: $480
For a grand total of $1090 USD.
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Clinic Bathroom
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The bathroom is in pretty good shape, and it will be great to have one aside the clinic for hygeine.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $65 USD.
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Staircase
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The stairs need to be repaired in some spots and the carpet from our current home removed and re-installed.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $200 USD.
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Upstairs Hallway
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This is the main corridor for the second floor, which contains 3 bedrooms, 2 classrooms, a walk-in closet and 3 bathrooms.
The estimated costs are:
- Paint: $150
- Repairs: $210
For a grand total of $360 USD.
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Upstairs Hall Bathroom
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A two stall bathroom that will serve bedrooms 1 and 2, as well as daycare students. The fix-its are mainly on the surface, as the toilets and sink appear to be in good working order.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $160 USD.
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Bedroom 1
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This will be one of 3 bedrooms for the boys of Pedacito de Cielo. The main investment is in restoring the closet that the last tennant knocked out.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $140
- Repairs: $290
- Equipment: $135
For a grand total of $565 USD.
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Bedroom 2
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This is the second of the bedrooms.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $165
- Repairs: $300
- Equipment: $35
For a grand total of $500 USD.
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Bedroom 3
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This is the largest bedroom in the home, which has an attached bathroom.
The estimated costs are:
- Paint: $215
- Repairs: $330
- Equipment: $235
For a grand total of $780 USD.
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Bathroom of Bedroom 3
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This is the suite of Bedroom 3. It is large, but needs to have the bathtub re-installed as the last owners took it out.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $175 USD.
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Dressing Room
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In addition to 3 bedrooms, the second floor has a dressing room with an attached bathroom. This will function as a changing area for the children, and a storage area for clothes and shoes.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $255 USD.
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Bathroom of Dressing Room
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The bathroom that is attached to the dressing room is in pretty good shape, and only needs some minor repairs.
The estimated costs are-
For a grand total of $175 USD.
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Classroom 1
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We told you the house was big :) This room will be dedicated to learning, educational activities, and art. Each day, an educator will work with and mentor the older children in this area. Renovations in this room include putting in a new door and windows that open onto the terrace.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $160
- Repairs: $540
- Equipment: $150
For a grand total of $850 USD.
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Classroom 2
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This area will be a place where the younger children and babies can play, do art projects, and learn. Renovations in this room include putting in a new door and window that open onto the terrace.
The estimated costs are-
- Paint: $130
- Repairs: $290
- Equipment: $50
For a grand total of $470 USD.
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Terrace
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The terrace will make for a great outdoor activity space. What we need to do here is place screening around the terrace for the kids' safety
The estimated costs are-
- Screening & Installation: $250
For a grand total of $250 USD.
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No words can ever express how much we appreciate each and every one of you. It is because of your dedication, prayers, and contributions, we are able to provide love and support, education and mentoring to our wonderful Bolivian children. We hope this new chapter of Niños con Valor will be a success, and with your assistance and prayers we can achieve our dream.
Love and Peace from the kids, the staff, and the volunteers of Niños con Valor!
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Check out our Blog!
Keep up to date with what is happening in NCV on our blog. You can also catch up on previous newsletters here. Enjoy!
Give Now
If you are in the US, you can either send a check made out to "Ninos con Valor" to the address below, or use our Groundspring online donation page.
Niños con Valor
c/o Karen Mitchell
PO Box 223
New Hampton NH 03256
For instructions on donating outside of the US, please visit our donations page.
Pray!
We know that God loves kids too, so please keep us in your prayers, using these updates as a bit of a guide on what is happening, or by writing us here. We send out weekly prayer requests to those who join our prayermail list. We really appreciate the support!
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Learn More about our Projects
All of our programs seek to provide holistic care, as well as integrate children and families living with various physical and mental health issues, including HIV/AIDS.
Our home that provides care for up to 24 girls who have been orphaned, abandoned or removed from high-risk situations. At least one third of our girls are living with special health and/or educational needs for which they receive additional care and support.
Our boys' home for up to 14 children who have been orphaned, abandoned or removed from high-risk situations. At least one third of our boys are living with special health and/or educational needs for which they receive additional care and support. PDC also serves as a daycare for up to 8 additional children who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Our program working with families and communities to strengthen community care of children and to prevent family disintegration.
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