NCV Newsletter Update: August 2010

Greetings from Cochabamba, Bolivia!

There has been for quite some time, an ongoing debate about the validity and appropriateness of short-term missions. I've heard many arguments on both sides, each with some legitimate points. However, I think the proof comes in the experience of the individual. Anything can be made powerful, life-altering, insightful, if one approaches one's time with a level of expectation to be challenged, a humble attitude that allows one to change according to one's surroundings, and an openness to really listening to God, one's teammates, and to those with whom one has entered into service.

This most recent team was certainly the embodiment of these principles and an affirmation that indeed short-term missions are still viable, still worthwhile, because we've created a relationship that is on-going and mutually beneficial where both sides are invested in the growth and well-being of the other.

In this month's newsletter we're focusing on how a small group of women and children allowed themselves to be used by God in some very transformational ways in each of our projects. We hope you find it both inspirational and challenging! If you'd like to talk to us about creating your own trip, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@ninosconvalor.org.

Blessings,
Kimberly Setzer
Projects Coordinator

Child Sponsorship

This was a particularly momentous month for our sponsorship program, as the returning kids from the team had decided to sponsor children after their first visit and they were excited to reunite with 'their' child. As evidenced in the banner photo above and the photos below, the kids had a great time getting together and getting to know one another on a more personal level.

We arranged special times throughout the team's visit to allow the girls and their sponsors to have fun and hang out, share their experiences, and create understanding despite their different cultures and languages.

Above - Angela and Ellie meeting up after two years apart.

Above - Paty and Drew had a special bond right from the beginning.

Above - Ok, this photo may not completely show it, but Elena and Maddie had a really good time hanging out together :o)

If you are already a sponsor and would be interested in visiting your child, please contact us at info@ninosconvalor.org to help you start the process of planning a life-changing trip.

If you're not a sponsor yet, please consider making an investment in the life of a child in one of our programs. Your monthly gift of $30 goes toward empowering a young woman, keeping a toddler healthy and out of the hospital, or helping strengthen an at-risk family. You can visit our website for more information or contact us at sponsorship@ninosconvalor.org.

If you do not have internet access, or would prefer to send a check, please write to the following address:

Ninos con Valor, c/o Karen Mitchell
PO Box 223
New Hampton, NH 03256

The team from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington was literally a godsend as they made the move of PDC possible both in extra hands to prepare and move an entire household of 10 children and 6 staff, plus the daycare kids and all the office, and also covering this unexpected additional financial cost.

They power cleaned, waxed, raked, dug, polished as well as transformed our school room from a dark dingy room to a bright inviting fun room which is loved by both staff and children. Then they helped unpack and organize the entire house in the new place, and just never seemed to tire!

Even the kids got in on helping out, and they worked hard transforming the yard into both a fun and safe space for all our little ones.

Check out this amazing transformation!!

Left - The school room in its original gloomy state.
Right - A very plain built-in bookshelf.

Left - The room in transition- already a huge improvement!
Right - Mom, Kelly, and daughter, Katie working hard.

Left - The team presented the room to a very happy Evelin, our head teacher.
Right - All moved in!

Left - The formal living room.
Right - With everything set up.

Left - The future playroom.
Right - Our playroom, totally organized and ready for the kiddos!

Left - Terry being a great sport about waxing the wood floors old-school style.
Right - Ellie and Paty prepping one of the flower beds.

Above - Maddie and Ellie working on potting the great pots they all painted.

Left - Thank you Bellevue for your awesome generosity!
Right - Volunteers Megan (l) and Clare (r) with Evelin helping to organize all the children's clothes.

Above - Faela with Manolo and Marcos presenting the team with a thank-you banner.

We also celebrated our first birthday at the new place, before we even had anything moved in. Since Nohemi lives at CDP and goes to the daycare during the day, we had everyone come over to the new house and celebrated her fourth birthday with a piñata, gelatin (a Bolivia party staple) and lots of cake. Here are some photos of that and just fun times in and around PDC.

Left - The carport makes a great place for a shady party spot!
Right - Nohemi opening her gift.

Left - Nohemi enjoying her gelatin.
Right - The PDC kids getting into the habit of watering their new garden.

Left - Kelly and Lucas with matching gorgeous smiles :)
Right - Terry and Ellie, our baby whisperers, with Guillermo and Acacio.

Left - Katie was the official team snuggler, here with Manolo.
Right - Terry enjoying some time with the 'babies' of the home, Lily and Alexis.

Left - Eleanor and Guillermo playing on the jungle gym.
Right - All of our PDC boys just adored Drew as you can see here with Miguel.

Left - The children had fun doing the clay project with the team.
Right - The team got a kick out of the kids and their trains to go from one spot to the next.

This team from Bellevue was one of the first teams to be involved in working directly with the families that we've grown relationships with over these past few years. Mom, Victoria, was very ill with cancer and the team was greatly moved to help her with her medical expenses. It was wonderful to be able to see how much better she was doing, in full remission and with all of her hair grown back in thick and healthy, and most of all, a gorgeous smile on her face.

Because of the financial giving of this team and others, we've been able to provide the stability that this at-risk family needed during a crisis time, and ensured that the family stayed intact. While the team visited with them this time, they got to share a meal together, catch up, and get to know one another better.

The team also got to meet with the entire Quiroga Garcia family this time and blessed them with much needed school supplies and new shoes. The eldest of the siblings living at home is incredibly responsible and carries the burden of supporting and running the household at just 19 years old. We were all impressed at how they care for one another and really love one another.

Left - Katie bravely using her Spanish skills as the team gives out school materials.
Right - The children happily showing off their gifts.

Left - Drew giving Efrain his gifts.
Right - Caton having a hard time managing everything the team brought for him.

Left - Victoria's family, with Simona waving goodbye to us.
Right - Victoria seems to like her plants of hot peppers and herbs.

Left - Noe and Salomon already into their new toys.
Right - Adiel makes Simona laugh with his squealing balloon.

Above - Dr. Walter joins in the soccer fun.

We've recently been able to expand our child sponsorship program to include the children from these families. If you'd be interested in investing in one or more of these wonderful children, please contact us at sponsorship@ninosconvalor.org or go to our website for more information.

Many of those on the team were visiting for the second time, and the reunion at CDP was very much enjoyed by all. Both the team and the girls had such fond memories of the previous visit, and this visit just further cemented the strong bonds that some of the girls are forming with the Bellevue kids.

The girls learned about living a life that creates a healthy soil in which their faith in and love for God can grow. They had a big flower pot painting party and everyone had a great time hanging out and catching up with what's been going on these past two years. We've got a beautiful yard now, and if we can just keep the girls from 'overcaring' for their plants, we should be okay.

There was also a people puzzle project, bracelet making, and a spirited game of Bolivian dodge ball. A fabulous time was definitely had by all.

This team also was kind enough to bring down 5 new laptops for the foundation, paid for by our good friend Podge's Irish Fund, thanks to donations given in honor of his father who recently passed away. These computers were much needed and are going to be an amazing blessing to us! We're also grateful for all the software that the team brought as well, as originals can be hard to find or terribly expensive here.

Left - Terry having the girls guess which person they drew on their puzzle piece.
Right - Everyone drew names and then had to draw that person on their puzzle piece.

Left - Working hard on the friendship bracelets.
Right - Terry sharing the lesson with Tyson translating.

Left - Katie the snuggler strikes again as there's a pile of kids resting on her.
Right - Everyone concentrating on their masterpieces.

Left - Ellie and Abigail enjoying their time together.
Right - Ana and Camila taking out the freshly baked bread to share.

Left - Laurel sharing a laugh with some of the girls.
Right - Maddie, Ellie and Paty hanging out at a big children's park here in the city.

Left - A group shot at that same park, and yes those are fake flowers 'planted' in the ground.
Right - The team getting into Bolivian dodge ball, pelota quemada.

Left - Posing with the new computers.
Right - We also had a visit with volunteer Megan's parents from California, who were also there to help during the PDC move.

Above - Group shot with the girls and their gifts from Megan's parents.

So, yeah, we believe that teams rock :o)

Peace and Love from the kids, staff and volunteers of Niños con Valor!

* All names have been changed to protect the children's privacy.

If you are interested in supporting us financially as we continue to invest in these children, in their futures and in our own, please visit our web page to learn how.