A Day at La Ronda Equestrian Center

On Thursday we loaded up three vans of kids, nannies and teachers to visit the La Ronda Equestrian Center on the outskirts of Antigua. This was the first visit for most, but a few of the children and staff had visited on previous trips. Most of the kids were frightened of the horses but in a very short time they were brushing and riding the horses. There was such delight on every one's faces. After a long morning of horse back riding the kids enjoyed snacks and still had lots of energy to play in the park at La Ronda. A special thank you to Katie and Ricardo Porkorny for hosting our large group of enthusiastic equestrians.

Danny still is full of energy after several laps around the arena with Obelix.

Santos

Danny

Melany

Somersaults

A snack and something to drink after a long morning of horseback riding

Gerson's first ride on a horse!

Carmen

Danny goes for a ride on Balen.

Ruthie learns to trot with Gaby and Cornucopia.

Mama Lasha riding Obelix

Even Patty is riding!

Gaby gives our teacher Evelyn a spin around the arena on Cornucopia.

Our teacher Pamela on Libertad

Another nanny "volunteers" to ride.

Carmelita isn't too sure about riding Obelix. Daisy is taking her for a ride.

Melany is very brave and is the first to ride one of the horses.

Another little one riding, Julia, and is having a great time.

Jaime clearly loves riding, look at that smile.

Francisco isn't too sure about the horse but is giving it a try.

Sheer joy on the face of Roberto, who only just arrived at Semillas de Amor and had been living on the streets with his mother.

Jefferson is having a ball and feels very proud of himself.

Hilda isn't too sure about the horse.

Esperanza, who was terrified of the horses when we arrived, can't wait to get going on her horse.

A very happy Roberto.

Gaby and Ruthie give Sonia a walk around the arena on Cornucopia.

Danny is a little nervous but once he rode we couldn't get him off the horse.

Luvia's little boy, Danny, loves riding. Good thing his mom isn't watching!

Espa riding Balen.

Melany getting her helmet adjusted by our nanny Lorena.

Carmen is all smiles.

This is Kevin's second trip to the horse farm and he is ready to go!

Santos has also ridden the horses before and can't wait to get going.

Learning to brush the horses.

Deisy is confident and ready to ride.

Santos and Kevin having fun with Fire 'n' Ice.

Gaby giving Sonia a lift up to brush Fire 'n' Ice.

A very handsome Santos.

Gaby, Daisy, Ruthie and Sonia taking our teacher Cecy for a ride around the arena.

Two kids ready to ride!

Melany

Katie, the owner of La Ronda, showing the kids Balen's teeth and how you can tell a horses age from their teeth.

Obelix loves to be brushed and loves all the attention.

Gaby gives a horse safety talk before the kids meet the horses.

Ruthie with Fire 'n' Ice.

Gaby, Nancy Bailey's daughter, in last week's Derby Cross Country at La Ronda.

A little bragging, Gaby (and Cornucopia) win first and fifth place in Derby Cross!

A Trip to the Children's Museum

On Thursday we loaded up a big tour bus and off went 25 children and 6 adults to visit the Children's Museum in Guatemala City. At the end of the visit the kids had lunch at every Guatemalan's favorite food place, Pollo Campero. The children had so much fun, as you can see in the photos.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Construction of the Semillas de Amor Children's Village will officially begin the first week in February. We will have more information on how you can be involved in building this dream, for Guatemalan children.

Santa Arrives at Semillas de Amor

Thank you to all the generous families that donated funds for our Christmas party for the kids at Semillas de Amor. Everyone had a wonderful time! Thank you again from all of us at Semillas de Amor.