Flying through the trees

Today we took 8 kids from the children's home and two adults (three counting me but I took the pictures) to the Finca Filadelfia Canopy Express tour. What a treat. The kids had no idea what we were going to do once we loaded up in the old army truck and headed up a very bumpy road to the top of the mountain. The guides were incredible with the kids and we didn't have one child refuse to zip down the mountain so everyone was able to share the experience. We had a blast and although there were some pretty scared looking faces as they were getting set up with harnesses and helmets. At the end of the line their faces had changed to big smiles and it was clear to see their sense of accomplishment. What a treat for all of us. If you come to Guatemala you must try the tour it is not to be missed.

The Progress Continues

Well, we still have no electricity which means no running water and no move. I have lived in Guatemala long enough to learn patience but not being able to move, try out our new lighting, use our well water, have to purchase water from a truck and water from a can does not make me happy. You will see in the slide show photos of running water but it is only our small generator. However, even though the running water was powered with a generator it was a thrilling sight!

New shoes!

Last week a generous family donated money to Semillas de Amor. Although there were many things we could have used the money for I really wanted the older kids to have brand new shoes. When children grow up in a group setting, orphanage or children's home it is rare to have new clothes or shoes or to even have anything that belongs only to them. So, I figured the kids needed their own brand new shoes. I went off shopping in Antigua and found a shoe store that was having a 2 for 1 sale and came back with three pairs of shoes for each child. The kids were thrilled and my heart felt so full of happiness just looking at their beaming faces.

Internet Installed at the Children's Village

Still no electricity but we do have our internet connection ready to go and with a great connection. The solar water heaters will be installed this week. Hopefully we have word about electricity this week. It is the only thing that is holding up our move.

Semillas de Amor Goes Solar

We have begun our entry into the solar world with the purchase of three solar water heaters. This is very exciting and is the beginning of our solar program. Soon to come is our worm fertilizer and composting program and our recycling plastic, glass and aluminum. The photos of our solar water heaters, on a roof in Antigua. Ours will be installed before the "big" move.

Children's Home Construction Update

We are almost there. Everything has been finished inside the children's home. We just have some details but we are ready to move in as soon as the lights and gas are turned on. We hope to have some volunteer painters here in late February or early March. We have lots of landscaping ahead of us but the land and the children's home are gorgeous.