Embroidery

 The 5th grade kids with their finished embroidery projects.

 Antonio (snuck in the pic), Jose, Daniela, Ana, Fernando, and Cindy

The schools here are big on the kids learning how to embroider from an early age. Usually starting in 2nd grade the kids are given an embroidery assignment. Each year they learn a new technique of how to embroider. Some of the kids love these projects and others it is like pulling teeth to get them to do their assignment.

Well the 5th graders have had a good whole month at least to work on their embroidery projects. Of course none of them were finished . So this weekend they all worked hard to finish. The kids were all busy Friday night drawing their picture or what they were going to embroider on their cloth. Jose got up at 4am this morning to finish. He had it ironed and ready to go by 7:30 when we were out the door for school. 

Ana and Fernando started Friday with very little done but they got theirs done too. Fernando lost I think close to 5 needles through out the course of the month. Every time you asked Fernando to work on his he always said he didn't have a needle. So we gave him a new needle so he didn't have an excuse as not to work. Although we were sure to charge him too for every needle he lost.

 Ana proud of her work.

Cindy finishing up her flower.

Exams again...

The kids are finishing up exams this week for the 3rd grading period. So this week has been lots of studying and no TV. Some are doing well on their exams and others not so well.
The 4th grading period will be very short. They only have a month of classes left. They were told last week by the secretary of education that the last days of school will be the end of October. So summer break is on its way!!!!!!

Honduras Soccer games

There were two big Honduras soccer games and most of the kids were anticipating the BIG games. These games depended if Honduras would qualify for the world cup. Luckily both games were no on school nights. Some of the kids came over to the apartment and Dorian fixed popcorn both nights for the kids. They were up late both nights. Honduras won one game and tied in the other one.

Every time there was a goal I think all of our neighbors heard the kids screams, squeals, and chants!!!
GOOOOOLLLL HONDURAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

happy happy birthday Brayan

We have our first 15 year old boy here at CASA as of Sunday! Brayan really has matured and grown over the years. His anger has gotten A LOT better. Praying for blessings on him and that God continues to mold and use that soft heart of his. He is born to be a leader and I know he will do great things for HIM!!!!!

Independence Parade

September 15th Honduras celebrates their Independence! 

The crowd here in Santa Ana for the parade.

The staff along with the kids have been preparing their uniforms and practicing for the past month. 

Elvia worked hard on getting all of the uniforms out and making sure every detail about their uniforms were ready. I was busy making sure we had all the stuff  that we needed. Had someone make two pairs of pants for two to the girls who had grown and didn't have a good pair that fit. Then I sent another staff member to get ribbon for headbands and then another one went and got odds and ends of things we needed on her day off. Elvia, Denis and Kathy made butterfly wings from scratch and did a great job.

The staff were all very helpful and cooperative with helping to make sure we had every little last detail. Elvia although went over and above. Thursday she made sure all uniforms were out and ironed and all of the details put together. She made sure she explained everything to the kids and Kathy. Kathy would be the one getting them ready Saturday morning so Elvia wanted to make sure that Kathy understood everything. The kids are known to try to trick us adults and change plans. Lucky Kathy knew the game plan and the kids all got ready this morning with out any problems. Daniela lost her socks but that was a small detail. Although she cried and thought that is was in the end of the world.

Nicole got the kids up early this morning. Kathy came to work early too. Between the two of them things went smooth this morning and the kids were out the door about 9. 

Cris (horse), Cindy (red cross, handing out water to those in the parade), Lupe (butterfly), Maryrui (twirler)

Lupe and Katy (butterflies)

All of the kids lined up ready to go. Even Haley got in the picture with her Honduran flag.

Twirlers

Sisi was the leader of this pack!!! She loved every minute of being the one leading the girls. She had her whistle around her neck and put these girls in form. 

Sisi, Reina, Maryuri, and Nohemy

Band 

Ana, Fernando, Jose, and Daniela

Fernando

Jackson, representing the schools soccer team

 Cindy and Korbin

Doris even got to be in the parade!!! She was so proud of herself!!!

Kids Day

Children's Day is a national holiday September 10th! Every year there are huge celebrations. The kids love a day being all about them.
After church Sunday morning there was a 2 hour event for the kids. Pinatas, candy, a clown, food, candy, cake, and games! It was a good time of fellowship with the church.
Then Tuesday was actually children's day. The mayor had a caravan of people parading down the road all morning from school to school. Throwing candy, playing music, giving out ice cream, and crazy clowns. Most of the kids came home with full bellies and bags full of candy. They had an all out party at school.
I am very thankful for the children in my life. All 23 kids and little Korbin! What a blessing they truly are in my life!

Helpers

 Denis is working on a new flower bed. This afternoon a few of the younger kids decided they were going to try to help out. Hauling rocks and dirt!!

 Fernando helping break apart a rock with the pick ax.

Cris shoveling