My sixteen year old daughter and I went to volunteer at Casa de Sion over spring break. We had never been to Guatemala and had heard that it can be dangerous, but after a long chat with Vicki we realized that we could be smart and safe. We arranged for Pedro, the director of the orphanage, to pick us up at the airport in Guatemala City and drive us to the small village of Los Roblos, three hours away. Unfortunately, the orphanage had been shut down by a very corrupt government and had not been re-opened yet, but we still had an incredible trip and were able to help somewhat.

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Pedro was a Godsend! He is fluent in Espanol and English, is known all over the area as a sharp-shooter and carries a 9mm gun with him everywhere, is 6'4" and so friendly and helpful..we could not have managed without him! He is totally dedicated to finding the children who were dispersed all over when the orphanage was closed and getting it re-opened. Apparently he was there when the children were taken, screaming and crying, and promised them he would get them back. This is a man who is true to his word. He travels all over meeting with lawyers, judges etc, in his beat up minivan, as well as over-seeing all the needs at the orph such as building, maintenance etc. He is one person doing the job of many.



It is a 3 hour drive from the airport to Casa de Sion, over rugged mountains, very beautiful. Pedro is also an excellant driver! At one point he took his gun out of his holster and put it on the seat beside him. He said "just in case", although he had not encountered ant banditos in that area. Sophia and I never felt that we were in any danger.



We were happy to arrive and told Pedro we were at his disposal. The task he gave us was daunting and challenging! We were to organize and fold a massive amount of donated childrens' clothing.It seemed that other volunteers had worked on this but never got thru it all. We found suitcases, garbage bags and duffles that had never been un-packed. We worked from morning 'til night for three days straight. Some of the items donated were funny, like a sequined bandeau top for a girl, something we didn't think a Mayan girl would EVER wear! Even though our job wasn't very exciting or interesting we made the best of it, laughed alot, and were committed to getting it done.


We stayed in one of the bedrooms which were equipped with wooden bunk beds and pretty awful mattresses. Alot of the bedding was mildewy so I really can attest to the need for mattresses and bedding. The building wasn't finished being built, I assume for lack of funds. There was no bathroom door, (we pushed a huge shelf unit in front for privacy!), and Pedro was sleeping in a tent in a bedroom upstairs because the roof wasn't finished. We were fine, but bring a deck of cards at least if you go! Also there were no mosquitos or other bugs except for one huge spider in one of the hotels. This may be because it was the dry season, anyway we were happy about it!




The Dalias have intiated a feeding program and tutorial for the very poor village children. Meeting these kids was definately a highlight. At first they were so shy but soon warmed up to us, especially Sophie! They've hired a cook and teacher. The children get a hot meal for lunch where they might have had little or nothing. Vicki is very keen on getting vegies into the kids for necessary nutriton. I noticed that many of them ate everything but the vegies, giving them to the stray dogs. I guess they think vegies are gross just like American kids do! Oh well, hopefully they are getting some nutrition in the broth.
We were very impressed with how hard the kids worked on their studies. Most of them were very attentive and careful with their work. The younger ones trailed Sophie where ever she went. She has the most beautiful, nurturing nature and the kids adored her. We found some chalkboards and chalk that someone had donated and the teacher let the kids draw Kake Atitlan at the end of class. They were very proud of their artwork!

Well, I have lot's more to write but have been at this blog for 2 hours now, for some reason it's very slow, probably because I don't really know how to do it! Please check back to read about some of the other needy people that we are trying to help.

In the meantime, if you want to help raise money, go to www.shoptoearn.net/safehomesforchildren. Here you can shop at all your favorite retailers and the stores will give 2-40% cash back to Safe Homes! This costs you nothing and takes only a second to get to the website you want to shop on thru this internet portal.
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