Let me come right out and say that the House of Hope is not ready for occupancy. Of course, we did not really expect to have all of the work done. Unfortunately, we were not able to get to the point we wanted to be at. Fortunately, our God is still an awesome God! We worked valiantly right up to the fiesta (some not even having showers). A lot of the plumbing that was buried in the concrete had to be replaced which delayed the plumbing work several days. Three sides are completely sided with vinyl. The front is done except for the dormer and some soffit work. (more…)

Saturday was another long day with a few of us heading back to the states. Work continues on the insulation, plumbing, electrical and siding.

Monday we delayed dinner with the girls a few minutes to allow more work to get done. Lunches are being shortened to 30 minutes from an hour. Everyone is working as quickly as possible. The window installation has begun. This has added some problems with the siding crews. (more…)

Tuesday saw another long day at the work site. That night we had a bonding experience – what kind of animal is most like you? We had many laughs!

Wednesday we went back into the girls homes for dinner. One home shared their testimonies back to us! Eight have expressed a desire to be baptized but not all have received signed permission from their families. So far four will be baptized on Tuesday. Tio Juan has been working on the pool getting it ready. The water will be cold! (more…)

Team 2 – Cora’s Party

We had the opportunity on Team 2 to honor Cora for her years of service to Vision for Chile and the Hogar. Cora was very surprised when her daughter, son-in-law and grandson appeared at the worksite! We then had a special Friends and Family Dinner. Cora thought it was to honor her daughter who was the original translator for VfC.
Many of us were able to share “Cora” stories from over the years. One thing we learned is you might not want to loan Cora your car! Also, a few years ago, Cora was riding a horse on the beach when a sea gull spooked the horse. She was thrown over the over the head of the horse. She asked Robbie Fugate(son of Missionaries Bob and Cheryl), Could you please put lip stick on me before the paramedics get here!
VfC relies heavily on Cora’s translations! Thank-you Cora! (more…)

An article was recently published in El Mercurio, a Chilean newspaper in Santiago. While not specifically focusing on the House of Hope, it does a great job of explaining the need for projects just such as this. Please take a look at this translated version of the story.

The flight of the children:

By law, when they reach 18 years of age, the children in the orphanages must leave. But the landing is forced. Many find themselves without a home or pregnant from a man who has fled. With good will and love, some homes and young people have managed to change this destiny.

Written by María Paz Cuevas.

Seated in front of the Family court judge of San Bernardo in December of 2008, Daisy was about to cry. She had turned 18 a few days ago and was in the final stages of closing her case, and according to the Judge she would be thrown out of the Girls- Home in Quillahua on Maipo Island where she had lived since she was 10 years old, the result of mistreatment. (more…)