Our first update

Forgive us for taking so long to provide you with a news update! Our only excuse is... WORK!

Allow us to briefly catch you up-to-date:Because of a very generous donation, we have been able to purchase to property where we are currently housing the boys!
We are so excited to finally have a permanent address, which is...
Casa Hogar "Mi Esperanza"Rio Lerma No. 4Col. Agua Escondida
Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos
Jalisco, MX 45850
Telephone: (376) 762-00-32

We now have 16 boys living in the Hope House and 8 staff working diligently to care for them. The boys are doing well. For the most part they are respectful and eager to please. They are very loving and are eager to receive and give affection. Although in their lives they have faced much hardship they are flourishing!
Most of the boys living at the Hope House are brought to us by DIF (or other governmental agencies); however, some of the boys are from homes where the parents just can't take care of them so they seek help through children's homes like the Hope House.

DANI'S STORY
Dani came to us recently asking if he could live at the Hope House. He has grown up in a rough neighborhood in Chapala and has seen the perils of gang life and surviving on the streets. He is one of 6 boys, none of which are really cared for by their mother. Those of you who live at Lakeside may have seen his little brothers, around 5 years old "working" in the Soriana parking lot. They have all roamed the streets since they were very tiny. Dani stated that if he was going to have a chance in life he had to get out of his current situation. One of his younger brothers already lives with us. Now Dani has been living with us for 3 weeks and is doing GREAT! This week he accompanied Rodney to his family's home and on the return drive, made the following comments.
"You know Rodney, I sleep a lot better now that I am at the Hope House." When Rodney inquired as to why he sleeps better at the Hope House, he said "Because there are not gang members standing on the corner outside my door getting high."
We are excited to provide boys like Dani with a safe home and lifestyle to help give him "Hope for a better future!"

FINANCIAL NEEDS:
Yes, this news posting would not be complete without a plea for help, right? Due to a generous donation we are currently able to keep things running at the Hope House, but that "nest egg" is quickly running out.
As you can imagine it takes a lot to feed, clothe, educate, transport, provide medical attention, protect and house 16 boys. As a matter of fact, on average it takes about $5000, usd a month. Current pledged support for the Hope House is around $1500 a month. Even the smallest amount makes a difference! Please prayerfully consider becoming a committed monthly financial supporter for the boys living at the Hope House.
PROJECTS:
If you are interested in helping meet one of the following needs please contact us for specific details.
Aljibe- (water holding tank)- Water only arrives to the boy's home 2 times a week. The current holding tank has a huge leak and is in need of being rebuilt.
Electrical Wiring_ The entire house is on 1 (one) circuit. It is essential that the house be separated into several circuits so that the needed appliances can work without throwing the breaker.
Additional land- Government inspection stated they would like to see more room for playing. We would also like to use this land for gardening and workshops for the boys to learn trade skills.
Staff Housing- The house has only 3 bedrooms, although they are large, there is certainly a need for live in staff to have a place to "hang their hat".
3 new water saving toilets and installation. (helping extend the life of the water that quickly runs out.
Office- Currently our office is located in the middle of the living room. Not exactly the best location for privacy and security of sensitive information.
Extended wall- the current security wall can be scaled by someone who really desires to climb it. It's height needs to be increased to insure the boys safety.
HOUSE/OFFICE NEEDS:
20 Heavy duty blankets for the boy's and staff's beds. Yes, it does get cold here in Mexico!Microwave (after electricity is repaired)And various other kitchen supplies including but not limited to: Blender, mixer, & large capacity pressure cooker
Food: Milk, Sugar and Meat
B&W or Color Laser printerink for printer/copier and scannerphoto copy paper
STAFF:Driver/Night Counselor Position:
Suggested Requirements:
must be 18 or older (single male preferable)
American or Canadian national and driver's license holder (in good standing)experience driving a 15 passenger van or large vehicle
Some basic Spanish (would be helpful, but is not required)
Ability to be a positive Christian role model for the boys
2 recommendations from a personal mentor (one has to be from a pastor)
Willing to serve 3 months or more on the mission field
Willing to raise personal financial support for time of service
*Current driver/night counselor returns to the States in early December 2008.
(Please write or call if you or someone you know is interested in this position.)