Casa Bernabe, House of Comfort

 

Here we are at the end of another year, and what a year it has been for me. Having spent the month here in Guatemala, I have seen the daily dedication of people who so freely give their time and lives to nurture and care for children. Set up in homes with 16 children in each, house parents raise these kids in a loving environment, giving them as much of a normal family life as possible. The baby house is no exception, and the carers there, are devoted to the needs the children have. It has been a rewarding experience working alongside these people, despite the language barrier. And the babies themselves, have touched a special place in my heart with their smiles, laughter and unconditional affection. This is a well organized functioning orphanage that meets the needs of both orphaned and at risk children and families wanting to adopt. The large market garden feeds not only the Casa, but also neighbouring villages. 

Christmas was a festive time with traditional tamales, visits from Santa and other organisations bringing gifts and pinatas, lights decorating and lighting up the casas, and lots of fireworks!!

It is with tears I leave this place, will I return? Who knows?

Casa de los Angelitos

a special wee lad nearly three years old

riding bikes flintstone style

the grandes eating table

breakfast time

the little girl who stole my heart

Christmas ... a new bulldozer



Christmas Eve Dinner altogether

Casa Bernabe Campus

Christmas Eve tamales

a visit from Santa

happy babies

so cute

bonbon's at Christmas time

Pinata time with the chicas

pinanta time with the chicos

Casa Bernabe playground

cuddles with my three year old friend

Santa giving presents to both young and older children

my angel

playground antics

one of our favourite playtime activities

market garden

 

Visiting Southern USA

I had the opportunity to explore some other parts of the United States.  The state of Nevada with Las Vegas and Cirque du Soleil, the state of Arizona with the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, the state of Texas with San Antonio and the Alamo and the state of Florida with Epcot and Seaworld theme parks, Miami Beach, Key West and the Everglades.  A busy time, lots of ground covered and sights seen.  Some things cannot really be captured by photo, like the Grand Canyon, and the vistas seen across the Key waterways, although I gave it a go!  I have been surprised at how Spanish seems to be the main language spoken in Southern states I have visited.  Have I learnt any …  no not really …. probably about to get a crash course in Guatemala where I leave to help with the babies in Casa Bernabe Orphanage.  

Farewell USA (for now) Hola Guatemala

 

Dolphin Show at SeaWorld, Orlando

Epcot Spaceship Earth, Orlando

Everglades National Park,  Miami

Illumination Show, Epcot, Orlando

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park



Off Keys West, Florida

Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

Sunset at Grand Canyon

The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas