Author: Kelly Shank

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22 Jan

Posted on January 22, 2021

We know what can happen when families face extreme poverty. Until international adoptions closed, we connected orphaned and abandoned children with adoptive parents. Often, poverty was one of the factors putting children into our care. We want to preserve families when possible. In 2020, preserving families in San Nicolas meant staying connected, giving towards their needs, and supporting their work. A Snapshot of Hardship In a “good”...

15 Jan

Posted on January 15, 2021

Each of us is living our life story. In our home, we’re helping our children change their storyline every single day because we know they are more than their hardships. We believe in families and it’s our shared vision for the future of Guatemala that cemented our relationship with the community of San Nicolas. Our Shared Vision for the Future of Guatemala Caring for 40 children is...

08 Jan

Posted on January 8, 2021

Our kids love celebrating the holidays. (If we’re being honest, I think some of our staff members love celebrating just as much as our kids!) With everything we’ve faced in the last year, celebrating 2020 as we head into 20212 seemed even more important. We’re big party kind of people—lots of decorations, big cakes, and lots of people. This year, we wanted to keep our big...

01 Jan

Posted on January 1, 2021

2020 is definitely a year we’ll never forget. It was tiring, confusing, scary, but also amazing. Today seems like a good day to reflect on 2020 and remember all the good things that happened at Dorie’s Promise last year. January We welcomed our first two mission teams in the new decade! Each year, Ken Perry and Lisa Ackerman start our mission season with their winter teams. Plus,...

28 Dec

Posted on December 28, 2020

Happy Birthday from Dorie’s Promise! We had to take a little break from our normal birthday celebrations due to quarantine. But, we’re back with more cake and shenanigans! At the end of November, we celebrated all of our October and November birthday kiddos—Carlos, Sofia, Marcos, Myra, Omar, and Estela. 🎂 Carlos From the time he was a toddler, Carlos has been cute and funny. He’s the kind of...

18 Dec

Posted on December 18, 2020

In January, we started the school year with a plan. Each of the kids was matched with the school we felt would serve their needs and interests best. Everyone was excited. Then Friday, March 13th came and our entire education plan fell apart, just like everyone else’s. We learned a lot of lessons from distance learning and now we’re making changes to our 2021 school...

11 Dec

Posted on December 11, 2020

“The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”William Osler Many years ago, we experienced a virus outbreak in our home affecting a large percentage of our children. We vowed to never face a crisis like that again. 2020 tested both our preparedness and our resolve. Thanks to Doc Castro’s relentless pursuit of preventative healthcare, we’re facing the challenges...

04 Dec

Posted on December 4, 2020

Baby Cristopher is home for the holidays with his family! After being with us at Dorie’s Promise for 11 months, we’re excited to share the news of Cristopher’s reunification. Our Part in Cristopher’s Story Last December, we received a call asking us to consider taking in a newborn baby. His case was complicated, as were his medical needs. Luckily, we have Doc Castro and our Special Mothers...

27 Nov

Posted on November 27, 2020

Despite everything we’ve faced in 2020, we have much to be thankful for this year. You may have adjusted how you plan to celebrate with family and friends. More than ever, we want to create meaningful experiences with those we love. Why not give a gift that gives back? 🎁 Still Scouring the Internet for the Perfect Gift? It’s Black Friday and for the first time in...

20 Nov

Posted on November 20, 2020

Thanks! Gracias! You’re the best! We’re so grateful! 🤗 What would we do without you? Thank you from all of us at Forever Changed International. Every year around Thanksgiving and Christmas we try to share our gratitude for everyone in our Forever Changed International family. This year, words seem almost inadequate to describe our appreciation for each of you. The challenges we’ve faced this year make...