What would we do without Doc Castro? He cares for our kids, makes us laugh, and brings us good coffee. Today, Doc is sharing an update about the COVID-19 pandemic in Guatemala and how he’s protecting our home. Q: How has COVID-19 affected Guatemala? I first learned about COVID-19 early in January. Soon afterward we understood how contagious it was. On March 13th, Guatemala discovered its first case,...
Over the last week, we’ve confronted an unsettling reality—life feels like it’s both standing still and moving forward at the same time. Every day, our Special Mothers and teachers adjust our routines based on new information. Meanwhile, our administrative staff continues to evaluate what might be ahead without the benefit of definitive answers to some of our biggest questions. It’s too soon for any of...
According to the calendar, we should be readying our home to host a team from Michigan tomorrow. Unfortunately, the global pandemic has completely altered every aspect of life for all of us. Most importantly, our children and the staff of Dorie’s Promise are safe at this time. Like you, our lives have changed dramatically in a matter of days and we are discovering a new...
Three years ago, our staff walked into the mayor’s office in Palencia with big ideas and an ambitious timeline. Fresh off the completion of a school construction project in Santa Elena, we were excited to collaborate with the municipality again on another school. Within a few hours, ideas were shared and potential sites were visited. Eventually, we decided to help build a school in Paraiso....
In less than 4 months, our busy summer mission trip season begins. Quite possibly, you are one of the people eagerly preparing to visit Dorie’s Promise Guatemala. To help you, we surveyed several seasoned trip leaders and compiled their top tips to help you prepare before visiting Guatemala. Connect before you travel If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as part of a larger group, we...
Everyone at Dorie’s Promise plays an important part in the lives of our children. Not surprisingly, our Special Mothers often form the tightest bonds with our kids. For as long as many of us can remember, Mama Nohemi and Mama Candida have given the best of themselves to our children—2 Special Mothers, 30 years of love and dedication. A few months ago, we celebrated both...
Just a few weeks ago, our kids started a new school year. Here in Guatemala, our school year runs from the middle of January until about the end of October. Our Guatemala summer, aka dry season, begins just as school ends for the year, giving us great weather for the kids’ school break and the Christmas holiday. Soccer rules Anyone who has ever visited our home,...
It’s Back-to-School time for the kids at Dorie’s Promise! This year we have 37 kids heading to 5 different private schools and our local public school. That’s a lot of lunches to pack, miles to drive, and homework to do. New schools for the new year The morning school runs are gonna look a little different this year for Oscar and Abel. Elizabeth, Sofía, and Estela will all be starting school for...
With heavy hearts, we share the news of Jan Beazely’s passing. As the mother of Forever Changed International’s founder, Heather Radu, and mother-in-law of our Missions Director, Naomi Beazely, she was one of FCI’s most ardent supporters. Jan’s influence on our organization cannot be understated. Her lifelong friendship with our namesake, Dorie Van Stone, is the reason we exist today. Jan was one of Dorie’s dearest friends, and...
A lot can change in 10 years. We’re loving all the pictures our friends are sharing for the 2020 #decadechallenge, so we’re jumping in as well! Dorie’s Promise in 2010 Ten years ago, Dorie’s Promise as we know it today was in its infancy. Quite literally, our organization was wading through a major restructure AND our home was full of small children. For more than a year, Heather and...