The last Friday of each month we have a big party at Dorie’s Promise. Balloons and streamers hang from the pergola in our backyard. Our kids fill the tables. We sing. We eat cake. Most importantly, we celebrate birthdays together as one big family. Today, we’re sending you birthday updates and blessings from Dorie’s Promise. Thankfully, our family birthday parties have continued with only a few...
The last few months have been difficult for all of us. Most of us aren’t accustomed to the uncertainty and lack of control we’ve experienced. Imagine what it feels like for children, especially children who have already overcome traumatic experiences. We’re committed to healthy, happy kids even during times of stress. This week, we’re hearing from our mental health program coordinator, Ana-Maria. Describe your work at Dorie’s Promise. I am in...
Over the last two months, the COVID-19 pandemic solidified our mission and reinforced the importance of our Dorie’s Promise community. Providing the best care possible to our children will always be our priority, but without faithful supporters like you who also love our children, our home wouldn’t exist. Our children at Dorie’s Promise need you more than ever. Our Team in Guatemala Most importantly, we are pleased to report that all...
Life looks very different lately at Dorie’s Promise, but with 40 kids something fun or funny is always happening. Here’s your weekly dose of laughter and smiles straight from Dorie’s Promise. We make learning fun! Recently, we shared about how our teachers have adapted to distance learning. Managing everyone’s schedule is quite a challenge, but Lucky and Jenny make it look easy and fun. Our younger...
Less than an hour after clearing customs, I walked into Dorie’s Promise. From the nurse’s room, the quiet cry of a baby drew my attention. There aren’t many babies at Dorie’s Promise anymore so this little cry was like a beacon for my baby-loving heart. Within minutes, I fell in love with baby Christopher, his thick black hair, and tight grip on my finger. Over the next few days, the reality...
Just like your kids, our kids have all switched to distance learning. Needless to say, it was a big adjustment in our home. Thankfully, Lucky and Jenny, our teachers, are doing an amazing job transforming their classrooms and organizing everyone’s schedules. Today, we’re sharing our recent conversation with Lucky and Jenny. Remember, some superheroes don’t wear capes – they teach! Our children are divided into two...
Please note, Monica’s quinceañera was held earlier this year before any COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in the United States or Guatemala. Family—it’s what every child wants, especially children in the family court and foster care systems. Everything we do at Dorie’s Promise focuses on creating a home where kids feel like members of a healthy, loving family. In February, Monica’s quinceañera was a celebration of...
There are moments when our purpose becomes clear. This is one of those moments. For Dorie’s Promise, our primary purpose is to transform the lives of children in our home. At the same time, we’re called to serve and support those who are changing lives and empowering families in Guatemala. Even now, our Community Outreach Director Bertha remains connected to needs outside our home. This week, we’re offering two very...
Completely reconfiguring our daily routines and wading through an ever-changing onslaught of information about a pandemic isn’t how we expected to celebrate Holy Week 2020. This is not a normal year, but we are determined not to lose the hope of Holy Week. Good Friday is coming. The promise of Easter remains. This year, we’re inviting you to celebrate the goodness of Good Friday online...
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,...