On Friday of our week in Guatemala, our team spent the day with the orphans at House of Hope orphanage. The orphanage is a labor of love created by my good friends Diane and Justin Herman in honor of their daughter Hope who died of Leukemia in 2008. 

Photo courtesy of Larry Renner

House of Hope is the most impressive realization of a dream I have ever witnessed. Complete with schoolhouse, hen house, organic garden, swings and adorable cribs - these children are blessed beyond measure to be in the care of these incredible Christians.

These children have had experiences that are unimaginable and so incredibly sad. However, being at House of Hope was a joyous time filled with love, giggles and a feeling of family.

Here is the story of each child.

Chayo (2) and Amado (4)

Chayo and Amado were abandoned by their mother at the doors of House of Hope. They arrived malnourished and neglected. Chayo was very unruly and violent when she arrived and the team at HOH couldn't figure out why. Finally it was discovered that she is almost totally deaf. Our team member Rebecca was very taken by Chayo and within 2 weeks of returning home to Atlanta, Rebecca raised over $30,000 for a cochlear implant for Chayo!  God is so good! In the meantime, the team is teaching Chayo sign language and Amado is ruling the roost over all the other little boys. He is small and in charge!

Photo by CatMax Photography

Beberlyn (8), Sol (5) and Chino (3)

These sisters and their brother were the first children at House of Hope. Their dad walked out and the children were living with their mom in a single mother’s home. Sadly, one day she just did not come home. The kids were left abandoned so the authorities were called. They were very sad and frightened when they walked up the driveway. Beberlyn, Sol and Chino have flourished at House of Hope. The girls are enrolled in a very good private school and are learning English. They are all very outgoing and have the greatest smiles. Both of the girls were really helpful and patient with Chayo (who can be quite challenging). 

Joann brought all the little girls baby dolls and bottles. They were thrilled!

Photo of girls by CatMax Photography

Photo of Chino by Larry Renner

Ivan (2)

Ivan was raised in a brothel and got caught up in an extortion case. He was severely abused and neglected. His hair was falling out and his skin was yellow when he came to HOH. Through a lot of love and tenderness, he is now coming out of his shell and beginning to speak. His smile will melt your heart!

Photo by CatMax Photography 

Walter (3)

Walter was living with his mom but she died 3 months ago. His dad was shot while his mother was pregnant with him. He was living in the dump the last few months with his Grandma, but she is homeless and cannot take care of him. When he came to HOH, all 20 of his teeth were rotten to the bone. Diane took Walter to numerous doctors and he had massive surgery on his teeth. We were there the day after the surgery. His mouth was swollen and full of stitches and he could only eat ice cream. Yet there he was pulling the new reg wagon and trying to play with the boys. What a trooper!

Photo by Larry Renner

Leslie (1)

Leslie was taken away from her mother due to neglect and abuse. She is developmentally delayed but getting stronger every day. Justin has already called dibs on Leslie - they have a very special connection:)

Photo by CatMax Photography 

Angel (7 months)

Angel was simply given up by his mother who was unable to care for him. As is the case many times, little else is known about the history of an orphan. What we do know is that he is very sweet and loves to cuddle!

This is Angel with my husband Mike. 

Photo by Kelly Kole

Mario Josue (3 months)

Mario was abandoned at birth at the hospital. At a follow up court hearing, no one returned to claim him. He is a lucky boy to have found a home at House of Hope filled with people who love him.

Photo by CatMax Photography 

Maritza (3 weeks)

Like Mario, this sweet tiny baby was also left abandoned at the hospital. My friend Kaki tried to put her in her backpack to take her home to the U.S. (I have a photo to prove it) but unfortunately the adoption borders in Guatemala are closed. For this reason, these children could possibly be "lifers" at House of Hope which is perfectly fine with the Hermans who plan to love, educate and nurture these children for a very long time. 

Photo by CatMax Photography

Ashley (1) 

Ashley just arrived 2 days ago to House of Hope so I don't have a photo of her. She is the product of a rape of a (14) year old girl.

School is now in session at the little red schoolhouse at House of Hope. The hens are laying organic eggs for breakfast every morning, the garden is full of vegetables and the new sandbox and swing set are joyful places. House of Hope is a place where miracles are happening. 

If you would like to donate to House of Hope or sponsor a specific child whose story I have shared, please click HERE. You an also follow them on Facebook HERE.

House of Hope is a partner with Catalyst Resources International who is my sponsor for all of our trips. You can also donate to House of Hope thru CRI and designate funds to House of Hope in the memo.

Follow CRI on Facebook HERE.

I will be returning to Guatemala in December to kiss all of these cherubs on the cheeks. Stay tuned for an update then!

Blessings,

Kelly