Wooly Wednesday: Rosie

Rosie is possibly the most friendly presence at Casa Amor with a welcoming smile and an easy-going, uninhibited spirit. She is the kind of friend who makes every person around her believe they are her best friend and the most important person to her. She has a sassy spirit, a contagious laugh, and a huge, dimpled smile. Always up for anything, she enjoyed making bracelets, playing hide and seek, or just running with us when the No Longer team visited! She also liked piggyback rides and giving hugs. Rosie gravitates to the action and makes sure those around her are having a good time. And she is always laughing! I'm not talking about just a quiet giggle, but a full belly laugh! She is affectionate and loving, and by day two of our trip we felt like we had always known her. She is such a special girl!

 

 

Rosie's genuine laughter and her big beautiful smile are a reflection of what she must be feeling on the inside because it would be impossible to fake that kind of joy. On the other hand, it would be naïve to think despite how happy Rosie appears on the outside that she doesn't have bad days, too. She will be celebrating her 11th birthday on Friday, and while we don't know much about her past beyond the basic details, we know the first decade of her life hasn't been easy. But, thankfully, we do know her future! She is thriving at Casa Amor with the mommas who love her, and the secure environment is going to give Rosie the chance to become even more confident. She is safe to "just be a kid," she has space to run and play, and she can act as silly as she wants! We are praying she never loses the inner joy that displays itself when you hear her laugh.

 

For only $45 a month you can help provide the basic needs for orphans by choosing a monthly sponsorship of Casa Amor. For more information about becoming a partner with No Longer, please click here.

"Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God."

James 2:5

Wooly Wednesday: Marianny

Some children are the type to just sit back, take it all in and observe. That describes our Marianny. She has a very quiet and calm personality, and she seems to purposefully blend into her surroundings. She didn’t speak much and was hesitant to join in activities at first, but when she flashes her smile it melts hearts. 

She is the biological sister to Vianny and is very protective of her younger sister. In most pictures, she gravitated to her sisters’ side, maybe to protect or maybe just to comfort herself. One of the youngest members of our team grabbed her hand and taught her how to play hide and seek. She cautiously ran to hide behind the car and wait to surprise everyone. After a few games, she caught on and was excited to play.

The last day we visited, we pulled up to see Marianny sporting the biggest, most colorful hair rollers you have ever seen. She kept them in her hair the entire day and didn’t let a single one fall out. We were hoping we could be present for the unveiling of her curly new 'do, but unfortunately, we had to leave before she made the big reveal. There is no doubt she looked beautiful! 

 

 

 

Very little is known about Marianny's history. Her father has died and her mother is very sick. But, no matter the circumstance, children who land at Casa Amor are coming through tragedy and heartbreak. As much as we want to show happy pictures and give reassurance that the kids are doing well and thriving, the reality of the situation is each of these kids come from a very broken, troubled place. We know in a few years Marianny will reach the age when CONANI (DR child services) will expect her to move on from Casa Amor. We constantly keep our minds on the futures of all these children. Some kind of job skill training will be necessary for them to eventually move on and make a living in the community. As much as we are concerned about their futures, we know it is even more important to stay focused on the “here and now." Their basic needs are being provided: food, clothing, shelter and school. The most important thing the kids need now is to be loved. Loved right where they are in all the brokenness and sadness. We hope to show them the love of Jesus. Sacrificial, unconditional love. This is just the beginning for sweet Marianny and her siblings. Her story has a lot yet to be written and we consider ourselves privileged to be a part of it. 

Through your donations we are able to help children like Marianny in the “here and now” and plan for her future. A bright future full of hopes and dreams. A future where she will know God has a plan and a purpose for her life. Consider partnering with us to ensure children like Marianny receive the care they deserve. For more information about one-time or monthly donations, click here to visit our website.

- Tracy

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"   1 John 3:1

Wooly Wednesday: Junior

 

 

Junior is the life of the party at Casa Amor. As the family clown, he is usually getting into something and seems to enjoy his role as the pesky, little brother. He is both friendly and competitive, and he loves listening to music and playing with phones and cameras. And a pair of sunglasses can keep him entertained for hours! When the team arrived at Casa Amor, Junior immediately began interacting with us and playing with our children. He was completely comfortable holding Lindsey's phone as it played a Taylor Swift song while wearing her sunglasses on his face. Another of Junior's favorite activities with us was playing caballo. The English word for caballo is horse, and he shouted it out loud while riding on the back of whoever would give him a ride. He has a huge smile and really enjoys being in the middle of the action (or on someone's back).

 

The No Longer team hasn't been given any of the details surrounding the first eleven years of Junior's life before he moved to Casa Amor. All we know is the boy we met with the big smile and playful nature, so it's difficult to imagine him having a dark past, but we know he wouldn't be at Casa Amor if his past didn't include some kind of tragedy or trauma. Assuming we have accurate information about his birthdate, he is very small for his age. So small my seven-year-old son is bigger, and we can only assume the cause to be malnutrition. The children living at Casa Amor are given three full meals a day through the generous donations made to No Longer. We are hopeful he, and the other children, will continue to grow through being fed a consistent, well-balanced diet. Food is one of the basic needs you can help provide with a monthly sponsorship or one-time donation, and it is a crucial need for the physical and mental development of the children. If you are interested in being a financial partner with No Longer, click here for more information.

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

1 John 3:18