Wooly Wednesday: Edwyn

Sweet Edwyn, a quiet reserved soul. You can tell in his eyes he's a thinker. Cautiously observing and waiting for the right moment to jump in the action. The first day our team arrived at Casa Amor we unpacked the infamous rubber band bracelets. After quite some time we noticed a couple of boys were missing from the big group. We discovered Edwyn sitting on top of the covered playset with a huge pile of rubber bands. He had quietly snuck away from the group to make his bracelets in peace and quiet (and he didn't have to share). 

Over the course of the next few days, we watched Edwyn's personality emerge. Not so much shy, but cautious and reserved. He loved to run and play basketball... anything to burn some energy. The second day at Casa Amor we let the kids take over operating the GoPro camera. There we found Edwyn's true passion. He had the camera most of the day, but it wasn't until late that night when we saw the video we knew what all he had done. Sweet Edwyn would position the camera carefully and check and double check its placement. He then would do close-up action shots with all the kids. The day 2 video was definitely my favorite because so much of it was from Edwyn's point of view. Take a couple of minutes and watch the video!

If Edwyn had not found a home at Casa Amor, there is just about no way he would have discovered how much he enjoys being behind a camera making videos and snapping photographs. We don't know what his future might hold, but we do know he will have more options living in a home where his family encourages him to follow his passions and to chase dreams.

Having races with the kids was one of the most fun things our team did while at Casa Amor. Races across the grass. Races to see who could run up the slide (Emily was very persistent). Races to get a ball when it suddenly bounced away. The kids just LOVE to run! As we close in quickly on the No Longer 5K, our thoughts constantly flash back to those sweet faces, running and laughing.  Please join us April 25 as we honor all 19 children who call Casa Amor home. On the morning of the race, 1440 miles away the kids will be immersed in their morning activities and will have no idea what's taking place in Trussville, Alabama. But we know it is a morning that will make a HUGE difference in their lives! We have an exciting morning planned! Fellowship, laughter and running all centered around this precious group of children. There will be an opportunity to get a glimpse into their daily lives as well as how you can be involved in changing their future. We hope you'll join us!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION!

 

-Tracy



 

"Father of orphans, champion of widows, is God in his holy house.

God makes homes for the homeless, leads prisoners to freedom."

Psalm 68:5-6



Wooly Wednesday: Hans

 

Hans arrived on the scene at Casa Amor, along with Richard, on the day of the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration last August. If you will remember, about 100 people were in attendance at the party, so I can only imagine how overwhelming that must have been for Hans. He is a somewhat reserved 11-year-old boy with an even temperament and shy nature, tending to stay on the edge of the crowd or action. He really enjoyed the Rainbow Loom bracelets, coloring sheets, and jumping rope. He had to bite his bottom lip to concentrate while jumping rope and he enjoyed having contests to see who could jump the longest.

No Longer collected as many Crocs as possible to take on the trip with us in January. There were many, many generous donations made of all sizes and colors. I remember a bright hot pink pair showing up in the donation pile and thinking one of the girls would be excited to be given such pretty shoes. One of my favorite trip moments was watching Pastor Altagracia carefully decide which shoes would fit which child best. When it was Hans' turn, he was given the hot pink pair because they were a perfect fit! He was thrilled with his new shoes and didn't even mind the color. He was thankful to have a new pair of shoes that were comfortable and roomy. It was a powerful lesson for us to learn from Hans about the meaning of contentment. I will never forget those hot pink shoes!

 

Hans is a kind boy with a shy smile who has found a loving, safe place to call home. His father is deceased, his mother's whereabouts are unknown, and he has survived tragedies I can't even fathom, but we are thankful there is hope for Hans. Despite all of the bad in his past, he is gaining confidence and learning he is loved and cared for everyday based on the actions of those around him at Casa Amor. If you are interested in a one-time donation or monthly sponsorship, please click here. 100% of all donations made to No Longer are used for the family at Casa Amor.

And don't forget the 5K is in less than three weeks! Click HERE to learn more and register to run!

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