Meet the Staff Monday--Cory & Asia

Cory grew up in Georgia and Asia in Missouri. These two met at college in Georgia and married in 2012. They have dedicated the 2013-14 school year to serving here at Casa de Fe.

From Cory--

How long have you lived in Ecuador and/or worked at Casa de Fe?
We have been here since early August 2013.

What did you do before you came here?
I graduated college in December of 2012 and substituted in schools around our area. I coached baseball at the local high school.

Why did you come here?

I came here because I felt an overwhelming peace of God's presence in my life about being here. I had never been out of the country for anything before, so it was a stretch for me. In the end, God really laid it on my heart to leave our comfort zone and be open to his plan--no matter where He might take me.

What is your job/role at Casa de Fe?
My job is teaching PE to all of the school-aged children, and the other half of the day is helping out with construction.

What is your favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at Casa de Fe?
My favorite thing about Ecuador is the slow pace of life, and the opportunities that come up for great conversation and community to begin. In the States, I felt like I was so fast-paced that I missed so many opportunities to pour into people's lives and vice versa.

My favorite thing about Casa de Fe is getting to do PE with the kids and staying active with them. Sometimes I think I must be doing something wrong, or I have the wrong job; because, I get to play games with the kids every day, and I love it!

What is your least favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at Casa de Fe?
My least favorite thing about Ecuador is not knowing the language of the people very well. That's also my least favorite thing about my job at Casa de Fe. I feel like I could have so many good relationships, but the language barrier is a struggle.

How can our readers pray for you?
You can pray that while we are here that we won't just be gearing our time towards training the kids to be "good students", but rather have them understand that we love them and desire for them to be able to succeed later on in life.
Readers can also pray for our marriage, that in difficult times we will not only lean on each other, but that we would rely on God to encourage and strengthen us.


From Asia--

How long have you lived in Ecuador and/or worked at Casa de Fe?

We moved to Ecuador August 11th of this year.

What did you do before you came here?

I taught self-contained special education.

Why did you come here?

I came to Casa two summers ago while in college. I was majoring in special education and wanted to see what a special needs orphanage/home looked like and if it was the direction I thought God was leading me to long-term with the passion he had given to me for children with disabilities. I was never able to shake the deep way that God imprinted each face at Casa on my heart. We came because we love to love on others. My favorite quote/life motto is "The place God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." We know here that our gladness and the needs in Ecuador, specifically at CdF, meet and we feel privileged that God is using us.

What is your job/role at Casa de Fe?

I am currently working in a marketing role in the mornings and teaching and working with the special needs kids in the afternoons.

What is your favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at CdF?

I love knowing that every ounce of knowledge that these kids soak up, whether it's learning English or simply learning to sign yes or no, will empower them. They have the potential to be anything they want to be and to be here even for a moment in their lives is such an awesome experience. 

What is your least favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at CdF?

I wish I knew more Spanish! I took sign language as my foreign language in college and as much as I love it, it's not getting me very far in Ecuador!

How can our readers pray for you?

Pray that we would continually be challenged everyday - as a couple, as friends, as workers, as Christians. Not only to be challenged, but to work through the challenges and grow each day.

Wednesday's Child--Adrian

Meet Adrian.

This little guy is just about a year old. He came to live at Casa de Fe when he was only three-weeks old. Born to a single mother with no extended family support, she felt bringing him to us was her only option. Developmentally, Adrian is on target.

Would you consider becoming his sponsor? For a donation of only $45/month, you can help Casa de Fe provide food, clothing, medical care, an education, and a hope for a bright future. You will receive regular updates about Adrian's progress and development. If you would like to learn more about becoming his sponsor or to sponsor another Casa de Fe child, please click over to the Child Sponsorship program page on our website.

Fundraising Friday--Just Give it Up: UNPLUG!

Did you know that 61% of all US teens spend an average of 20 hours each and every week connected on the internet?!  That is according to a recent study in the March issue of Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The study also reports that 32% spend 40 hours a week online, while 7% spend 50 hours or more.

That’s a lot of screen time, and while the internet surely has some benefits (like connecting with our Casa de Fe supporters), there are definitely drawbacks. Excessive screen time has been linked to ADD, ADHD, as well as depression.

So what in the world does screen time and internet usage have to do with fundraising for Casa de Fe? So glad you asked…

What would a parent, grandparent, relative or friend pay to get a teenager (or adult) to unplug for a set amount of time? Consider organizing a TECHNOLOGY FAST. Have participants gather sponsors that will donate a specific amount of money for each hour spent OFFline. The organizer will need to decide the amount of time to fast—8 hours, 12, 24—and plan alternate activities for the Unplugged time.

So, exactly how will you spend all of that Unplugged time? Here are some ideas:

1.      Play basketball, volleyball, or flag football.

2.      Play mini-golf or ride go-carts.

3.      Bake cookies or a cake.

4.      Go for a walk or run.

5.      Do a service project.

6.      Do a Bible study.

7.      Write a story.

8.      Act out a story.

9.      Paint or draw. Create something.

10.   Memorize Scripture.

11.   Sing a song.

12.   Read a book.

13.   Go for a swim.

14.   Enjoy meals together.

15.   Play board games or cards games.
16. GO DOOR TO DOOR ASKING FOR CASH DONATIONS!

Now, let’s imagine a few scenarios…

10 participants each gather 10 sponsors. Each sponsor pledges $5 for each hour the participant abstains from technology. The fast lasts 12 hours. Each participant collects $60 from each sponsor, for a total of $600. Multiply that by the 10 participants, and you have raised $6000 for Casa de Fe!

OR

10 participants each gather 10 sponsors. Each sponsor pledges $3 for each hour the participant abstains from technology. The fast lasts an entire 24 hours. Each participant collects $72 from each sponsor, for a total of $720. Multiply that by 10 participants, and you have raised $7200 for Casa de Fe!

Obviously, every sponsor will not pledge the exact same amount, and some will want to make a straight out donation. Whatever works.  Every dollar helps Casa de Fe to provide for the needs of the 70+ children currently in our care. 

Don't forget--once your fundraiser is over, mail your tax-deductible donation to CornerStone International, P.O. Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390. Be sure to write "Casa de Fe" in the memo of your check. 

And if you're in Canada, you can write your cheque to our Canadian sending agency, ACCI at: Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives 89 Auriga, Nepean, ON K2E 7Z2 Canada. 

So how about you? Would you fast from technology to raise funds for Casa de Fe? 

Can you think of more activities that don't require screen time?

Wednesday's Child--Jose Luis

Would ya just look at this cutie patootie?

Jose Luis is a precious one year old that came to Casa de Fe when he was only three days old. Born into a poor family with many more mouths to feed child, his parents felt they had no choice but to bring him to Casa de Fe. For the first several weeks, his mother walked to Casa de Fe daily to visit him. She still visits, but there is more time between each one lately.

Jose Luis is a happy and healthy fellow who seems to be progressing at an average pace, but he is not yet walking independently. For a donation of only $45/month, you can help Casa de Fe provide food, clothing, medical care/therapy, an education, and a hope for a bright future. You will receive regular updates about Jose Luis's progress and development. If you would like to learn more about becoming his sponsor or to sponsor another Casa de Fe child, please click over to the Child Sponsorship program page on our website.

Meet the Staff Monday--Renee

Meet our Occupational Therapist, Renee. When her husband was called to serve on the mission field here in Shell, Renee didn't waste any time finding her place of service at Casa de Fe. All the way from the shores of Lake Michigan, this family is committed to serve for as long as the Lord will use them here. 

1. How long have you lived in Ecuador/worked at Casa de Fe?  2 years in Ecuador and at Casa de Fe

2. What did you do before you came here? Studied Spanish for a year in Costa Rica and prior to that worked part time as an Occupational Therapist and full time as mom.

3. Why did you come here? My husband and I felt the Lord leading us to return to Shell after a one month trip in May of 2009. We did not know the plans He had for us - just that we were to return. Although we serve with separate ministries we know that this is our home for now.

4. What is your job/role at Casa de Fe? I work part-time as an Occupational Therapist, which means I get to "play" with the little ones who need a little extra help fitting in with normally developing children.

5. What is your favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at CdF? Absolutely love the kids at CdF. I can't imagine not being a part of their lives and sharing in their triumphs.

6. What is your least favorite thing about Ecuador/your job at CdF? My least favorite thing (and I'm pretty sure this has been mentioned multiple times already) about Ecuador is the number of people who cut in line or push their way in front of you when you are waiting to check out your groceries or ask a question.  My least favorite part of my job is watching the little ones grieve when they are separated from their families.

7. How can our readers pray for you? Pray that I and my family would come to know and love the Lord better each day.

Naomi Needs YOU!

Details of her condition can best be viewed at the link at the bottom of this post, but her picture was so beautiful, I just had to share it. 

All of us here at Casa de Fe appreciate your prayers for a successful surgery and recovery for Naomi. If you would like to donate to the costs of her surgery, please click here.

Wednesday's Child--Evelyn

Meet this week's Wednesday's Child, Evelyn.

Evelyn is 13 years old and in the 9th grade. She came to live at Casa de Fe at the beginning of the year due to difficult circumstances at home. We do not believe that Evelyn has been directly abused, but she has witnessed much abuse in her family. Please pray for her emotional healing.

Evelyn is sweet and kind, with a little bit of silly added in for good measure. If you would like to help us provide food, clothing and an education for Evelyn for only $45/month, please visit the Casa de Fe Child Sponsorship page. At Casa de Fe, we want these kids to have as many positive influences in their lives as possible, so you will also have the opportunity to establish a relationship with Evelyn via email.

Back to School

Thank you to all of our summer teams that brought backpacks, shoes, uniforms and school supplies. Monday, September 3rd, was the first day of back-to-school for the kids at Casa de Fe.

Make your own free picture slideshow

Fundraising Friday--Our Current Needs

Instead of sharing another fundraiser idea with you today, I have decided to share with you more about WHY we need funds raised on our behalf and WHAT we do with the money we're given.

WHY? Why does Casa de Fe ask YOU to support us financially? 
The simple answer is because we must. All of the Americans serving here have raised the funds to support themselves and their families while they are here as serving as missionaries. All of the missionaries are here as...missionaries. People issued a missionary visa are not allowed to participate in any for profit or wage activities. The missionaries serving here have no way, except you, to raise funds while serving here.

Casa de Fe receives NO funds from the Ecuadorian government. The foundation is completely funded by generous donors like you.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THAT MONEY?
Here are just a few of our regular monthly expenses...

Medical Needs:  $  1,520.00 (Regular medical needs, not emergencies or surgeries)
Food/Household:  $  3,550.00 
Salaries/Workers: $21,636.00 (Understand that we employ nearly 50 Ecuadorian employees as caregivers, teachers and construction workers)

Add in maintenance expenses, vehicle costs, and utilities. It doesn't take much to add up. 

We also currently have a special financial need from a surgery and several emergency room visits totaling $12,000. The hospital here in Shell is patient with us and allows us to make small monthly payments, but our hearts long to "let no debt remain outstanding except the debt of love one to another" (Romans 13:8).

No gift is too small. We appreciate all of our supporters and their partnership with us as we attempt to do our best to care for "the least of these" (Matt 25:40). 

A few of the faces that benefit from your generosity!

Mail your tax-deductible donation to CornerStone International, P.O. Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390. Be sure to write "Casa de Fe" in the memo of your check.

And if you're in Canada, you can write your cheque to our Canadian sending agency, ACCI at: Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives 89 Auriga, Nepean, ON K2E 7Z2 Canada.

Wednesday's Child--Joel

Meet this week's Wednesday's child, Joel.

Joel is a sweet 7-year old little boy. He is very energetic, eager to learn and gives the biggest, best hugs around. Joel has been at Casa de Fe for less than a year. From what we understand, Joel was left in the care of grandparents for a very long time. When the grandparents felt they could no longer provide for Joel, they could not locate his mother so they brought him to Casa de Fe.

Would you consider becoming Joel's sponsor? For a donation of only $45/month, you can help Casa de Fe provide food, clothing, medical care, an education, and a hope for a bright future. You will also have the opportunity to correspond with Joel via email. If you would like to learn more about becoming Joel's sponsor or to sponsor another Casa de Fe child, please click over to the Child Sponsorship program page on our website.

Meet the Staff Monday--Jeff & Steph

This week's featured staff members are Jeff and Stephanie. These Bama fans are originally from Mississippi and have already fulfilled 15 months of their original 2-year commitment to Casa de Fe. Married for 19 years, they are parents to Jesse (16), Abi (9, almost 10), Ana Claire (7) and Ainsleigh Grace (4).

Jeff--

Q: How long have you been in Ecuador/worked at Casa de Fe?

A: We moved here on May 19, 2012. 

Q: What did you do before you came here?

A: By trade, I was a plumber for nearly 20 years. By calling, I had been a youth pastor for about 13 years.

Q: Why did you come here?

A: My son, Jesse, and I came on a short-term team in March 2011. I saw what God was doing here, and I saw that Casa de Fe needed help. I began to pray on the plane ride home for God to make a way for my family to move here if this was what He was calling us to.

Q: What is your job/role at Casa de Fe?

A: Maintenance Manager and Team Project Leader. 
As Maintenance Manager, it is my responsibility to keep all of the buildings and appliances maintained in the four buildings on Casa de Fe property. I also help with maintenance at our Casa de Fe missionary staff homes when needed. 
As Team Project Leader, I work with short-term mission teams. I make sure everyone is assigned appropriate tasks for their skills and abilities in an effort to make the most impact for their short time here.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Ecuador/your job?
A: I love the weather, even the rainy days. I love the kids. I love people, our Ecuadorian and missionary staff as well those that travel here on teams.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about Ecuador/your job?
A: About Ecuador: The inconvenience of not being able to get all that I need at one store. And some things have to wait until a team can bring them.
About my job: Again, the inconvenience. It's frustrating to not have the tools or parts that I need to complete a task. I am thankful for the teams that help us by bringing tools and parts when we ask for them.

Q: How can our readers pray for you?
A: Pray that I would always yield my will for His will. Pray that I would reflect Christ in all that I say and do.

Steph--

Q: How long have you been in Ecuador/worked at Casa de Fe?

A: We moved on Ainsleigh's 3rd birthday, May 19, 2012.

Q: What did you do before you came here?

A: I had done lots of things. My main job had always been 'Mommy', but I had also owned a couple of businesses through the years including a daycare and a consignment shop. In the year or so before we moved to Ecuador, I was a full-time stay-at-home mom to our children and foster-mom to a total of 8 foster children (not all at the same time). Looking back, I can see clearly now how God used all of those experiences to prepare me for my work here.

Q: Why did you come here?

A: Jeff and Jesse came to Casa de Fe on a short-term team in March 2011. Jeff came home ready to pack up and go, but I wasn't so sure. Jeff was praying for my heart to change, and eventually the Lord turned my heart toward Casa de Fe. I began to pray that if this was the Lord's will for us that God would break Jeff's heart for this place and have him lead us here as a family. That is exactly what happened.

Q: What is your job/role at Casa de Fe?

A: Donations Coordinator. I communicate with teams and individuals that are planning to travel here about items needed for the foundation. I receive those items, organize their storage and distribute them to the proper departments as needed. I manage the children's wardrobes, and have just spent the past month fitting everyone for school uniforms and school shoes.

Last year, I taught an Enlish-as-a-Second-Language class every day at Casa de Fe school. This year, I will be a substitute teacher for the English classes when needed.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Ecuador/your job?
A: About Ecuador: I like the weather, and the people are generally very friendly. The landscape is breathtaking as well, a constant reminder of a Wonderful Creator God.
About my job: I love seeing smiling faces when I give a new child a wardrobe and she realizes it belongs to her. I love being a part--even a small part--of something so much bigger than myself.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about Ecuador/your job?
A: About Ecuador: I don't mind walking, but the terrain, even the city streets here in Shell, are pretty rough. I also don't like that I can't order things online and have them delivered to my door. Spoiled, I know...
About my job: I am a bit of a perfectionist and often feel that I don't do my job well enough. (If you saw my work space right now, you might agree!) Also, my work space is on the 3rd floor of the Multi-Use Building, so it gets very hot up there. I try to keep a positive attitude by calling it "my sauna"!

Q: How can our readers pray for you?
A: Pray that I will hunger and thirst for Him above all else. It's so easy to get caught up in "working" for the Lord and neglect being still before Him, worshiping Him, enjoying fellowship with Him and being fed from His Word. Pray that I will love like Jesus--with grace and mercy and sacrificially when necessary.

You can read more about the Freemans' experiences in Ecuador at their family blog Life with these Kids.