Girls Rule in Canete

LOU
It is good to write and report the beginning of a new year for Common Hope. The first activity was a camp in Canete with the children ages 7 – 12 years.

We choose these through their report cards from school. There were 20 in this age range. They had a good time the whole week.I think camp is a good motivation for the children to earn good grades in school. JANIS
How quickly the time passes! This is the third year we have been able to send children to summer camp.I think requiring the children to provide a report card showing good grades in school is a great way to motivate them to take their education seriously. In a small way, they are learning that education produces opportunity and opens new doors for them. I hope we can continue to connect that idea for them. LOU
It is incredible like you say that time has passed. The children began to understand that their grades will be what will open doors or in other words education is important in their lives so they can achieve their goals.I was very happy seeing their faces of satisfaction on achieving their goals of the 20 chosen. It was exciting. Besides the camp organization for the Palabra de Vida in Canete already knows us. They have made it easy for us to go and we have a good relationship with them. God has been good with the kids. JANIS
Yes, God has been good. We were uncertain about the camp 4 years ago, but there have been so positive benefits to the experience. And, it is good to have the support of a Peruvian partner like Palabra de Vida Camp as we try to offer both something to deepen their spiritual lives but also give them the opportunity to leave the poor zone and have fun. LOU
Yes many of them don’t leave this area that lacks many things. Pero they are able to have an idea that a world exists further outside of San Genaro. To have them there en camp and to see them participate with other kids from other areas in Lima and Ica gives them a chance to relate with them. There they sand, acted, developed choreographies, practiced soccer, volleyball, basketball and swam besides having a time to pray. JANIS
Many times we take so much for granted. Living in poverty creates a small world in which many things are absent that help us connect to a larger life.With only basic needs met (if that occurs) these children don’t have the luxury of a trip to a museum, an opportunity to travel or listen to their parents read a book to them at night. The family’s life requires all its effort to eat, find work and provide a physical shelter for the family. A week away from all the struggle of daily living is probably like going to heaven! LOU
A week away from home relieves all the stress. And I imagine that they have had this during the entire year.A week away from their normal location relieves stress. And I imagine that they had looked forward to this all year. I know of a teenager that went to the camp last year. She didn’t have good grades at the beginning of the year in 2009 pero she committed herself and did what was necessary to go to camp. There is another case of Sonia Escalente who is one of my students in Sunday School. I had told that the she had to present to me her grades before she could go, but Sonia was honest with me and said that she didn’t have it that she had lost it.I told her “you can’t go because you don’t have your grade report” but in my heart I heard “take her”. I said to her “you don’t have your grade report but I feel that you must go to camp so prepare your things and you can go.” Sonia was happy.

During the week of camp she participated in sports and the Bible studies. At the end of camp, she accepted Christ, won a medal for being the best in soccer and besides that she won a scholarship for being the best girl camper and will be able to attend free next year.

She was happy and at first impression I didn’t think that a person from El Buen Pastor would win the scholarship but God is bigger because he put this feeling in my heart because Sonia not only won the scholarship but also won the best that a human can win which is salvation. JANIS
That’s the kind of news I like to hear. What we’re offering is valuable to them in a way they don’t quite understand.

It was important enough to study so she could be a part of the group. Tell me about your activities? Any favorites? LOU
In February we will have summer classes for the children like Spanish, math, English and handcrafts.

We will also have trips to the beach, short walks, play soccer and volleyball. I believe it will be a entertaining time during February.JANIS
It sounds like a great summer for the kids. And, it is good to know that little by little we can see the impact of the activities and all the work done to improve their lives.