Staff ministering to staff as well as kids!

While we’ve struggled through the day-to-day challenges that this pandemic has brought, we have clearly seen God’s provision and protection for our children and house parents at Ark Constanza. Along with that, we’ve also witnessed the strength of our national colleagues and missionaries.

Working collaboratively, we’ve stayed safe from illness by enforcing strict quarantining of children and house parents within the campus walls and ensuring those delivering food and other essentials also follow strict protocols.

In this time together, children and workers have grown spiritually and in their love for each other while enjoying special group activities and strengthening bonds with their extended campus families.

Many of our missionaries and national staff have contributed sacrificially during the pandemic by taking on additional responsibilities including organizing special activities, teaching health and safety precautions, and volunteering to live several weeks inside the residential program as substitute parents. This recent “sacrifice” allowed our house parents to take a much needed two-week vacation in a secluded mountain home after 12-consecutive weeks on site.

These amazing house parents and their children finally had a two-week vacation after being cooped up for three months of 24/7 in the Ark. They enjoyed the gift of a generous donor – a big house in the mountains, special meals, and fun trips to a nearby river.

Pool time! Behind this casual scene is a list of rules and protocols that ensure everyone's safety. Director Kasandra diligently created schedules, policies, and trained everyone.

With salons shut, Director Fred seeks Alicia’s* help to try out a new style! The pandemic-imposed restrictions have helped deepen and strengthen relationships. (*Name changed)

Twister is among the most popular of the quarantine family games!

Checking through closets to take stock - a grateful reminder of our faithful donors who've donated clothing in the past.

Nurse Carla works tirelessly to stay on top of new information, stock up on medical supplies, and write protocols specific to Ark Constanza.

Who'd have thought getting locked down on the campus would open new opportunities? Our older youth have blossomed into maintenance helpers and have done an amazing job.

Jumping for joy! No school means it’s okay to let our hair down some! Veronica* and her peers took a survey developed by the directors to gauge the children's well-being. Most reported feeling safe and secure. (*Name changed)

The older boys learn carpentry skills. The pandemic-imposed lockdown has created new growth opportunities.

Sewn by one of the local pastors, these new masks are in vogue! Watching videos created by nutritionist Taylor (putting her public health and newly-found acting skills to use!), the kids are learning how to use masks safely.

Pet bunnies have been a fun distraction during the lockdown.

Girls' pool time! It has been surprisingly hot here this spring and summer so the cool water has been a blessing!

A generous friend came by and gifted bags of strawberries. Constanza, 4000 feet above sea level, is one of the rare places in the country that grows strawberries.

Director Kasandra O’Brien takes time to bond with Tomas*, building connections that often result in healing conversations. (*Name changed)

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