Drawing inspiration and strength from Mary’s obedience

A Note from the Regional Director of Latin America… 

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for taking the time for welcoming me as the Regional Director of Kids Alive Latin America and as interim Country Director for Kids Alive Guatemala.

It has been a great joy for me to see the work of the staff here, their faithful commitment and love for children, their constant striving toward justice, restoration, and ideal family placements.

Last month we celebrated the birth of our Savior Jesus, the great gift that God gave to humanity. I want to encourage you with this fulfilled promise of God’s faithfulness. In a year when many people around the world have gone through periods of confusion, pain, anxiety, and difficulty, it was extra special to celebrate Emmanuel — God with us.

Recently I have been reflecting on the detail of Jesus’ genealogy in the Gospels. His bloodline is interlaced with the story of God’s grace, redemption, and faithfulness. Many in Jesus’ genealogy weren’t exactly perfect or worthy to be His ancestors, but then I was reminded that God uses our history, redeems it, and uses our life and our past to be a channel of blessing.

Jesus came into this world as a child with a historic genealogy, a history of God’s grace and fidelity to fulfill His promise of restoration and rescue of humanity.

In Jesus’ birth story, I am also captivated by the obedience of Mary. Amidst the multiple implications of that sudden call, Mary’s response, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38) speaks of her deep modeling of obedience. It was not an easy decision, and it had terrible social implications, even to the point of death. But she accepted the call with all its implications to her, her family, and Joseph’s.

That is why her life, ministry, love of God, and the modeling of obedience extol and inspire us even today.

She put God’s plans before her own personal desires, dreams, and plans. God honored her obedience, fulfilled her dreams, and honored her with the privilege of being the mother of our Savior.

Thank you for your obedience to God’s call to serve, support, and help sustain the ministry of Kids Alive Guatemala. In a year like no other, your faithful commitment helped us rescue, redeem, and restore the lives of vulnerable children even during a global pandemic.

I am grateful for your support this past year and into the new year!

Happy New Year and Emmanuel — God with us. Let’s be encouraged in this hope as we welcome 2021!

Vinicio Zuquino
Regional Director of Latin America, serving Kids Alive International in Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Peru

Oasis Highlights for 2020

Achievements 2020

• Implementation of the Basic Education program in Oasis Internal School
• Unlike the last 3 years in the Arquilla program, in 2020 no children were hospitalized for critical illness
• No contagion of COVID within the residential program
• Education: 100% of the girls passed their school grade

Goals 2021

• Extend and implement the changes to the Pre-Independence program within the Oasis residential program, which will begin with girls who turn 15 instead of when they turn 17.
• Strengthen life skills in adolescents girls aged 15 to 17 years.
• Improve the care and service of the nursery by implementing the Montessori system and philosophy in the care of the children.
• Expand the “La Casita” program (children who have been legally separated from their teen mothers), to create more age-appropriate spaces and care for the children.

Click on photo for caption.

It helps to have a friend, especially when you don't know how to tie your shoelace! With the help of Casa Ester's resident nannies, our toddlers are able to receive more individual attention and care.

On December 7, Kids Alive Guatemala had the privilege of hosting the visit by the personnel of Guatemalan Social Services – Secretary Francisco Molina and Sub-Secretary of Protection, Dr. Carlos Gómez. Throughout the visit, we were able to share experiences and challenges, committing to pursue even higher levels of excellence. We are grateful for the partnership with them and look forward to working together in the future.

Vinicio (on the right), regional director Latin America, Kids Alive International, with the Secretary of Social Services, Francisco Molina, during his team's visit to Oasis.

With the school year starting mid-January, the girls at Oasis find ways to enjoy their break by learning new skills like crocheting. But first, Jania* needs to find yarn that she can use. A friend in her house is always available to help her get just the right amount to create her craft of choice and still leave enough for the next project. *Name changed

Karla* works on crocheting a hat. She isn’t quite sure what she will do with it yet, maybe give it to a friend as a gift. *Name changed

Christmas stockings this year contained a special set of cards, reinforcing concepts learned in guided Bible study in 2020. The cards can be used as memory aids, even as a group game!

Afternoon walks turn into natural exploration and learning moments for toddlers when they take a walk with their Oasis nannies. Young ladies from Casa Ester who work at Oasis provide great support in the nursery.

The young ladies in the Pre-Independence Program currently live in a small apartment at Oasis with a part-time house mom. After a long day of working in the kitchen at Oasis, Maria* delivers her evening meal and breakfast as she makes her way to her apartment. *Name changed

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14) Christmas Eve at Oasis was a wonderful time for all of our girls!