In June, the Constanza School in the Dominican Republic hosted Kids Alive’s inaugural Neurofeedback training session. Drs. Lanier, David Fly, and their team from Fly Family Therapy and Neurotherapy in Virginia donated their time, resources, and expertise to instruct fourteen KA employees and missionaries. Thanks to this team, KA programs in Peru, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic will use neurofeedback as part of their care plans for children with challenging symptoms. Neurofeedback can address various brain dysregulation problems, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, behavior disorders, learning difficulties, and sleep issues. Many at-risk and traumatized children suffer these conditions and will benefit from the therapy.

Here’s how it works.

Neurofeedback therapy specialists strategically place brainwave monitoring activity sensors on the scalp according to symptoms. A computer interface gives the child feedback, showing their subconscious brainwave frequencies on screen.

Eventually, through gaming-like interaction, the child trains their brain to prefer specific frequencies that make them feel calmer. As a result, the nervous system becomes more regulated, and negative symptoms reduce. A Kids Alive residential program psychologist boasted,

“I don’t have words to express how wonderful this training was. From the commitment of Dr. Fly’s team, their amazing ability to teach to the incredible benefits of neurofeedback, every second was worthwhile. The benefits this will bring to the ministry will be magnificent.”

Each participating country was gifted a neurofeedback therapy system and set up so they could apply it immediately. Plus, they will continue receiving weekly supervision from Dr. Fly’s team. We are thankful for them and God’s provision of the latest and greatest ways to support the children in our ministry.

Baptisms

"We were  buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as  Christ was raised from the dead by  the glory of the Father, we too might walk in  newness of life."(Romans 6:4)

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

These truths are lived out every day for those of us who are Christ’s followers, and specifically, we had the opportunity to celebrate the new life of ten girls who chose to participate in baptism from La Arquilla, Oasis, and Casa Ester. Due to restrictions, we did not go to the pools this time; we were on campus and still had a fantastic time.

Teams collaborated to make the day happen, from maintenance setting up the pool to administration planning and preparing picnic lunch, and the girls leading in music. Singing was boisterous, and before praying over the girls, Pastor Libny shared reminders about the meaning of baptism, the symbol we were going to witness, and in which many would participate.

Some of the girls lined up at the edge of the pool were emotional with tears in their eyes; others were bold, smiles shining brightly. Each girl, after a sharp inhale because of chilly water, declared that she had chosen to follow Jesus – God who rescues and saves and who has given her new life to walk in obedience to Him. Then, before being submerged and lifted out of the water, she spoke her identity — who and how she now stands before God: Daughter, Chosen, Powerful, Clean, and a piece of Art.

Friends, housemates, caregivers, and staff cheered! We observe baptism publicly and rejoice together because while each story is unique in its pain, and in its freedom, we are brought into a family, we are a body, and we grow together. After the service, everyone enjoyed games and challenges put on by the house moms and a properly soaking splash day before the rains came down.

Laughter, truth, and hope defined the day.May we continue to walk in newness of life.

A note from Corbey

‍As Guatemala enters its fourth month of lockdowns, the country is feeling the effects. White flags are prominently being waved by families signifying they have no food. The government is overwhelmed trying to meet the needs of unemployed people. The health care system is overwhelmed by the number of COVID-19 illnesses.But Kids Alive Guatemala is not overwhelmed. Our staff have done a remarkable job meeting needs, adjusting to changes, and lessening the impact on our children and families. We also are working hard to be ready as the country re-emerges to be ready to serve as an influencer for positive change.

Even in the midst of shutdowns and being trapped on campus, we celebrated the decision of ten young ladies in our program to be baptized. It was the first Oasis/Casa Ester baptism without me as I am stuck in the US waiting for the Guatemalan border to open. Even within that, there is a blessing as I can see how our Spiritual Development team has grown. It has shown me that the Holy Spirit is at work and that it is not just about any one individual.We are grateful to our supporters and look forward to the days when we can see you in person — whether in the US or when you can return to Guatemala.

God's Peace,

Corbey Dukes, President, Kids Alive International

A baptism at Oasis is a special event that brings our girls, young women, and their children together to celebrate the commitment of each individual as they invite Jesus into their lives.

From the Country Director's Desk

Wow, what a year! I want to thank our team – staff, and supporters! In addition to the “normal” great things that happen at Source of Hope, Oasis, Arquilla, Casa Ester and Families Together, this year Kids Alive Guatemala accomplished the following:

• 12 students graduated from Source of Hope, all achieving a higher level of education (completing 9th grade) than their parents
• 10 alumnae of Source of Hope graduated from high school to join university
• Provided scholarships to three Source of Hope graduates
• Opened an on-campus home for babies of Arquilla girls being placed for adoption
• Opened an on-campus home for girls at Oasis to help with the transition to Casa Ester "independence program"
• Launched Estercitas program at Casa Ester for young women with disabilities
• Leased to buy land for expanding work at Casa Ester – which is reaching its capacity with 24 young girls and women
• Succeeded in getting the first two convictions that sent perpetrators to over 20 years in prison sentences
• Launched “Your Compass,” a community outreach program in Escuintla to raise awareness of sexual abuse in churches, schools, and other organizations
• Two teen moms with their babies placed into foster families
• 27 girls and young women at Arquilla, Oasis, and Casa Ester were baptized
• Recognized by the Supreme Court of Guatemala for our contribution to the Child Protection System
• Relocated a family to Peru for their personal safety
• Launched a 2-day training program to share all we have learned in Oasis, Arquilla, and Families Together that has been attended by 21 local and regional organizations and the following Kids Alive offices – Kids Alive International, Peru, Dominican Republic, Kenya, and Zambia

Whew. It was nice to have a breather during the holidays and we are excited about 2020!

God's Peace,

Corbey Dukes

Guatemala Country Director

Kids Alive International

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