Rio Dulce June 2009
Dear Friends,
I would like to start this
newsletter on a positive note. We are in the process of building a
children’s theatre in Rio Dulce, despite all the assaults we face
daily.
The declining world economy and
the H1N1 virus have descended on us and are making our already difficult
situation even worse. People are traveling less and that has taken a
toll on the business at the Backpackers Hotel. Donations and
sponsorships are steadily decreasing, but hope and children’s laughter
always prevail in our home.
To that end, I want to share
with you the exciting news our children’s theatre. A group of twenty
five children have been working very hard to put on a presentation of
“The Lion King”. One of our Australian volunteers was planning on
bringing the body paint with her, but to be sure they make it on time
for the opening show on June 18th, she mailed them.
We then had a problem with the
lycras. It has been challenging to find the right colors and lengths.
Then there is always the issue of expense. So we have settled for the
short lycras. The wooden stage is covered with rugs donated from
Spain. Jorge, a Spanish volunteer has taken charge of this project. He
is a professional and perfectionist and the children just love it. The
show will be filmed and downloaded on YouTube, details to follow.
More good news, the young women
from the neighboring Indian villages are being trained by a teacher in
Casa Guatemala to do beaded crafts and to make crochet belts. This nice
project is supported by Diane Nesselhuf from “Sharing the Dreams”. It
will enable young women in the community to sell their crafts to the
tourists who we hope will return soon. Finally with the help of two
groups from Canada and Colorado, we are constructing a gathering hall,
and two classrooms. These new additions are already up and running and
the children have been involved in the construction of these buildings.
It is an opportunity for the children to help build their home while
learning about construction at the same time. If we continue to
survive and thrive here in Guatemala, it is because of the hundreds and
hundreds of helping hands who have reached out and shared their
expertise, their time and the financial support.
Thank you for continuing to
provide our children with a safe, nurturing environment. They may not
know you personally, but they are secure in their belief that there are
people who care about them.
Please visit our
www.casa-guatemala.org and send your contribution using PayPal or
Google option, but if you prefer to send your aid direct to our bank in
Guatemala, here are the instructions. Remember us in your prayers.
Thank you very much for your interest
and support.
| Intermediary Bank |
Bank Of America, N.A. |
| Address |
Bank Of America, N.A.
100 West 33rd Street
New York
New York 10001
USA |
| ABA |
025009593 |
| SWIFT |
BOFAUS3N |
| Beneficiary's Bank |
Banco G & T Continental S.A
Guatemala City
6 Avenida 9-08 Zona 09
Guatemala
Centro America+502 23386801 / +502 233868688 |
| SWIFT |
GTCOGTGC |
| Account |
00-0125093-5 |
| Beneficiary's Name |
Asociacion Casa Guatemala |
I would like to add that we have
volunteers worldwide who continually contribute their time and
expertise. Claudine in South Africa is working on our Web page, Simon
in London is working with sections of the Web, and Fernando in Spain is
developing a new accounting program. We would like to encourage you to
send in your donations in before July 31 st, 2009, as we have a dollar
for dollar matching donation by Mr. Lennox McNeely of $40,000 dollars.
In order to receive this gift we have to receive donations of the same
amount. Hope we can count on you!
Love you
Angie
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