Here we are with more changes yet again. It has been interesting to see how when we are faced with decisions, that God brings choices that can be difficult to make but end up developing growth. In the process of preparing for the boys to move back, we knew that space would be limited since we had more kids than before having the 2 facilities. But it seemed evident from the past 1½ years of the boys being in other locations that the best solution is for them to either be back here or somewhere very close. Otherwise, it was starting to feel like 2 different ministries and with lack of volunteers in the 2nd home, it made coordinating meals, school, transportation and activities more difficult.
Also, the Directors had been faced with making a decision regarding the older kids. When these kids came to Pan de Vida, many were 5-7 years old and before they knew it, they became adults. After graduating, many have been enrolled in the Bachelor of Pedegogy Course, some in vocational school and the older boys started a piñata business. There has always been the idea of a "transition house" being tossed around but nothing ever really developed. But as meetings were held about bringing the boys back, the reality came to be as they thought now is the time for the ideas to come to frutation.
So this past week as the younger boys moved back, 7-8 of the older boys remained in Los Angeles to continue their piñata business and 6 of the older girls that teach in the school at Pan de Vida and take the Bachelor of Pedegogy course, moved into the house that Ira and I rented in a nearby community of Santa Barbara. It is an exciting time of their life but also anxious time. They will now be able to be more independent and work out schedules to juggle home life and teaching but also they will be responsible to pay rent and household expenses. With the encouragement and support of everyone, we feel it will all work out very well for them. When I talk to them, you can see the light within shine brighter. It is a huge step as Pan de Vida goes through growing pains but we know God has His hand in it and this brings us all more peace.
Here are some pictures of the girls transitioning into their new residence. Please continue to pray things will go smoothly and they will find balance of living in a different location.
painting over the graffiti
getting a facelift
loading their belongings at PdV
ready to go
unloading the stuff
now to sort it
some donated furniture
organizing individual rooms
all settled in
feeling more like home
preparing a meal
their 1st meal in the new place
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