For the least of these...

Not everyone is a 'kid' person. I didn't even consider myself a 'kid' person until a certain group of beautiful children halfway across the world stole my heart. Now it's hard to go through an entire day without thinking of one of them, or a funny story from my time in Bolivia. Sadly, however, it's often hard to think of the funny, or the adorable without also thinking of the heartbreaking and the devastating lives that these kids have had.
So over the next few weeks as I prepare my heart to go back to Bolivia, I'm going to be praying for my children, one by one, and I ask that you pray with me. It is my greatest desire that these children will each never have to suffer any more devastating pain or torment and that wherever ever they end up that they will remember the lessons that Casa de Amor has worked so hard to teach them, about God's love and forgiveness.

Today, please pray with me for this precious young man, "A". (Due to some CDA policies, we're not able to publish names with pictures)

 Due to paperwork delays, failed adoption attempts, and a number of other heartbreaking reasons, this soon to be 9 year old has been at CDA longer then any other child.

 I cling to the hope and knowledge that God has a plan for his life, an amazing future that I can't even imagine for him.

 While I was in Coch, I was able to observe this spunky character at his best and his worst. He can be a fun loving, creative, playful child, as well as having his moments of being a bit more difficult!

 It has been hard for him over the years, watching other kids come and go, getting to meet their new parents and begin their lives. Because of this he can be a handful. He has trouble connecting with new volunteers, understandably seeing them as just someone else who is free to come and go, entering his life and then leaving.

 So here's what I'll ask you to pray for:

1. Pray that everyday he spends under the care of the CDA staff is a chance for him to grow in character, in wisdom as well as in stature. Pray that the Tia's and volunteers will administer lessons, discipline and love with knowledge and in accordance to scripture.

2. Pray that he will not become hardened by the rough life that he has had, but that he will flourish into a strong man of God.

 3. Pray for his parents. Whoever and wherever they may be, pray that God may soften their hearts toward the idea of adoption, and that if they don't know the Lord now, that they may find him, so that they will be able to continue to train "A" up in the way he should go.

 Thank you for praying! I believe all things are possible through Christ, so I will keep you posted on how God answers our prayers for this precious young man

Big News....

I'm going back! To Bolivia that is!

Since coming home last August, I have had an amazing time being back with my family, enjoying events at the church, being a part of two small groups, getting to visit My Grandfather and Aunt Deb in Pennsylvania, visiting my sister and brother in law in Toronto, going to Hawaii with the Walker family, visiting Yosemite with my family and so many other amazing things!

However, a big part of my heart is still in Cochabamba, Bolivia. So I'm heading back, this Fall!

I have a great job opportunity lined up to work as a cook, in British Columbia for the summer, so after that I'll be on my way. This job is going to provide for me financially, which means that any additional money that I raise through fundraisers or people that support me, can go straight to much needed projects for Casa de Amor. Things such as home renovations, school expenses, hospital bills, etc etc.

Everyday I grow more and more excited about the doors that God is opening up for me. Having spent almost a year in Cochabamba already, I feel prepared to jump in and get my hands dirty as soon as I land. I am eager to help in so many ways.

Please keep an eye on my blog for information about specific projects that I'll be heading up and different ways that you can get involved and help.

Your prayer is much appreciated during this hectic planning time!

I'm so excited!

Kaley

Road Trip

On our way home from Yosemite, we had a little fun at "Bravo Farms Cheese"