Wow, wow, and WOW!

Big Love from the Children

It is with tremendous gratitude that we celebrated Laura Sanchez’s first anniversary as the founder of Casa Hogar last Saturday afternoon.

The fiesta exceeded our wildest expectations. The gifts of our community are many, and most of them were shown off Saturday afternoon. The casa courtyard looked fantastic with a load of gravel spread out over the dirt, a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and color – lots of color.

The stunning and vibrant handmade decorations on display let everyone know that something special was happening at this humble abode.

 

We expected to serve about 100 people over the course of three hours. Instead, the children welcomed about 150 happy attendees, most arriving in the first hour. Many guests claimed that this was their best Mexican meal EVER!

There was plenty of handmade, traditional Mexican fare available, and it was served up with smiles. The dessert table was also packed. There were so many sweets that some of the children were seen sneaking a treat or two to neighborhood friends on the other side of the courtyard wall.

Partygoers actively bid on the donated silent auction items, and many people engaged the children in banter as their language and pantomime skills permitted.

This was the first of (hopefully) many years where these children have a safe, loving and nurturing place to call home. With your continued support, we predict these children will thrive beyond their wildest dreams!

The list of those who helped make this event possible is long. Our appreciation is great, and we want you to know that a huge difference is being made.

Thank you.
From the children...

Anniversary Buzz

January 18, 2015

Wow! The Friends of Casa Hogar have been busy!

For one, we got this website up and running. More importantly, in the last couple weeks, there has been a buzz around the Casa -- and it hasn’t been from the children.

Bill never stops moving!

We have learned the hard way that adequate housing is difficult to find around here. The remarkable job Laura is doing with these children is even more astounding when you learn of the disrepair their rental is in.

With that awareness, Bill and Tim, a couple enthusiastic volunteers camping on Playa el Coyote, have jumped in to tackle some issues that have made the living conditions quite difficult for Laura, Miguel and the children.

Before

After (painting crew is next!)

With a “Honey Do” list as long as the Baja, the guys started with the plumbing. The intent was to rehabilitate the toilets first (which they did with the help of a jackhammer and some ingenuity.)

Arriving to the casa one morning they found Laura with her finger plugging the kitchen faucet, as it had burst only minutes before. The guys used some donated money to go out and purchase a new one, and had her sink operational within the hour.

Janet spent hours in the bathrooms always with a smile!

Rick is quite good at the prep work.

Additionally, a 40’ grey-water line to the septic tank was installed, a few shower fixtures replaced, a new hand sink was set, and lot of other plumbing problems were resolved.

Tim covering the septic tank

After spending some time at the casa with Laura, Bill and Tim learned that there was much more to do. They built storage, improved the lighting, fixed doors and windows, and continue to spruce the place up one day at a time. The gratitude Laura expresses upon each visit makes it all worthwhile!

A load of gravel will clean the courtyard up nicely!

Would you like to help? Contact friendsofcasahogarmulege@gmail.com to volunteer, donate, or to give us kind words of support.


 

Hello and Welcome!

January 15, 2015

Hello and welcome to the Friends of Casa Hogar blog! This is a place where we celebrate the mission and great work of Casa Hogar en Mulege.

Laura and the children are celebrating one year of growth, discovery and working through the trials and tribulations of creating and sustaining a group home in Mulege, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

The Friends of Casa Hogar jump in where and when needed in order for Laura and Miguel to provide a loving, enriching and safe home for the children in their care.

Over time we will report on our good work, the needs of Casa Hogar, and stories about the children in residence. We hope you will follow along!