Christina Dawang, School Director of Familia Feliz, shares her happiness that enough volunteers have come to help this year, but others will be needed for the year 2010 - Spanish-speaking teachers, a mechanic, a nurse, someone who knows about agriculture and Spanish-speaking houseparents.
Click on the Volunteers link at the top of this page if you'd like to download a Volunteer Application Form and Staff Handbook.
Christina Dawang, Directora del Centro Educacional Familia Feliz, comparte su gozo porque ya hay suficientes voluntarios para ayudar durante este año 2009. Pero habrá necesidad de voluntarios para el año 2010 - maestros, un mecánico, una enfermera, un agricultor y parejas quienes pueden ser padres de hogares.
Haga clic en el enlace Volunteers en la parte superior de esta página para descargar la Solicitud y el Manual para voluntarios.
Doinel "Dorú" Tartea comparte acerca de los avances y las necesidades para voluntarios en el Centro Educativo Familia Feliz en la selva de Bolivia. En especial necesitan un agricultor de experiencia.
Doinel "Doru" Tartea (Familia Feliz General Director) shares about the progress and needs at this school and safe home for children in the jungles of Bolivia. A major need at this time is someone experienced in Agriculture.
We just recently finished a much needed two week vacation (winter break down here), allowing volunteers some rest and tranquillity while the children visited their families. A surazo (cold south front) announced the commencement of classes again, although for a short time, we wondered if there would even be any students on campus to teach classes to! The rain completely devastated our dirt highway, the worst we have ever seen.
As we fought our way into town to pick up the children, we came upon at least 30 trucks and cars lined up on both sides of the road, unable to pass because of the extreme mud. We prayed earnestly to be able to pass, especially so as we had to drive at the very edge of a precipice, squeezing by the huge trucks. The tourists we had picked up on the way in decided it wasn´t very wise to ride with us, and pick their way through the slippery mess on foot. I wish I had been able to video it, as Doru, our director, red as a tomato from concentrating, handled the pressure of driving through it with a weak 4WD whose two front shafts weren´t working. Our poor pickup has been through a lot and is starting to show it!
We finally did manage to pick up the children the following day, making us miss only 1 day of classes. We would like to be able to say we also picked up all the volunteers who were returning, but unfortunately, 3 of our teachers were delayed a week in coming back. God always overrules though, and we received a new volunteer from Guyana – Indira Seegolan, who was able to cover for two of our teachers.
Indira Seegolam (right)
Speaking of new volunteers, God has blessed us with more than one new one. For months now, we have been praying for a married couple to serve as houseparents for our little girls. Our ultimate goal is to place all of our children in separate homes to experience being part of our family. We had a house for our little girls, but no houseparents so I have been caring for them in the big house. Arturo and Damaris Marquez Sanchez, from Mexico, were warmly welcomed 3 weeks ago, and after a couple of weeks to get used to campus, they moved in with the little girls who are more than thrilled to finally be in a family environment! We now have all of our houses filled to capacity with children and parents, which brings our goal back into focus of needing to build another house for children.
Another volunteer we´re greatly delighted to have is Steve Torres, who fills a very necessary capacity as a mechanic and maintenance man. He´s also blessing us with his teaching skills as he introduces the exciting world of social studies to our high school students.
We were joined by an unexpected volunteer during vacation. Jerry Cardoza, another of our volunteers, met an Italian tourist Jonathan Gionata Nencini during vacation, while at the mechanics. They got to talking, and Jerry invited Jonathan out to visit Familia Feliz for a few days. He then joined us on an overnight trip to Ixiamas and when we got back, decided to stay a bit longer to help us out. He has been joining in our staff worships, and Steve loaned him his Italian Bible that he happened to have brought for some unknown reason. He is very excited as he is learning to know God as his personal friend. Just yesterday, he told us that he would stay until the end of the school year in November to help us out. He is now our English teacher for the high school students and adds a helping hand in maintenance and construction. This is now the second tourist who has ended up being led to Familia Feliz as a volunteer, and I´m sure it won´t be the last.
Alejandra, one of our houseparents, also just gave birth to a baby girl several days ago, which adds one more to our staff. Sara Abigail is now a part of a family with seven older brothers.
Exciting progress has been made in the most important department of Familia Feliz – Food Preparation! Faithful Euler, our long time Bolivian volunteer, recently finished building his third brick oven, the biggest one we have had so far. It works wondrously for our traditional Friday night pizza, as well as our weekly breadbaking, saving a lot of propane and providing ash for the agriculture program. In order to save this oven from the fate of the last two, we have built a big roof over it, extending it out far enough to provide us a cooking area where we can cook over wood fire on the occasions when there is no propane available (a not too infrequent event!) Indira has also introduced us to the wonders of soy beans, teaching us how to make tofu, soy meat, and soy cheese, adding a delicious new taste to our pizza and other cooking as well. It provides us with a healthier option too than what is available at the market.
This last trimester has marked the quinceñeras (15th birthdays) of two of our girls here, a very big event as they transition from childhood to womanhood and we celebrated this event with them.
Liesma
Liesma and Ruth have been with us for almost three years and are among the few original girls left since I arrived in April 2007. The girls have grown and matured into young ladies and it is sad to think they will be leaving us soon.
Ruth
Cristina, another of our girls who has been here almost since the beginning, and is now a high school student, preached her first sermon at one of our Friday night church programs. Since 9 years old, Cristina has never been able to speak above a whisper, having lost her voice due to an STD contracted while she was in her home (abuse). Last March, she was operated on by a specialized ENT team who came to the Mission of Hope Clinic in Santa Cruz. Since then her voice has slowly but surely been improving. We are so happy and glad for her. God is so good to His children.
Cristina
A great blessing we received this week as we are finishing off our second trimester is a visit from Melissa Harding and her children (they have been in Santa Cruz working on the legal adoption process of her 7 children). She was only going to be here for the weekend but God impressed her to extend her stay and we are all so glad. Most of this years´ volunteers had not met her before so her stay is a good opportunity for them to get to know her, as well as hear her testimony of how Familia Feliz first started. Plus, we get to remember how much of an avid water-fighter she is in this heat we´re in!
Missy & Kids
Another bit of good news! For those who don´t know yet, Fred Adams, the father of Daniel Adams who volunteered at Familia Feliz last year, undertook the project of building our Familia Feliz website. You can hear stories of our children and volunteers, learn how to apply as a volunteer to Familia Feliz, and get information about how to donate, contact details and other general information.
Thank you for all your support and prayers.
God Bless!
Love,
Christina Dawang
Familia Feliz
(591) 711 230 04 christinadawang {at} gmail(.)com
P.S. Thank you Melissa! (for helping me write this newsletter).
See up-to-date happenings at Familia Feliz. Our volunteers reflect the love of Jesus, touching lives of children and youth who consider Familia Feliz their home and the staff their "parents." Filmed by Tim de la Torre and edited by his wife Jaymie.
Familia Feliz volunteer Sara Ross from Canada shares the joys and challenges of guiding children at the school and orphanage as they all grow in their walk with Jesus. Sometimes the kids have a bad attitude, but then they surprise her with something special!
Voluntaria de Canadá Sara Ross comparte los gozos y dificultades de guiar a nos niños del Centro Educativo Familia Feliz mientras crecen espiritualmente al caminar con Jesús. A veces los niños se portan mal, ¡pero luego sorprenden a Sara con algo especial!
Heidi Inés Weber Wanderer de Paraguay comparte sus experiencias de voluntaria en el Centro Educativo Familia Feliz localizado en la hermosa selva en Bolivia. Heidi está enseñando y aprendiendo a la vez, ya que es maestra de Primer y Séptimo año, y ayuda a cuidar a los niños. En especial a Heidi le impresionó que en una ocasión cuando se sentía triste y desanimada, una niña se le acercó para animarle y compartir versículos de la Biblia. A pesar de las dificultades que han sufrido estos niños, siempre están con Jesús en el corazón y dispuestos a ayudar a los demás.
Heidi, a volunteer from Paraguay, shares her experiences while serving at Familia Feliz school & orphanage, located in the beautiful jungles of Bolivia. Heidi is teaching and learning at the same time, as she teaches first and seventh graders, and helps keep an eye on the children. Heidi was especially impressed when on one occasion she felt sad & discouraged. One of the girls noticed, asked how she was doing and shared words of encouragement, including Bible promises. Even though these orphaned and abandoned children have suffered so much, they have Jesus in their hearts and are willing to help others.
Jerry, a volunteer from Mexico, began volunteering at Familia Feliz school & orphanage in February, 2009. He serves as a teacher and boys' dean to homeless, otherwise unloved children. He’s really impressed as he sees the transformation of hopeless kids into loving children when they see for them what a real family is like.
Jerry es voluntario de México que ha estado en Bolivia durante más de 3 años. Empezó como voluntario en Familia Feliz en Febrero, 2009. Trabaja como profesor y preceptor para estos niños que no tienen hogar y no conocían el verdadero amor. Pero después de un mes, al ver cómo es una familia verdadera, los niños que antes no tenían esperanza son totalmente transformados.
Aleida Barrera Solar, voluntaria de Colombia, es maestra de alumnos de Segundo año de Primaria y Primer año de Secundaria. Una cosa que le impresionó bastante sucedió al llegar a Familia Feliz después de un largo viaje. Los niños le dieron una bienvenida con sonrisas, abrazos y besos como si la hubieran conocido por muchos años. Una niña le regaló una flor. Aleida dice que los niños son colaboradores y muy misioneros, compartiendo el amor de Jesús y animando a los voluntarios dándoles palabras de aliento.
Aleida is a volunteer at from Colombia. She teaches Second year of Elementary school and first year of High School. She was really impressed upon arriving at Familia Feliz for the first time after her long journey. The children welcomed her with smiles, hugs and kisses as if they’d known her for years! One girl saw her sitting alone in the back of the chapel and gave her a flower. Aleida says that the children are cooperative and very mission-minded, sharing the love of Jesus and giving words of encouragement to the volunteers.
Voluntaria de Riberalta, Beni, Bolivia, Carola tiene el gusto de servir en Familia Feliz como misionera. Se ha impresionado al escuchar las experiencias difíciles que han sufrido los simpáticos niños bajo su cuidado. A Carola le da gozo compartir el amor de Jesús y ver cómo van creciendo y aprendiendo a ser responsables estos niños de la selva en Bolivia.
A volunteer from Riberalta in Northeastern Bolivia, Carola enjoys serving at Familia Feliz as a missionary. She has been moved while hearing about the difficult circumstances these adorable children under her care have been through. Carola enjoys sharing Jesus’ love, and observing how the kids grow & learn to be responsible in this remote Bolivian jungle location.
Jenny Figueroa, voluntaria Colombiana, es Preceptora y “Mamá” de 8 niñas en el Centro Educativo Familia Feliz, localizado en la selva Amazónica cerca de Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. También es maestra de Primero Básico, y dice que todos los días les viene a visitar una linda mariposa como muestra del amor de Dios.
Jenny Figueroa, a volunteer from Colombia, is girls’ dean and a “Mother” to 8 teenage girls at Familia Feliz Educational Center, located in the Amazon jungle near Rurrenabaque, Bolivia. She also teaches first-graders, and says that every day a big blue butterfly comes by to visit, which reminds the children about God’s love.
A bridge is being built over the soggy creekbed between the main building and the rest of the Familia Feliz campus so the kids and volunteers can stay cleaner during the rainy season.
Jerry Cardoza, a volunteer from Mexico, is happy now that the Familia Feliz children will have a nice bridge to cross the muddy creek during times of rain.
Jerry Cardoza, voluntario de México, se siente contento ya que ahora los niños de Familia Feliz tienen un lindo puente para cruzar el lugar que se pone muy lodoso en tiempo de lluvias.
The much-needed railing is on the inside balcony and stairway at Familia Feliz. This is much safer than it was previously with no railings! However, more vertical rails should be added soon for safety.
Por fin se han terminado de instalar las barandillas de los escalones y el balcón en el interior de la casa grande en Familia Feliz. Ahora es más seguro que cuando no había nada. Pero los espacios de entre medio son demasiado grandes, y será necesario añadir rieles verticales para evitar que se caigan los niños.
Indira Seegolam, a volunteer from Guyana arrived at Familia Feliz in August, 2009. Although she's still learning Spanish, she teaches Math, Science, Social Studies and Bible. She believes future volunteers who come to help will be truly blessed - they will learn a lot and help meet the needs of the beautiful children at Familia Feliz.
Indira Seegolam, voluntaria de Guyana, llegó a Familia Feliz en Agosto, 2009. Aunque todavía está aprendiendo hablar Español, Indira da clases de Matemáticas, Ciencias, Estudios Sociales y Biblia. Ella cree que futuros voluntarios quienen vengan para servir serán verdaderamente bendecidos - aprenderán bastante y ayudarán a suplir las necesidades de los hermosos niños en Familia Feliz.
Indira Seegolam, a volunteer from Guyana arrived at Familia Feliz in August, 2009. Although she's still learning Spanish, she teaches Math, Science, Social Studies and Bible. She believes future volunteers who come to help will be truly blessed.
The older kids at Familia Feliz orphanage in Bolivia are excited - 24 kids and 5 staff hike, climb, pull and eventually reach the very top of Sebu, the highest mountain around. The round trip takes 6 hours, but it's been a bonding experience, and they have all learned more about our Creator through the beauties of nature.
Jerry Cardoza shows the roof structure over the new Familia Feliz cooking and baking area so firewood can be used instead of expensive propane gas.
Jerry Cardoza nos muestra la estructura para el techo sobre el nuevo área para cocinar y hornear en Familia Feliz. Ahora pueden usar leña en lugar de gas al preparar alimentos, así reduciendo los gastos.
A portion of the Familia Feliz property is being cleared in order to grow needed food - bananas, papayas, other fruits, vegetables and rice. A volunteer is needed to advance the agriculture program as well as train the children how to grow their own food.
Una porción del terreno de Familia Feliz está siendo preparado para cultivar plátanos, papayas, otras frutas, verduras y arroz para proveer la alimentación. Además, se necesitan voluntarios con experiencia en Agricultura para avanzar el proyecto de cultivo, y entrenar a los niños cómo cultivar sus propios alimentos.
Jared Musk demonstrates the famous art of getting acquainted with a banana tree at Familia Feliz in Bolivia. Mayri Cruz and Leah Anderson (behind the camera) watch in amusement. This is what young missionaries out in the jungle do to relieve stress!
Jared Musk demonstrates the famous art of getting acquainted with a banana tree at Familia Feliz in Bolivia. Mayri Cruz and Leah Anderson (behind the camera) watch in amusement. This is what young missionaries out in the jungle do to relieve stress!
Arturo y Dámaris González son voluntarios de México quienes tienen la responsabilidad de ser padres de hogar para 8 niñas en el Centro Educativo Familia Feliz, Bolivia.
Arturo and Dámaris González are volunteers from Mexico who have the responsibility of being houseparents to 8 girls at Familia Feliz in Bolivia.
Mission pilot Daniel Adams flies 3 volunteers from Colombia to Rurrenabaque, the nearest town to Familia Feliz. Before the flight, he assures the passengers that if the engine quits, it doesn't mean that they will crash or die. However, upon crash-landing, they'll have a very long way to walk! The video shows aerial views of Familia Feliz, then landing at the nice ling Rurre airport. He doesn't touch down at the beginning of the landing strip, because of frequent turbulence at that location.
After a long absence from Familia Feliz, Daniel Adams flies the mission plane overhead, then awhile later arrives in the back of the Familia Feliz pickup. He receives a welcome by the children typical to that of most volunteers. These orphaned, abused or abandoned kids are delighted to live in such a loving, caring environment, provided by self-sacrificing volunteers and through financial contributions by donors who really care.
Daniel Adams arrived at Familia Feliz for the first time in February, 2008. He taught Grades 7 & 8. See the volunteers and children in school, playing soccer, throwing water balloons, at mealtime, in church and during goof-off time. Town Day in Rurrenabaque is special for the volunteers - shop, eat out, and use the Internet!
Christina Dawang has volunteered at Familia Feliz for more than two years - ever since she stopped by as a tourist to visit. During this time she has gotten to know Jesus as a personal Friend, and to share His love with children at the school and orphanage. Watching the children grow up, developing and becoming responsible young people has been a very rewarding experience. Christina is Director of the school and a loving housemother to 7 little girls. She urges more volunteers to come - Spanish-speaking teachers are needed at all grade levels. Loving couples are also needed - children have been turned away for lack of houseparents. Also needed: a mechanic, electrician, nurse, tropical agriculturist and anyone else who would like to bless and be blessed by loving these precious children.
Christina Dawang ha servido de voluntaria en Familia Feliz durante más de 2 años - desde que paró de paso para visitar como turista. Durante este tiempo, Christina a llegado a conocer a Jesús como Amigo personal, y compartir Su amor con los niños de la escuela y orfanato. Al observar cómo estos niños han desarrollado y crecido, llegando a ser jóvenes responsables, ha sido una experiencia muy gratificante. Christina es Directora de la escuela, y amante "madre" para 7 niñitas. Ella ruega que vengan más voluntarios - hay necesidad de maestros de Primaria que hablan Español en todos los grados, que puedan quedarse durante el año entero para que los alumnos tengan continuidad en sus estudios. También se necesitan parejas que pueden ser "padres de hogares" para los niños - muchos han tenido que ser rechazados por falta de quién los cuide. Otras necesidades: mecánico, electricista, agricultor, enfermera, y quién desea ser una bendición y a la vez ser bendecido al amar a estos preciosos niños.
We finally did manage to pick up the children the following day, making us miss only 1 day of classes. We would like to be able to say we also picked up all the volunteers who were returning, but unfortunately, 3 of our teachers were delayed a week in coming back. God always overrules though, and we received a new volunteer from Guyana – Indira Seegolan, who was able to cover for two of our teachers.
