Familia Feliz Educational Center

Melissa "Missy" Harding shares the latest news about the slow and time-consuming process of adopting the orphans whom she has selected to be her own children.

Melissa "Missy" Harding comparte lo último acerca del lento proceso de adoptar los huérfanos quienes ha seleccionado para que sean sus propios hijos.

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Doru Tartea, Director del Centro Educativo Familia Feliz en la selva de Bolivia comparte acerca del progreso de la construccion de una nueva casa para darle un hogar a niños quines lo necesitan.

Doru Tartea, Director of Familia Feliz Educational Center located in the Bolivian jungle, shares the construction progress of a new house which will provide a home for children who need one.

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Dear Friends and Family,

It´s high time for another update from Bolivia, not only because of the time that has elapsed since the last one, but because there is so much to share! The main problem is – where to start. I guess I´ll start close to home, with my own son.

On August 29, 18 of our kids here at Familia Feliz joined the family of God by baptism, including my own son Edgar.

It coincided with the 8th anniversary of the little church in Rurrenabaque, so everyone packed into both trucks, and we attended church in Rurrenabaque, followed by a wonderful fellowship dinner with the church family on the banks of the Rio Beni. Following the meal, we all hiked farther up river, where there was a suitable spot for the baptisms.

It was very special and packed with meaning, and my own heart was about to overflow with gladness as I saw each of these special young people give their hearts to God, the beginning of a road that will be filled with difficulties and trials, but also joy and victory, as we each walk towards the kingdom.

Along those same lines, a week later, on September 6, Familia Feliz started an evangelistic campaign in the nearby community of Nuevo Esperanza, several kilometers up the road. Every night, the truck is loaded with chairs, generator, projector, laptop, etc plus the selected number of children and volunteers who go in turn. All of the children and youth are actively participating and we are having a wonderful experience. It concludes this Sabbath with a special church service and a baptism up there. We ask that you would include this in your prayers as more precious gems are won for Jesus.

Not only are the children involved in the evangelistic campaign, but each Sabbath is filled with opportunity for the children to learn to share their faith. After Sabbath School and Church and a fellowship meal for all of campus and attending members from the community, everyone divides into teams and fans out along the road, visiting nearby neighbors, where they sing songs and have Bible studies with them. The children have a lot of fun, and the people look forward to having them come.

With all of this going on, the devil is not happy. Last Thursday night, 5 days into our campaign, I walked into the house upstairs after returning late from the meetings. The phone rang and I was confused as I picked it up and heard Heidi´s voice on the other end. I had thought she was in bed. “Where are you?” I asked. “We´re in the hospital in Rurrenabaque. Please come and bring some money as well.” she responded. Jonathan, Heidi, and Carola – three of our volunteers were returning home on a motorbike after their town day. They had stayed later than usual and it was dark. Another bike was parked in the road, having trouble with their lights, and Jonathan didn´t see it. They side-swiped them, and as I already mentioned, all three on the bike ended up in the hospital. Heidi and Jonathan were not too bad off, although they got some nasty black eyes and scrapes.

Heidi, Jonathan & Carola 5 days after the crash

Carola was in the middle and got the worst of it, being knocked out for several hours and slow to respond when she did come to. Doru, our director, with several others of our volunteers went into town immediately and transferred them over to the private clinic where we are covered with medical insurance. The clinic is also much cleaner and provides a higher quality of care. We called Daniel Adams – a former volunteer of Familia Feliz who is now running his own flight program based out of Trinidad, Bolivia. He came Friday morning and flew all three to Santa Cruz, where they are receiving medical treatment. Tests reveal that none of them have permanent injuries and Carola has no brain damage – praise the Lord! It so wonderful to know that we can trust in the Lord´s protection and that we are safest being exactly where He wants us to be. We here at Familia Feliz are praising the Lord for the lives of our 3 volunteers.

Carola's badly bruised face

Another sign of the Lord´s blessing is the recent anonymous donation for another house. All during this year, we have been praying that God would enable us to expand our capacity to care for more children. Our specific request was two more houses, which will enable us to accept 16 more children.

This past Monday, construction began on the first house. We have already ordered beds, mattresses, sheets and blankets, to furnish the house when it is finished. We are praying and trusting in God to give us the second house as well, so when the new school year starts in Feb, there will be 16 less children that we will be forced to turn down. There is so much need, and the defensoria (social services) is always begging us to take another child.

An example of the children we care for is Susanna. She comes from an abusive home where her mother is constantly being beaten by her step father. When Susanna first came to us at the age of 9, she was a little terror (in the words of her house mother!) She was extremely traumatized, frightened, and angry and any volunteer who hugged her was likely to get bitten, scratched, pinched, punched, or kicked. Over time, she has made tremendous progress, and turned into a loving, respectful, caring young lady, with a beautiful smile. The problems in her home still continue, and the last time she visited, she very narrowly escaped being raped by her stepfather. She has made the difficult decision never to go home again, and both she and her mother have approached her former house mother - one of our volunteers, asking to be adopted. Please hold her in prayer that God will reveal his plan for her.

Now Susana appreciates loving hugs!

I´ll close for now, as the letter is getting a bit long, and holding my 19 month old son on my lap in an internet café while writing is not the most enjoyable experience! But I want to thank you for your continued interest and support of Familia Feliz, on behalf of the children who benefit from living here, and I want to solicit your prayers, as they are what hold Familia Feliz afloat. We are in a battle for the salvation of these children, and prayer warriors are the ones who will win the battle for them, so I invite you to join us in this battle! Saludos from Bolivia and the jungle! Until next time,

Melissa Harding (Missy)
Founder of Familia Feliz

In this excerpt from the Having Nothing, Having It All video, Sara Ross shares her perspectives on mission life experiences.

En este extracto del video mencionado arriba, Sara Ross comparte sus perspectivas de experiencias de la vida misionera.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Ruthy recibe felicidades y consejos al cumplir su quinceañera en Centro Educativo Familia Feliz en Bolivia.

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.

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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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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Video en Español – Video in Spanish

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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.

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!

Video in English – Video en Inglés

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Especially made with love for Sara

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.

Video en Español – Video in Spanish

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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.

Video in English – Video en Inglés

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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.

Video en Español – Video in Spanish

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Video en Español – Video in Spanish

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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.