Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Chile Details
Well... we were able to talk with Sister Olga in Chile, and as it turns out we were wrong (not an uncommon occurance...) We won't be working in a school, but a home for foster girls. It was so wonderful to be able to talk with Sister Olga, and she was full of invaluable information.
So, Here's the scoop! There are 42 girls that live in Maipu with the sisters. They are between the ages of 5 and 17. The home actually is made up of 3 little homes, or Casitas, with the youngest 14 in one home, the middle 14 in another, and so on. Matt and I will be living in the Casita with the youngest children, about aged 5 to 9. So, we're going from no kids, to 14 kids! But do not fear, as it turns out there is a nun that works with the children at each Casita as well, so we will not be alone! So, 48 girls and Matt, all living together. Not to fret, Matt is creative, and he's looking into some ways to get a good dose of testosterone from time to time.
We will be working with the girls as Aunt and Uncle, a sort of House Marm set up, helping them get ready for school, helping with homework, playing games, activities, and tucking in to bed at night. We'll have a 'little appartment' of sorts off to one side of the Casita with a bedroom and bathroom, and then we'll be sharing the common rooms with the girls.
The Sisters work closely with the state workers that place the girls, and also with the girls' parents. The goal is family reunification, and Sister Olga said that about 4-6 girls are able to return home every year. It's exciting to know what we will be a part of, the vision, the mission, and the passion. Each day we get more information, the trip seems more and more real.
Many of you have asked us how you can be a part of our adventure as well. We want you to know that the most important thing you can do for us is to pray for us, for the sisters and for the girls in Maipu. It means so much to us to know that we are not going at this alone, and that we have a whole community of friends and family supporting us, thinking of us, and praying for us.
Another way to help us in our work is to make a donation to the Home in Maipu. You can send a check to Sister Mary Gloria in San Antonio and write "Mission; Costanti's" on the For: line.
Her address is; Sister Mary Gloria Mar, 5630 W. commerace st., San Antonio, Tx 78237-1313.
Know that we will take all of you with us to Chile in our hearts, and we will keep you all in our prayers as well. Thank you all for all the support and love that you have given us as we prepare for the next leg of our adventure.
So, Here's the scoop! There are 42 girls that live in Maipu with the sisters. They are between the ages of 5 and 17. The home actually is made up of 3 little homes, or Casitas, with the youngest 14 in one home, the middle 14 in another, and so on. Matt and I will be living in the Casita with the youngest children, about aged 5 to 9. So, we're going from no kids, to 14 kids! But do not fear, as it turns out there is a nun that works with the children at each Casita as well, so we will not be alone! So, 48 girls and Matt, all living together. Not to fret, Matt is creative, and he's looking into some ways to get a good dose of testosterone from time to time.
We will be working with the girls as Aunt and Uncle, a sort of House Marm set up, helping them get ready for school, helping with homework, playing games, activities, and tucking in to bed at night. We'll have a 'little appartment' of sorts off to one side of the Casita with a bedroom and bathroom, and then we'll be sharing the common rooms with the girls.
The Sisters work closely with the state workers that place the girls, and also with the girls' parents. The goal is family reunification, and Sister Olga said that about 4-6 girls are able to return home every year. It's exciting to know what we will be a part of, the vision, the mission, and the passion. Each day we get more information, the trip seems more and more real.
Many of you have asked us how you can be a part of our adventure as well. We want you to know that the most important thing you can do for us is to pray for us, for the sisters and for the girls in Maipu. It means so much to us to know that we are not going at this alone, and that we have a whole community of friends and family supporting us, thinking of us, and praying for us.
Another way to help us in our work is to make a donation to the Home in Maipu. You can send a check to Sister Mary Gloria in San Antonio and write "Mission; Costanti's" on the For: line.
Her address is; Sister Mary Gloria Mar, 5630 W. commerace st., San Antonio, Tx 78237-1313.
Know that we will take all of you with us to Chile in our hearts, and we will keep you all in our prayers as well. Thank you all for all the support and love that you have given us as we prepare for the next leg of our adventure.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Beautiful Baby Ian!
Wanted to introduce you all to Ian Riddle. Here he is with his proud parents, John and Cynthia. It was such a special treat to get to visit them in Austin during our Texas trip. He's such a good baby, and it was such a nice relaxing couple of days we were able to spend with them. Even with a new baby it was such a wonderful get away to the Riddle Spa... hum... now there's an idea!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
San Antonio Tx, where are the 10 gallon hats?!!
We just wanted to write a quick note to let you all know that San Antonio has been wonderful and beautiful. We are coming to the end of our two weeks of formation with the Salesian Sisters. We have learned so much about the Salesian style of working with children as well as their approach to spiritual life. It has been a whirlwind of an adventure.
We found out that we have been accepted to work as volunteers at a girl's school in Maipu, Chile, a subburb of Santiago. The School year doesn't start for them until the first week of March. We'll most likely be going to Chile mid February. It's nice to know that we will have some time to really get ready for the trip, in every aspect... physically, mentally and emotionally! This Sunday we have set up to call the head Sister in Chile, Sister Olga, and talk with her about our strengths and what we have to offer, and to find out more about the school. I'm really not anticipating any complications... and I am sure that they will be able to find a way to fit us into the rhythms of the school.
Well, just wanted to let you all know the good news. Hope all is well for you and your loved ones and May God bless you abundantly. Love, Matt and Janelle
The Salesian Sisters in San Antonio.
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