August 31, 2017
The effects of poverty, ongoing trauma, and violence are the most extreme on children, causing long-term damage to minds, bodies, and hearts. In addition to providing individual therapy for the children in the academies, the psychologists are always working on additional ways to equip the children with what they need to be healthy and whole. […]
August 25, 2017
Friendships formed in the academies can be a source of strength, hope, and love. (Photo by Lizza Majus)
August 12, 2017
Today’s guest post is written by Andrea Goslee, Director of River Kids at Rivers Crossing Community Church. We’re grateful for her passion and commitment to children from Ohio to La Limonada! And our special thanks to Ashley Johnson for all of the photos. – When I think of summer and kids, three things come to […]
August 11, 2017
Every child in La Limonada is special, with a unique story waiting to unfold. (Photo by ErlebNisse Photography)
August 10, 2017
It is impossible to be with Doña Veronica without feeling how real and tangible God is. An 80-year-old resident of La Limonada, Veronica has had a long life with both deep suffering and beautiful joy. The many wrinkles on her beautiful face each surely tell a different story. She has 15 children and now has […]
August 4, 2017
This week at soccer camp the children received a treat each day. While they all quickly savored their treats, this special kid decided to share his cookie with Lizza with generosity and love.
July 28, 2017
“When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said.” Luke 7:13 NLT (Photo by Silent Images)
July 27, 2017
Every single day in La Limonada, we witness miracles. The miracle of 45 team members walking into a “Red Zone” community – known to be a place of violence and fear – with a sense of calling and love for the people. The miracle of walking with people who have no one else. But they […]
July 25, 2017
Join our sponsors-only trip and spend three days in La Limonada this October! You will get the chance to meet your sponsored child and their family. See first-hand the impact the academies, teachers, and psychologists are having on your child and their friends. And meet the local leaders who are embodying Christ’s love for your […]
July 21, 2017
Constant loss of loved ones. Constant tension. Constant trauma. Children in La Limonada get a break each day when they enter the academies. Kids can be kids here. (Photo by Scott Bennett)
July 14, 2017
There is so much joy when a sponsor and a sponsored child meet in person!
July 7, 2017
We continue to celebrate the open doors of the new academy, Toronja! Because of your response to the needs in La Limonada, 38 children received a hot meal every day this week, enabling them to concentrate on their teachers’ instruction and focus on learning.
July 4, 2017
Happy 4th of July and launch week of the 4th academy in La Limonada! As you celebrate “liberty and justice for all” today, we hope you will also celebrate the justice you’ve helped extend to the children and families in the “15 de Agosto” neighborhood of La Limonada. Yesterday, 38 children were welcomed for the […]
June 30, 2017
When you sponsor a child, our very own Lizza Majus delivers the happy news to the children in the academies. When you send a letter, she helps your child read and respond to you. If you choose to go meet your child, she hosts you and introduces you to your sponsored child. Lizza makes special […]
June 27, 2017
Over the past two weeks, you’ve heard a lot about how child sponsorship is making an eternal difference in the lives of vulnerable children in La Limonada. Now two generous donors have offered to give $20,000 for unsponsored children to receive the life-changing impact of the academies – if we can match their gift dollar […]
June 26, 2017
We want the children in La Limonada to reach their potential. We want to see their God-given abilities drawn out and made to flourish. We want to see them living full lives in Jesus. But the reality for children growing up in this “red zone” – a term given by the Guatemalan government to indicate […]
June 23, 2017
The academies are more than classrooms. They are a refuge of hope. (Photo by Silent Images)
June 22, 2017
Walking into the 4- and 5-year-old classroom in the Limon academy, it is clear these children have a truly special teacher. While new to teaching, Abby was made for the role. Her eyes sparkle and her smile exudes passion and love for the children. It fills up the entire room! As she calls the class […]
June 22, 2017
Sponsorship impacts the lives of children, families, and the entire community of La Limonada. Here are 5 ways child sponsorship with Lemonade International is unique: It addresses the unique needs of children in La Limonada in appropriate ways. This is not a program easily plopped down in another context. It is deeply relational and specifically targeted […]
June 20, 2017
Hard stories are common in La Limonada – stories of abuse, hunger, violence, trauma, and deep poverty. Children who watch life after life around them spiral into destructive, desperate, and fatalistic futures, without a source of hope that things could be different. Children desperate to have their stories known, heard, and guided towards a better […]
June 16, 2017
Child sponsorship impacts whole lives and whole families. Have you seen Dulce’s video? (Photo by Silent Images)
June 15, 2017
Child sponsorship is making a 180-degree difference in the lives of vulnerable children in La Limonada! How can I make a difference?
June 9, 2017
The academies are beacons of hope in La Limonada. It is easy to spot the soon-to-open fourth academy, Toronja, from a distance. This is the view of Toronja from the second academy, Mandarina. (Photo by Lizza Majus)
June 8, 2017
We have shared several of the recipes enjoyed by our service learning groups during their stay at the Lemonade Guest House – Traditional Pepián de Pollo, Pollo Con Crema, and Salsa Verde. Those who come to serve, learn, and build relationships in La Limonada also have the opportunity to taste the unique flavors and experience […]
June 2, 2017
We believe their God-given potential is worth investing in. (Photo by Silent Images)
May 23, 2017
You may have visited La Limonada as part of a Service Learning Trip, or maybe you’ve followed the story of this community from afar. Either way, here are ten things you may not know about La Limonada. La Limonada was once a lush and green ravine in the heart of Guatemala City with cows and […]
May 19, 2017
At the academies, boys and girls discover their value and worth as children of a God who knows and loves them. (Photo by Scott Bennett)
May 16, 2017
We would like to introduce you to one of our incredible Guatemalan team members, Christian Umul. He works with youth-at-risk [Learn more here] and is an essential part of the Vidas Plenas team. We asked Christian a few questions about himself and what motivates him to work in such a challenging environment every day. Where […]
May 13, 2017
Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we want to celebrate the moms in La Limonada. These are moms who love and sacrifice for their kids. Moms who give so much out of the little they have. Moms who want a better future for their kids other than the temptations that surround them in their community. Brenda […]
May 12, 2017
We believe in the hopes and dreams the mothers of La Limonada have for their children. (Photo by Scott Bennett)
May 9, 2017
Today’s guest post is written by Rev. Chris Schutte, the senior pastor of our partner Christ Church Anglican in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a theological reflection on John 20:19-31. _ In John’s gospel, on Easter evening we find the disciples locked away because they were afraid of the religious leaders. Suddenly, Jesus comes to them […]
May 5, 2017
Proper hygiene is a crucial part of developing healthy children who practice good habits and learn to take care of their bodies. Children in the academies brush their teeth together after their breakfast or lunch each day! (Photo by Silent Images)
April 28, 2017
A stark contrast to the tense streets and dark homes where kids grow up fast, the academies are filled with hope, laughter, and a lot of fun!
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