We first visited the orphanage a little over six years ago.  Each visit since then we have always been pleasantly surprised to see the many improvements that have been made.  These improvements were not always made by Mission teams, but many times by the children and workers at the orphanage.  If they see something that needs to be done they do it provided they have the resources.  Another thing that has amazed us is the projects they have undertaken to try to raise money for the orphanage.  Some of the older girls have learned to cut hair, do manicures and apply acrylic nails.  This is especially popular for special occasions such as holidays, graduations, etc.  Some of the boys learned to make wall plaque key holders, each one with the picture of one of the children on them.  We brought these home with us and are selling them for the orphanage. I will post some pictures in the near future.

When we were there in July, a couple of the girls had graduated from high school.  They proudly showed us their graduation pictures and the dresses they were wearing were absolutely beautiful.  We couldn't believe it when they told us Mama Lupita had made them.  They looked like dresses you would find in a bridal shop or boutique. 

Before our trip in November I was speaking with Juany and she told me someone had donated a commercial sewing machine to the orphanage and that Mama Lupita and some of the girls were making little girl's dresses.    They have orders for 300 from a factory in Nuevo Laredo.  All the profit will go back into the orphanage.  The following pictures will show your their beautiful handiwork.

If you would like to order a dress or dresses, you can contact me via the website and I can give you the ordering information.  Also, I would love to be able to pass along any compliments to those who are working so hard.

Even through these efforts the needs are still great and Casa Hogar Elim still needs our support.  We just thought it was important for people to know that Mama Lupita and the children are not sitting around waiting for a hand out, but are putting forth genuine efforts to bring funds into the orphanage, as well as teaching and learning skills that can be used later in life.