Dear family, friends and supporters,

Time is flying!!!

The children of Casa de Milagros are doing great! It has been a year of great growth and strengthening. We have become more of a family unit through the challenges we have all faced together.

The loss of a loved one, daughter, sister, dear friend opened our hearts to each other in a new way. The grieving process has many facets and fazes, each unique to the individual and yet can be recognized by the family. It is such a personal process, yet in a loving and caring environment it can also be a community process. Our love for Luz Marina has not lessened; her presence is still missed in so many ways and on so many days.

We are however walking into the future with our heads high and our hearts full of hope.

Michael graduated from high school in December and was able to pass the very, very difficult entrance exam for the university in Cusco. He is our second graduate, but the first to get into university, he will be studying systems engineering starting in May.

Roberto our oldest has finished the first 6 months of his chef school and is doing great, he is in the top of his class at the Blue Ribbon International Gastronomy Institute in Cusco.

Baby Sol is walking and talking, she is a joy to all. She is very sweet and loves to play and be entertained by her older brothers and sisters. She really loves to play with baby dolls and pushing them around in a stroller. She goes on the weekly market trip and has a little bag that she carries with her to gather all of the yapas (freebies) that the ladies give her.

Sonqo Takii has started the first grade and seems to be enjoying it so far. He was very excited to get into the big kid school with all of the other kiddos. He enjoys playing with his cars and trucks.

The kids have formed a band and play all kinds of music. They are learning mostly guitar, but also a couple have started some basic keyboard. They played thier first concert in Cusco. It was absolutely amazing, all those present were totally blown away by their talent. They even played a song that they had compsed adn it was the best of the night!!!

The children have just started the new school year. It has meant lots of running around to get all of their necessities. This usually a chore that I undertake on my own since I happen to be the more mobile of the mamas here at Casa, but this year I was glad to delegate and share the responsibility with others.

Our website is getting redone FINALLY!!! We should have the new page launched within the next couple of weeks.

We hope that you are all doing great, enjoying life and loving each other.
Love and Prayers,

Allen, Marie and Mama Kia for the family