Over the past few months I’ve been organizing, rearranging, sorting, and cleaning out the bodega on campus. That’s the big closet where we hold all the extra clothing, shoes, blankets, linens, towels and extra needs that our 80 children may need at a moment’s notice. During the past several weeks, I’ve been going in a couple hours a day to sort through everything, and I don’t think I am halfway finished yet. It is definitely a few month’s worth of hard work, and it will be a continuous effort to keep it clean and organized.
This role does not just include the upkeep of the room, but I also get the opportunity to talk with kids and houseparents on what they’re needing. Most of the time, I am able to quickly head to the closet and help direct them to what size/item they are looking for. Other days, I’ve simply had to tell them “Sorry, we don’t have that right now.”
I’ve gone to a nearby thrift store for many of these clothing items cheaper than buying in the states and paying for shipping or an extra suitcase. Thank you to my financial supporters who allow me to fill these needs as they arise!
Can I ask for your help in getting some extra supplies we are often lacking (and a few for my organization)? Shoes, bed sheets, belts, undershirts, and an assortment of other things, I could not provide to the kids coming to ask me for them. With no mission teams coming through the orphanage over the last year, we’ve also been short on items these groups usually leave with us. Down below is an Amazon list of items we are short on, that I could not pick up at the local thrift store. If purchased with this link, these items will be sent to a friend in the US and will be shipped here to the orphanage down in Guatemala. As you look through the list, keep in mind the high quantities you see aren’t needed right now, but just as a hope to keep us stocked up for future needs that arise with caring for 80+ kids. I will keep it updated, as I organize my way through everything and hear of the ongoing needs of the kids. Feel free to share this link with others who may have a desire to be involved in the work at Casa Shalom Orphanage!
If you’d like to financially help towards these supplies (whether it be my thrift store/Walmart runs, through Amazon, or helping cover shipping costs on the donations coming in), if you have any of these items (in like new condition) that you’d like to get rid of, or with any other questions, please let me know at harperseverance@gmail.com. Thank you for your help in loving, caring, and providing for these children! God bless.
https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/2W10N0QTWOPSU/guest-view
Shoe distribution 
Most of our storage bins look close to this! 
The kids love helping me unpack! 
(har)Perseverance on a mission 