COVID-19 Update

The first case of the Covid 19 virus was documented in Bogota, Colombia on March 6, 2020. One week later, during a phone conversation with Sister Valeriana, she explained, “If this virus comes through our doorways, it would mean certain death for any and many of our children.” And, in her wisdom, she immediately issued a full lock-down for the orphanage, where there are currently 230 children and adults, living in full-time residency.   

The Light and Life Foundation has been communicating on a regular basis with Sister Valeriana and Nathalia, the resident doctor at Hogares Luz y Vida. We have offered support for the seemingly endless needs that are experienced on a daily basis within the orphanage.  And, now that the availability of many of these items is both limited and restricted, we are diligently seeking resources in Colombia which may be able to assist us in providing these sorely needed items, which range from protective equipment to nutritional products. Financial support is needed, and we welcome and encourage all donors to join us in our efforts to finance these needs.  

As Sister Valeriana wrote to Colleen Morey on March 24, 2020, "With the help of God, we are all going to get ahead, and together we will get out of this painful situation that has put our humanity in a corner. For this reason we pray daily with strength and a lot of faith, so that we can see each other once again and embrace each other."

We're Back in Colombia!

Mission 2020

The Light and Life Foundation will be celebrating 23 years of devoted relationship with the children and their caregivers at Hogares Luz y Vida orphanage in Bogota, Colombia this year. We have a mission trip scheduled for mid-February, at which time we will be transporting hand made lap blankets, hats, slippers and shawls. Each of these items were knitted or crocheted during the past year by two women - one in Ireland and one in Florida.

Cindy, of Ireland, knits one blanket a week for the year, so that each of the children who are non-ambulatory will have their own lap blanket for warmth and comfort whether they are in a wheel chair or recliner. This is her third year of gifting the children with these colorful bundles of comfort.

Margie, of Florida, spends her evenings engaged in various projects of both crocheting and knitting. She has crocheted enough hats for each child in the orphanage (over 150) to receive their own hat. She has also knitted colorful slippers and lap blankets for the children who are non-ambulatory, as well as over a dozen full blankets for those who are bedridden. Margie has since taken for fervor for providing for these children to include a knitting group of women who meet regularly to support one another’s projects. 

Vacuum packed and ready to go, these heartfelt gifts of labor weigh nearly 50 pounds in total and will be a blessing and a treasure for each of the children.

 

Weighing in at 48 pounds!!!! The vacuum packed hats and blankets.

Weighing in at 48 pounds!!!! The vacuum packed hats and blankets.

Industrial Sewing Machine Purchase!

In August of 2018, the Light and Life Foundation purchased a commercial sewing machine for Hogares Luz y Vida. This long awaited device will enable the staff to construct customized supportive pillows and forms for the children who are physically incapacitated, and were therefore confined to wheel chairs and recliners. Traditional sewing machines are not able to handle the heavy duty plastic covers and stitching needed to craft these supports. However, with the expertise of the occupational therapists, and the creative talents of several personnel, and this remarkable new sewing machine, the children will now receive the support and comfort of proper positioning for their various postural anomalies.

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Two Part Presentation by Founder and President Colleen Morey

Colleen shares what she has learned from 22 years and over 50 mission trips to Hogares Luz y Vida orphanage in Bogota, Colombia.

What is Sister Valeriana’s source of inspiration and sustenance? What is her message for us?

How do we embrace and assimilate this same radical love of others into our own relationships and life mission?

How can we apply the experiences and learning from our visits to Hogares Luz y Vida so as to enrich our local community?

Part One: 10/21/18

Part Two: 11/25/18

No registration required

Location: Gateway Methodist Church, Kenmare, County Kerry, Ireland

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fundraiser Update

The Champions Club Installation:  Mission Accomplished!

Heartfelt thanks to all who donated and participated in the installation and inauguration of the Champions Club’s first South American location at Luz y Vida on February 8, 2018.  Champions Club is a specially designed multi-sensory area for kids with special needs that, when paired with a corresponding curriculum, meets the developmental needs of children in four important ways:  spiritually, intellectually, mentally and physically. 

The Champions Club was conceived by Pastor Craig Johnson, inspired by his autistic son, and became a reality at his home church in 2008.  There are now more than 60 Clubs around the world.  The extraordinary multi-sensory room will serve all of the children of Luz y Vida.  Your contributions from the November fundraiser made it all possible. 

For more information, visit:  https://www.championsclub.org/