In the academies, children learn about the rights they are entitled to as outlined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The wood panels remind them of their ten most basic rights – a name, nationality, home, family, food, love, protection, health care, recreation, and freedom of expression. (Photo by Silent […]

“I am responsible for what I have seen and heard – for the stories of injustice, violence, and pain. What does God want me to do with what I have witnessed? What is my part in all of this?” – Tita Evertsz (Photo by Silent Images)

Sister Hilda is our beloved cook at the Limon academy. She lives in La Limonada and comes to prepare breakfast and lunch each day for the children. Please pray for her health as she has been struggling with ongoing illness. (Photo by Silent Images)  

This little one is safe and happy in the arms of Maria, the Lima Academy Psychologist.

Students in the Academies grow socially as they play with their friends. (Photo by Silent Images)

Being present with the people of La Limonada is a tangible embodiment of Christ’s love. (Photo by Silent Images)

This is gang prevention! (Photo by Silent Images)

The hallways of the Academies are filled with energy when the children are arriving or leaving for the day. (Photos by Silent Images)  

Friendships are forged within the walls of the Academies. (Photo by Silent Images)    

It is hard to imagine how this sweet little guy playing in the dirt can return to streets dominated by poverty, violence, and fear. As he returns home, he will glance at the bullet-ridden walls and be reminded of the tension on the streets. The older boys who carry guns and fiercely defend their neighborhood lines […]

We are mourning the loss of a mother of eight children in La Limonada this week. She caught a stray bullet not intended for her and passed away last weekend. This kind of tragic loss strengthens our resolve to be present in this gang-ridden slum community. Our hearts break for these children, their father, and […]

This precious little one can safely descend these concrete stairs with a mother’s ever watchful and loving eye. Happy Mother’s Day weekend! (Photo by Silent Images)

Our community nurse Janina cares for spiritual and emotional needs, in addition to the physical needs of the vulnerable in La Limonada. (Photo by Silent Images)

In La Limonada, Otto’s shoe workshop is a place of hard work, deep friendship, and vibrant faith. (Photo by Silent Images)

This precious little one is enjoying a hot meal in the Academy. What is she thinking about? What are her hopes and dreams? (Photo by Silent Images)

While continuing their education, youth in the scholars program receive the love, help, and presence of Yoli. (Photo by Silent Images)

Guatemalans honor Holy Week, or Semana Santa, with parades of floats, elaborate carpet-making, and candlelight vigils. Good Friday is a day of somber reflection, as we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. (Photo by Silent Images)

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 (Photo by Silent Images)

In the Academies, vulnerable children can just be kids. (Photo by Silent Images)

For many, this view is Guatemala City’s poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Tita and her team consider La Limonada a “cathedral on the streets”—a place where God dwells and where heaven meets earth. What do you see? (Photo by Silent Images)

Yoli Prado facilitates scholarships so youth in La Limonada can receive a quality education from seventh grade to graduation. Education is giving hope! (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Today is World Day of #SocialJustice. “The poor need the motivation, the incentives, the skills, the education so they can help themselves.” – John M. Perkins    

  “Justice for La Limonada! Can we have some Justice?” – Tita Evertsz

Aileen joins her fellow classmates in the Mandarina Academy each day. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Education is a powerful tool to break the cycles of poverty, violence, and injustice in La Limonada. (Photo by Silent Images)

The beautiful Sara welcomes us in her home. (Photo by Silent Images)

Children in La Limonada love their pets too! (Photo by Silent Images)

The Academies are filled with light, hope, and laughter. We are all ready for a new school year to begin! (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Kids being kids in the Lima Academy. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Teachers like Lucia spread hope and love in the Academies each day. (Photo by Silent Images)

Marvin proudly shows off his new pair of shoes last January provided by Give Christmas 2013. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

  “This joy, purity and innocence. His sincere joy and love pierce my being. I remember the story of Don Otto and the little girl God used to transform his life forever.” – Tita (Photo by Tita Evertsz)

The academies provide a great place for children to work on their homework. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)  

Big smiles from these friends in La Limonada. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Big smile from Steven at the Mandarina academy. (Photo by Rebecca Gant)

Beatriz is 3 years old and attends the Mandarina academy. Her teachers Ana and Gloria take care of her every day from 8:30am – 4:00pm. Her smile is contagious. (Photos by Rebecca Gant)