Lemonade International Blog

Eat Like a Guatemalan – Mirna’s Recipe for Rosa De Jamaica

June 8, 2017

We have shared several of the recipes enjoyed by our service learning groups during their stay at the Lemonade Guest House – Traditional Pepián de Pollo, Pollo Con Crema, and Salsa Verde. Those who come to serve, learn, and build relationships in La Limonada also have the opportunity to taste the unique flavors and experience […]

Photo of the Week

June 2, 2017

We believe their God-given potential is worth investing in. (Photo by Silent Images)

Photo of the Week

May 26, 2017

Gratitude is contagious. (Photo by Scott Bennett)

10 Things To Know About La Limonada

May 23, 2017

You may have visited La Limonada as part of a Service Learning Trip, or maybe you’ve followed the story of this community from afar. Either way, here are ten things you may not know about La Limonada. La Limonada was once a lush and green ravine in the heart of Guatemala City with cows and […]

Photo of the Week

May 19, 2017

At the academies, boys and girls discover their value and worth as children of a God who knows and loves them. (Photo by Scott Bennett)

First Person: Christian Umul

May 16, 2017

We would like to introduce you to one of our incredible Guatemalan team members, Christian Umul. He works with youth-at-risk [Learn more here] and is an essential part of the Vidas Plenas team. We asked Christian a few questions about himself and what motivates him to work in such a challenging environment every day. Where […]

Celebrating Moms Like Brenda in La Limonada

May 13, 2017

Sunday is Mother’s Day, and we want to celebrate the moms in La Limonada. These are moms who love and sacrifice for their kids. Moms who give so much out of the little they have. Moms who want a better future for their kids other than the temptations that surround them in their community. Brenda […]

Photo of the Week

May 12, 2017

We believe in the hopes and dreams the mothers of La Limonada have for their children. (Photo by Scott Bennett)

As the Father As Sent Me [Guest Post]

May 9, 2017

Today’s guest post is written by Rev. Chris Schutte, the senior pastor of our partner Christ Church Anglican in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a theological reflection on John 20:19-31. _ In John’s gospel, on Easter evening we find the disciples locked away because they were afraid of the religious leaders. Suddenly, Jesus comes to them […]

Photo of the Week

May 5, 2017

Proper hygiene is a crucial part of developing healthy children who practice good habits and learn to take care of their bodies. Children in the academies brush their teeth together after their breakfast or lunch each day! (Photo by Silent Images)

Photo of the Week

April 28, 2017

A stark contrast to the tense streets and dark homes where kids grow up fast, the academies are filled with hope, laughter, and a lot of fun!

Photo of the Week

April 21, 2017

Exciting progress in the construction of the fourth academy, Toronja, as we work towards opening the doors to many more children this summer.

Photo of the Week

April 14, 2017

“He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

Photo of the Week

April 7, 2017

Vulnerable children are receiving a vitamin every day in the academies.

Photo of the Week

March 31, 2017

So that children and families in La Limonada enjoy full lives with dignity, justice, and hope.

Photo of the Week

March 24, 2017

Sometimes a hug says it all. (Photo by Silent Images)

Executive Director Transition – Now Accepting Applications

March 24, 2017

In February, we made the announcement of the transition of Bill Cummings as Executive Director. After a prayerful process of identifying the qualities and qualifications of the right person to serve as the next leader, we are excited to share the job description and application. On behalf of the Lemonade International Board of Directors, we […]

Photo of the Week

March 17, 2017

You have given so many in La Limonada a reason to smile. (Photo by Scott Bennett)

10 Beautiful Images of Holistic Impact in La Limonada [Photo Essay]

March 14, 2017

In February, we gratefully welcomed Scott Bennett back to La Limonada to share with us his photography skills and passion for the poor. His photos beautifully capture the holistic intervention of the academies in the lives of the vulnerable children of La Limonada. It is an honor to see the impact through the lense of […]

Photo of the Week

March 10, 2017

Jesus loves you. This message accompanies every lesson, meal, and hug in the academies. You matter to us. You matter to Jesus. (Photo by Scott Bennett Photography)

Bold For Change in La Limonada

March 8, 2017

There is no question that women have had a tremendous impact on history. Eric Metaxas recently wrote a book about seven such women whose bold faith, self-sacrifice, and deep love for Jesus sent ripple effects through the world. We read the stories of Mother Teresa, Hannah More, Corrie ten Boom, and others with awe. They […]

Photo of the Week

March 3, 2017

Wherever Janina goes, she is ready to listen, to pray, to offer counsel, and to intervene, meeting urgent medical needs in La Limonada. Her “clinic in a backpack” offers relief to many suffering from respiratory illness, diabetes, ulcer and bullet wounds, high blood pressure, and other health concerns. Her smile is a beacon of hope. […]

Photo of the Week

February 24, 2017

Education can stop a bullet. Scholarships are a powerful way to nurture dreams and encourage an alternative to gang life. (Photo by Silent Images)

A Mural for Don German

February 22, 2017

“Poverty is the result of relationships that do not work, that are not just, that are not for life, that are not harmonious or enjoyable. Poverty is the absence of shalom in all its meanings.” – Bryant Myers Don German is a 68-year-old treasured friend in La Limonada, recognized immediately by his white beard, suit, […]

Photo of the Week

February 17, 2017

“I was very impressed by the teachers and the activities [in the academies], and also how much they care and give personal attention to the kids. It was a blessing to spend two days in La Limonada and shoot some photos for Lemonade International.” Scott Bennett first came to La Limonada on the Bloggers Trip. […]

Photo of the Week

February 10, 2017

“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10 (Photo by Silent Images)

Announcing a Transition

February 9, 2017

In 2008, four friends began a partnership with Tita Evertsz and the ministry of Vidas Plenas in the La Limonada community of Guatemala City. For nine years, Bill Cummings has led Lemonade International in the role of Executive Director. In that time, God has grown the work in La Limonada from a handful of children […]

Featured Partner: Center for Transforming Mission Guatemala

February 6, 2017

We are grateful to partner with the Center for Transforming Mission (known by the initials CMT in Spanish), an organization focused on the social and spiritual renewal of Guatemala. Groups coming on a Service Learning Trip are offered the opportunity to set aside one afternoon of their trip with a staff member from CMT, who […]

La Limonada . . . where do I even begin? [Guest Post]

February 5, 2017

Today’s guest post is a reflection from a member of the Forest Hill Church Service Learning Trip last October. We’re grateful for group members like Jody Glass-Chapman who are eager to build ongoing relationships with us and the people of La Limonada. Thank you for coming to listen, learn, and love! Have you ever used […]

You’re invited! Go on a Service Learning Trip this year!

February 4, 2017

Every year, we invite groups from the US to come to the community of La Limonada to offer activities and lessons for the children, while participating in prayer walks, vision screenings, medical training, painting projects, delousing children, assembling mercy bags, trainings for teachers, home visits, and more. While groups have the opportunity to offer their […]

Photo of the Week

February 3, 2017

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (Photo by Silent Images)

Photo of the Week

January 27, 2017

“Art is communication.” ― Madeleine L’Engle Trauma suppresses a child’s words and ability to express their emotions. Art changes that. (Photo by Lizza Majus)

Photo of the Week

January 20, 2017

Join us in praying this prayer of Mother Teresa for the most vulnerable in La Limonada: “Make us worthy, Lord, to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give them peace and Joy. […]

Photo of the Week

January 13, 2017

Join the children in beginning this new school year with childlike wonder, anticipation, and joy! (Photo by Silent Images)

The 2017 School Year Begins!

January 12, 2017

Another school year officially began today! The children of La Limonada were welcomed back into their bright and cheerfully painted academies for a new school year, which runs from January through October. The teachers each decorated their classrooms in a special way to welcome their students. Instead of jumping directly into normal classes, the students […]

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