Manos de Amor, the orphanage in Bucerias, has a new van thanks to the generosity of Arq. Guadalupe Dipp.  We were able to pay for the van with, of course, the help of our generous donors and the money we made at our fund-raisers. We worked hard and saved our money but Guadalupe was the link that made the van a reality.  Thank you Guadalupe!  As a matter of fact we bought one of the vans used from Los Arroyos Verdes and so Veronica, Willi and some of the children of Manos de Amor picked up the van in April.

“Thanks by helping to carry out the dream of the van for the children Lupe, sending you hugs and kisses from all of the children,” said Veronica Gomez in a message posted on the Manos de Amor facebook page.  All of the children and staff were just thrilled as this just opens so many doors, as I'm sure you can all imagine.  More group outings to the beach, field trips to other locations around the bay and can't forget to mention the recent participation in the Flash Mob Dance in PV. The van came in handy that day.  Here is the link, as Veronica, Nicole and seven of the children danced that day, the kids are the ones in the orange t-shirts. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEsxYpd6oIs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 “One of the promises to the children, was once they received the van, they would then go to the movies together,” said Nicole Youngquist, Public Relations Representative for Manos de Amor.   “For some of the children it was their first time and what a suitable movie to see “Rio”.  A movie about a domesticated macaw named Blue from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, then takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams.  So now, because of the van, a new adventure begins for all of the children of Manos de Amor.” 

Manos de Amor relies on donations and local community support to operate.  So far, 2011 will always be a memorable year for us.  As our home has recently grown to 27 children, it is very important to always thank the people who have been so giving year after year.  This time, we would just like to say Gracias Lupe, you are an amazing women but most of all a great friend of our Casa Hogar.  Year after year you have shown your dedication to making a difference in the lives of  the children residing at Manos de Amor... one day at a time.