We hope this update finds you well and staying healthy and safe.
As COVID numbers go down and restrictions loosen, we have been able slowly transition from virtual to more in-person activities. We continue to lead weekly Zoom training for the staff at 2 children’s homes through the Center of Excellence program. After almost a year of meeting virtually over Zoom, Billy was recently able to go to both homes, spend time with the staff and lead trainings inperson. The goal of these trainings is to help the staff build a strengths-based, trauma-informed culture at each of the homes and in their day-to-day interactions with the children.
We also recently finished leading a 6-week training in Trauma Competent Caregiving. Being trained in trauma-informed care and using this as a formative view for providing care can enable caregivers and mentors to help children heal and break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. As an affiliate trainer for Trauma Free World, Billy can use their material as we build and expand our mentor program with Paths of Hope. 23 people participated in this most recent training – some of which will become mentors with a girls’ home in Lima and others are potential future partnerships. In December we were able to participate in a weekend retreat with other United World Mission missionaries in the region. Compared to other regions, we were a small group consisting of the 3 couples in Peru and 1 couple who traveled from Bolivia. Nevertheless, it was a nice weekend to learn about what other UWM missionaries are doing and to support each other through prayer.
We also have been involved with a network called Perú por los Niños (Peru for the Children). PPLN is a network of Christian organizations that work with children who have a heart for family reintegration and providing the best opportunities for the children of Peru. Kate has been assisting with sharing resources about working with children and news in Peru on their Facebook page and Billy is part of the leadership team helping coordinate seminars and events.
March is the beginning of the school year and after 2 years of logging into Zoom daily for virtual preschool, Will (5) has returned to a classroom! He is in kindergarten this year and so far, is really enjoying being with his teacher and classmates. We are excited to see what he learns and how his Spanish continues to improve. We are grateful for the prayers and support we receive from the congregation of our ministry in Lima, Peru. We would not be able to be here without your generous support.
We especially wanted to thank Session for the extraordinary gift given towards our missionary support account. The gift will help sustain us and our work in Peru for years to come.
For more regular updates about what we are doing in Peru, follow our blog at 12degreessouth.com.
In Him,
Kate, Billy and Will Greenman
katebruder@gmail.com
