Miracles still do happen...

It is with great joy and much anticipation that I am finally able to make this news public!

I have been holding in my heart for the past 3 years a call from the Lord

to turn the old orphanage here in San Lucas (called "Casa Feliz")

into a center for the abandoned elderly.

This building has the potential for many services-

(feeding center, nursing home and even hospice)...

but God will reveal His plan in His time.

As life would have it, the orphanage was roped into legal settlements

that the Mission went through after the death of Fr. Greg Schaffer

and in 2015, it was bound by law to be sold at a certain price...

which was way out of my potential or capacity!

Most of you know my history here in San Lucas,

but I began working with the elderly 2 years ago with the hope that God

would send a donor to help me purchase Casa Feliz.

Exactly 2 years after leaving the position 

as the volunteer coordinator of the Mission in San Lucas,

the Lord sent me a donor.

God willing the purchase will be finalized next month

and I can begin the work of converting the orphanage 

initially into our main center where we can continue to feed the elderly 

and bring them together for organized activities.

I've attached a video below (separated in 2 parts)

showing the history of the orphanage, 

the work that has been done with the elderly here over the past 2 years,

and ultimately the reason why I continue to live here in Guatemala:

to answer the Lord's call (Matthew 25:40)

and to honor the purpose which Fr. Greg wanted the orphanage to be used for

(to serve the "least"...the most poor and vulnerable in the community).

I feel that this project will bring to life once again the spirit of the Gospel

which Fr. Greg allowed to flow throughout Casa Feliz years ago.

As you can imagine, there is MUCH work to be done

in the restoring and preparing of the buildings for their new functions

(the building has been abandoned for almost 3 years).

The purchase includes (2) two-story buildings which together contain:

39 rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 pantries, 2 huge dining rooms,

7 private bathrooms, 4 communal bathrooms, a laundry room,

a basketball court and garden area.

If you feel called to support the humble beginnings of this incredible opportunity, 

you can donate the following ways:

1). (For smaller donations) Click the "donate" button on the top right to donate through Paypal.

2). (For larger donations) Make a check out to "Foundation for Saving Sight", place in the check memo "LEAST" and mail the check to:

Katie Wallyn 

1204 Lewis Ave.

Hutchinson, MN 55350

San Lucas continues to be blessed not only by the missionaries

who give their lives to work and live alongside the people,

but it is also blessed by people like you who feel called and inspired

to reach out and help us with your prayers and financial support.

May God continue to be glorified and the Heart of Jesus continue to be consoled

through our service to the poor in this humble village!

Part one:

Part two:

Fr. Brian's Construction Group- Day 4

Friday was our fourth and last day working on construction

and the group was able to finish a kitchen AND house

by 3 pm!

(Above): Lucia and Fidel's kitchen before...

(Above):  The finished kitchen

It only took 4 hours to build...amazing!

Our last project was building a house for this humble, humble man named Juan

who is an orphan in the community with no family.

(Above left: Juan / Above right: Juan's old house)

(Above: preparing the foundational posts)

Team work!

(Above: Juan still in shock of the generous gift given to him!)

Thank you all who made this amazing week possible!

So many great memories, hard work and awesome conversations

to give thanks for...and 3 families who will be forever grateful for your support.

God bless you all...your presence will be missed!

Fr. Brian's Construction Group- Day 3

Meet Fidel & Lucia Arenales Jacinto!

I have mentioned Lucia before...she is the mother of one of my cooks

and even though she is in her 60's, Lucia has been bed ridden for 4 years now 

with 2 herniated discs in her back and a broken right arm 

(surgery is not an option because of her severe osteoporosis).

Lucia and her husband met at the Mission's first clinic:

Fidel was the patient and Lucia the nurse...the rest was history 😊 

(Above left: The old house / Above right: The happy couple 😉)

(Above photos): The brave souls who tore down the house Wednesday morning.

(Above photo) It took about 1.5 hours to tear down the old house...

(and about 30 of those minutes were spent dodging 

the numerous spiders and fire ants that were EVERYWHERE!)

 (Above photo) Wednesday afternoon, 

we had a different crew help place the foundation and posts.

Thursday we were given a day with NO rain and we finished the house by noon!!!

Thank you again for giving another poor family

a gift they always hoped for... a beautiful new home

and new friends with the love of Christ in their hearts!

Fr. Brian's Construction Group- Day 1 & 2

This week we are busy

with an awesome group from western Minnesota

(and some also from Nebraska, South Dakota,
Iowa & North Carolina)!

On Monday (while the group was traveling)

I was able to do a kitchen with 2 other Guatemalan workers

for an elderly lady (Candelaria) who struggles with diabetes

and who receives little financial support from her family.

(Above photos: Candelaria & the old kitchen)

(Above photo: new kitchen)

On Tuesday, my Guatemalan workers and I were joined

by 4 hard working women with beautiful smiles...

 Despite the rain (and REALLY stubborn wood that didn't want to be nailed!)

we got through the day making great memories 

and getting half the house finished!

Today we had 10 awesome workers that finished the house by noon!

(Above: Old house)

(Below: New house)

Giving thanks for all who are here serving with their hands

and to all those who are afar serving us with their hearts and prayers...

we feel the love and the support and are so thankful!