Hola Amigos,

I had a wonderful trip to the United States, and was able to visit with many of you while I was there.  Thank you for all who extended their generous hospitality.  I am now back in Nicaragua at the orphanage in Jinotega.

I was very happy to get back and see the children again.  They are well and still keeping us very busy.  The new house parents are a real blessing.  There names are Donald and Marivel Gutierez.  They have been here almost two months and are doing a wonderful job with the children.  Marivel is expecting their first child, so please keep her in your prayers.

Please continue to pray for me as well.  Now that I can work full time as administrator I am trying to institute a transition program at the orphanage.  This is designed to provide a smooth transition for the children from orphanage life into career life.  About half of our children have reached their teenage years.  As far as the government is concerned they are no longer our responsibility when they turn eighteen.  We feel differently.  Just as a family does not stop being responsible for their children when they turn eighteen, we feel that we still have a responsibility to these children to be a family for them even after they grow up.

One way we hope to do this is by creating transition plans for them.  We are already providing vocational training here at the orphanage.  The transition plans will help the children identify their strength, weaknesses, and interest.  We want the children to start thinking about what they want as a carreer by the time they are fourteen.  Since high school does not last as many years here, when they turn sixteen we will have them make a decision for what they want to study after school.  We will then find a good college or training school to help them reach their goal whether it is to be a doctor or a cook.  We will also be trying to find sponsers to cover this extended education.

As you can tell by the description, this program will take a lot of work to implement.  Please pray that God will keep His hands on it.  Pray that He will give me wisdom as I counsel the children in their future goals.  We strive here to provide the children with a safe environment to grow in, Godly instruction, and a good education.  We pray that by providing these and helping them make and reach goals we will help influence the future of  Nicaragua for God.

I will be returning to the United States at Thanksgiving and staying through New Years.  I look forward to seeing many of you then.  If you would like to meet with me while I am in the US, please contact me.  Please keep me in your prayers and know that you are in mine.
 

In Christ,

Joy Pulsifer

Joy Pulsifer
 
 

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