Recent Improvements in Las Chacaras

Freddy, Franco and Janiel

Pastor Cesar and Mauricio

Planting Vegetables Hydroponically

First Litter of Piglets

Freddy has taken the lead in Manantial ... regularly visiting the people of Las Chacaras and maintaining the relationships there. As you can see above, the first pig has given birth to 10 piglets, with eight surving and growing every day. We all look forward to the day when the other two sows give birth also. This is the beginning of financial growth, with freedom being the goal. The men have tended the mother pigs for the past three months, and now are inoculating the piglets, caring for them and watching them grow daily.

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It's very exciting to see Mauricio has joined Las Chacaras in the daily work there. He initially was not part of the community, but in November he was hired to supervise the building of hydroponic vegetable boxes when a team from the States came to share in the project. Now he's definitely part of the community ... and one more benefit of knitting lives together through work that supports them.

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For all of you who remember Sylvia (Sandra's mother) ... well, her son, Milton, has recently purchased 50 chickens and two 'other' pigs to raise and sell for meat to the local community. They have a little pulperia in their home, and one day soon it will be stocked with more than beans, rice and vegetables. There will also be meat for sale.

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We're thrilled to see this community thrive. It is a testimony that giving people a chance to do it themselves can actually bring about real change in their lives, and also put more hope in their hearts. We are happy to watch them grow.