What is a library without books?
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A Note From Natalie: My First Year of College
Hello. I hope you are in good health. The reason for this letter is to tell you a little of what has been the year of study in college. I’ll be a little short. hehehehe … Well the day … Continued
Donʼt Look Back
Donʼt look back; that is not the direction that I am going: A year end reflection while looking forward to 2016 at Friends From Iowa Foundation. I always liked the phrase, “Don’t look back; that’s not the direction I am … Continued
LIVING Christmas
Celebrating LIVING Christmas. One of the first things I ritually do when I arrive in Berlin is visit the families who live in the homes we built and gave to them. There are currently sixty people living there, and it consumes most … Continued
Paying It Forward
An update on Jose Maravilla: Jose is a 59-year-old gentleman who had been wandering aimlessly looking for help for his severe leg and feet problems. For those who have not heard about him, you can read earlier posts about him … Continued
Somber or Blithe
I feel like I am on a mental teeter-totter, not knowing if I am feeling somber or blithe.
Medical Update: Reina
Reina is able to begin chemotherapy treatment TODAY and may be able to save her arm and more importantly, her life. “WHY?” Many of us have this God thing all wrong: believing and stating that if we have faith in God, everything … Continued
Am I All In?
AM I ALL IN? That is a question I seem to be internally asking myself more frequently as time goes on. Hopefully, this happens to others, or I am giving an inside glimpse at how my brain works. My passport is full; there … Continued
Foundation: Construction Update
Do you remember “God’s Not So Subtle Humor?” “A large storm hit the Berlin area, and in its aftermath one of the Foundation’s buildings was partially destroyed by a large mango tree falling on it. Upon learning of this, my first reaction was WHY … Continued
Daily Penance
There is a correction, lost somewhere in translation, that Mr. Maravilla is 59 years old and not 70. I am sure the 15 years of suffering he has endured has felt like an eternity compared to the 11 years I was … Continued
Medical Lip Syncing
Medical Lip Syncing, just as I expected. We, here in the U.S. are truly blessed to live where we have a health care system that does not discriminate because of our net worth. Unfortunately, there are many places in the world … Continued
Mr. Maravilla’s Homily
Today is Sunday, and I didn’t go to Mass (church). I am glad I didn’t. The service would have been in Spanish, and while I can usually follow along and know what part of the Mass it is since the Catholic … Continued
Freedom in El Salvador
“There is a saying in El Salvador: The wealthy have the freedom to live, and the poor have the freedom to die.” What are your feet or legs worth? How about your back? What is the ability to be able … Continued
My Problems Seem So Small
“Sometimes it is difficult and hard when you see and become aware of other people’s problems.”
A Bed For Josue
Josue and his mother, Maria, came to our Foundation looking for help to find a bed for Josue. He suffers with leukemia; enduring a week of chemo in the hospital and a week at home recovering. This is very hard on him, and he needs a place … Continued
Praying For a Miracle
“Sometimes, It Takes More Than Prayers…” This is a recurring theme that I have often used when encountering frustration by the lack of an apparent solution, or its expediency, or the lack of attention by others to an issue that … Continued
Children’s Day Celebration
BUILDING COMMUNITY Children’s Day Celebration What better way to celebrate than with a clown and piñata party at the Foundation!
Feels Like Dancing
AS SEEN IN: IOWA LIVING MAGAZINE One Man Trades His Cars Into Casas For Others
The Houses That Ruth Built
“From that day forward, I was haunted by the thought of this precious little baby growing up and trying to survive in the conditions that surrounded us that day.”
Foundation Addition Progress
More pictures of the shower, laundry, and bathroom addition for the homeless.
Partnering For Women
Friends From Iowa Foundation was invited to a meeting at the Berlin city hall to be included in discussions with the women’s resource office.
Diana: In Her Own Words
“It is important to know that in spite of everything, you have to LIVE; you need to go BEYOND.” Diana explains in her own words what it means for her to be able to undergo surgery that will help her to sit … Continued
Rosita: Medical Miracle
“There are no words to describe the feeling of being able to be a part of helping change a life.” YOU Too Can Make A Difference.
Corn Delivery
Thank you to our friends at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Waukee, Iowa for their generous corn donation and choosing to partner with Friends From Iowa Foundation! Together, we were able to provide a corn delivery for the families our … Continued