Lev's Update from July 2025 Respite Trip

Hello beloved of God, we recently returned from the July 2025 Respite trip.

This was my 4th time going, and my first time organizing and leading the trip.

God orchestrated an amazing group of ten individuals who joined on the adventure together.

We went for one week, and everyday flew by! Thankfully the children were on their break from school, so we were able to spend a lot of time with them.

Here are some highlights from our trip:

-We were able to take all the children and college students visiting to the Balneario pool and indoor soccer fields for a day full of non-stop fun.

-Dima and his daughter Eleanor brought and installed 6 new solar powered security cameras at the Hogar.

-Along with the amazing and faithful maintenance guy Saul and a few of the kids, we (Steve & Dima) repaired 45 chairs with new seats and backs. These will go in their activity and worship room. Finding the correct wood and screws was not an easy task. There is no Lowes or Home Depot there. 

-Steve and Dima also installed a new drop ceiling into one of the activity rooms that was missing most of the ceiling.

-I of course kept Owen's tradition of doing a big pancake breakfast, it was a big success.

-We did an outreach day at the local dump where many families live and find what they need.

We made 50 big staple bags (beans,rice,sugar,salt, vegetables) and along with many of the children gave them out to the least of these in their community. It was really great seeing how eager the children were to serve others in their community.

One of the most beautiful things for me on the trip was on the first day we were there, the police dropped off a 2 year old boy Brian. He was obviously very neglected. It was amazing how quickly all of the children immediately took him in, and he was now part of the family. All week everyone wanted to hold him, and play with him. He was all smiles the whole week we were there, and I am sure was loved more than he has been in a while.This reminds me of Gods love and what it truly means to be a part of His family.

As always we go down there to give our time, show God's love, and be a blessing in any way we can  to the children and community of Santa Barbara, but I always leave with my heart so full of love and joy being around them is so infectious.

Thank you all for your continued support of the Hogar De Ninos and the work in the community of Santa Barbara, you have no idea how much of an eternal impact you have on their lives. 

Danny Keaton will be leading the next trip October 3-10 along with Dr Williams. This will be more medically focused and I am sure we will hear more updates about the progress of the clinic. If you have any interest in joining on that trip, please contact Danny Keaton:

Dannysdumpster@gmail.com

Many blessings,

Lev Habif