In the Spotlight - Josué and Casa Ester

We recently asked our house parents and staff how the coronavirus and the quarantines are impacting their lives, their families, and the lives of the children they care for. Today we get to hear from Josué.

Josué, his wife Rossy, and their three children have been with us since 2017 as the house parents at Casa Ester. The dad to a house of 9 girls, Josué also is our bus driver, taking our teams back and forth to the airport and to Antigua. He also is part of the worship team, playing drums many Sunday mornings. Josué’s smile and genuine joyfulness are contagious. Here is what he shared with us.

I think we have had a little more personalized time with each of the girls and it has been a very special time, because we have had a little more chance to chat with them individually.  Some of them, for example, have shared what her life was like before and that she suffered a lot. Here in this place, she feels more comfortable and safe. She says that even the environment is different and thanks God for it. 

At first when the girls asked us about the virus and why we had to be quarantined, it caused them a little fear. But, we explained that it was the perfect plan of God and how our Father is not mistaken.  We also explained that we were very, very lucky. There are other countries are suffering more than Guatemala. God has all of it in His hand though. We see that here at Casa Bernanbé where we are playing soccer. We have a pool and so many good things while in other countries, people are locked up in their house with nothing more than to watch television.  We are very grateful that we and the girls are in such a place, in such a beautiful place, with all the comforts, sunlight, water, food, recreation and such a beautiful house. 

We have also had a little more relaxation in that there are not many activities and we do not have to be in a rush to get things done.  This has been very nice.  We have had time to water the flowers and fruit trees that we have planted. As we are taking our time doing these things, the girls have had questions. Why should we water them?  How long does it take to grow and why does it take so long?  How do they get the flavor?  I am amused by the many questions that arise in their little heads.  We have also had a special time with our friend Tony, a time of camaraderie.  The girls have also had a special time with the baby we have in our home. I have especially enjoyed this as well.

Here is a peak at what afternoon chores look like in Casa Ester.