In July of 2006 we hosted a “short-term” mission group in Guatemala.  During that week we encountered Mama Carmen in Hyper Paiz (the Guatemalan equivalent of a super Wal-Mart).  When she met Joe Walenciak that night she told him “I ask God to send someone to help me in my ministry and your face is the one I seen in a dream”.  This lead to a quick investigation of her orphanage and began our relationship with this special lady.

 Mama Carmen is near 70 years old.  A friend has given her permission to use a house owned by her and Carmen cares for 35 children on a full time basis.  The only assistance Carmen receives is from her two daughters and some of the older kids that live in the home.  To add to the activity level of this ministry Mama Carmen accepts about 30 more children each day in daycare.  This home is also known by the area hospitals and agencies as a Godly organization that will welcome ANY CHILD no matter what special challenges exists.  Because of this Mama Carmen cares for two cerebral palsy boys, an HIV baby girl, and a little boy with bone cancer.  The amazing thing about this ministry is that she operates on about $1,000 per month and a faith that all their needs will be met by God.

Why does a retirement age lady with asthma spend her life serving these children??  The answer is simple.  Because of life changing events and God answering Mama Carmen’s prayers she committed to giving her life to caring for children.  This was reinforced when her dying son reminded her of this commitment and asks her to carry on.

In Mama Carmen’s words, “I want to show the children the path to God”.