The Ledwich family, including Steve, Jenn, Cameron (8th), and Blair (6th) traveled to Casa Shalom Orphanage in Guatemala from June 23-28, 2025. They traveled with a group from Flood City Church. Casa Shalom is a home for orphaned, abandoned, abused, and neglected boys and girls. Located in the beautiful mountains of Guatemala, Casa Shalom is a refuge and a safe haven for children from across the country. The home was opened in 1986 to care for orphans of Guatemala’s 36-year-long civil war.
All children at Casa Shalom receive a nutritious diet, medical and dental care, Christ-centered therapy, education, and job-skills training. Most importantly, they’re introduced to Jesus as their Lord and Savior and raised to be Christ-following, educated young men and women!
While serving at the orphanage, the church group did various tasks including painting, cleaning, and assembling and welding together large shelves to be used in the orphanage’s new kitchen currently under construction. There was also plenty of time to play and hang out with the children and teens. Some of their favorite games included Uno, soccer, jump roping, and piggyback rides. Even with the language barrier, meaningful connections were made with the children.
Steve loved seeing the kids’ faces light up every time they saw them. He also enjoyed welding the shelves, which will have a long-lasting impact by improving the ease of storage for the kitchen staff.
Jenn’s favorite part was seeing the joy in the kid’s faces and playing jump rope. Traveling to an impoverished nation was a first for her and gave her a greater appreciation for all God has blessed her with. Also, the views of the surrounding mountains and volcanoes from the orphanage were quite amazing!
Blair’s favorites were visiting the baby/toddler room and playing Uno and soccer with the children. Cameron also really enjoyed playing soccer with the boys. They both gained a greater appreciation for their home and family.
