In October 2006, we celebrated 3 years in Sao Paulo and 2 years in Recife of receiving children with health problems at our two homes, called CASA LIMIAR. What once was a dream in 2002 became a reality… and then was doubly blessed … because of LIMIAR's families and friends supporting the goals of these two homes.

What is the goal?

To provide a happy, safe, personal home for handicapped children who have potential to improve their physical, emotional and educational status, looking towards the goal of independent adulthood. Succinctly, the goal is to maximize potentials and minimize the effect of disabilities.

And how is that accomplished?

Through constant care and attention, prayer, medication, surgeries, therapies, leg braces and hearing aids, good nutrition, public and private education, special alimentation…along with parties, church participation, outings and holiday celebrations. In each home, we employ a team of workers plus house parents, a social worker, physical therapist, speech therapist and psychologist.

During the past three years, we have received beautiful children with spina bifida, epilepsy, syndromes, orthopedic problems, autism, hyperactivity, dermatopolymyositis, Downs Syndrome, cerebral palsy, speech and vision loss, cleft palate, and delayed development. Finally these children are being valued and can raise their eyes to see a future with possibilities.

Guilherme is one such child. He came to us several years ago and was having many problems walking due to accentuated deformaties in his femur and tibia bones. Most of his life prior to CASA LIMIAR was spent crawling around on the ground. But no longer! Recently, Guilherme received much needed surgery where the bones were cut, re-aligned and surgical steel guides were implanted in each leg.  The good news is that at the end of all of this, Guilherme will be able to walk normally for the first time in his life!

And so, we do the Silent Auction each holiday for these children. With the proceeds from the 2003 Silent Auction, we purchased a large Little Tykes playground for our Sao Paulo home. In 2004, with the auction proceeds we purchased a car for our home in Recife . The proceeds from 2005 were spent on mattresses and beds for both Casas and this year, we aimed to maintain financially what we have created. Buildings need painting and repairs, salaries have increased, and the value of the dollar has declined in comparison to the real .

Thus, we ask you to think of the Silent Auction not as a place to shop and to purchase, but rather as a place to give and let the charity of your heart be expressed.