In Guatemala, there are thousands of orphaned, abandoned, destitute and abused children. They are victims of family disintegration which is the result of the social and economic violence in the midst of which they live everyday. A recent U.N. study showed that 83.4% of all Guatemalans live below the poverty level. For them, "hope" is an empty word. To hope is to think about food, clothing, education, a decent shelter, love acceptance, understanding and concern. But their dreams become shattered by the humiliating reality that achieving even the simplest of things will be a struggle. But it doesn't have to be that way! Casa Shalom, a Christian home for children in Guatemala is offering help to the truly helpless. Started in 1987 by Dr. Rick and Janice Waldrop, Casa Shalom was birthed out of a vision of an orphanage that provided a home, food and education with the love of God enveloping in all aspects of their lives. Birthday celebration in 1994 The Children in 2000 Shalom is the biblical Hebrew word which means "peace", "well-being", "health" and "salvation". Since Casa Shalom opened its doors, its goal has been to offer peace and well-being to those beautiful lives God has brought to be part of its family. Children from around the country have converged on the twelve acre farm for a new life and a second chance. Casa Shalom supplies their basic needs of health care, education, food, clothing and housing in a family atmosphere of love, acceptance and discipline. Above all, Casa Shalom provides an environment filled with God's love with the desire that every child will come to know Him as their personal savior and friend. Children in 2004