Those are essential needs, but healthy childhood development also depends on opportunities to explore, imagine, create, and express emotions. Creative experiences help children discover who they are while building confidence that can last a lifetime.

At The Emiliani Project, we believe every child deserves opportunities to learn in ways that inspire both their minds and their hearts. Recently, our children spent the day painting landscapes together, following a shared reference while adding their own unique perspective through every brushstroke.

What seemed like a simple art activity became a powerful reminder that every child sees the world differently, and every child has something valuable to contribute.

Art Teaches More Than Painting

During the activity, each child began with the same landscape reference.

They observed shapes, colors, light, and perspective while carefully building their own paintings. Along the way, they practiced patience, concentration, creativity, and attention to detail. Although everyone started with the same image, no two paintings looked exactly alike.

That may be one of the greatest lessons art can teach.

Each child brought their own imagination, personality, and experiences to the canvas. Instead of trying to create identical paintings, they learned that uniqueness is something to celebrate.

Art encourages children to slow down, observe carefully, solve problems, and trust their own creative instincts. These are skills that benefit them not only in the classroom but throughout life.

Building Confidence One Brushstroke at a Time

One of the greatest gifts art offers is confidence.

Many children are afraid of making mistakes. They worry about getting the “right” answer or comparing themselves to others.
Painting reminds them that growth often happens through experimentation.

A brushstroke that doesn’t go exactly as planned can become part of something beautiful.

Each completed painting represented more than a finished project. It represented persistence, patience, and the satisfaction of creating something entirely their own.

For children who may have experienced uncertainty or difficult circumstances, these small victories matter. They help build self-esteem and reinforce the belief that they are capable of learning, growing, and accomplishing new things.

Creativity Supports Healthy Child Development

Research continues to show that creative activities play an important role in childhood development.

Art helps children strengthen focus, develop problem-solving skills, improve fine motor coordination, and express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.

According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, supportive learning experiences and positive relationships help build the foundation children need for lifelong learning, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Creative activities like painting contribute to that foundation by giving children a safe space to explore, imagine, and discover their abilities.
Sometimes growth begins with something as simple as a blank canvas and a few colors of paint.

Every Child Has a Unique Perspective

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the day was watching how differently each child interpreted the same landscape.

Some focused on bright colors.

Others added more detail.

Some painted carefully and slowly, while others worked boldly and confidently.

Every finished painting reflected the personality of the child who created it.

In many ways, this mirrors life itself.

Every child has different gifts, talents, interests, and dreams. When those gifts are encouraged instead of overlooked, children begin to recognize their own value and potential.

That is one reason programs like these are so meaningful. They remind children that they don’t have to be exactly like everyone else to create something beautiful.

Created in the Image of the Ultimate Creator

As a Christian nonprofit, The Emiliani Project believes every child is uniquely created by God.

Scripture tells us that we are made in His image (Genesis 1:27). That means every child possesses unique gifts, abilities, and creative potential waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

God Himself is the ultimate Creator.

From the beauty of creation to the uniqueness of every individual, His creativity is reflected throughout the world around us.

When children paint, imagine, build, and create, they are exercising a small reflection of the creativity God has placed within them.

Helping children develop those gifts is about far more than making beautiful artwork. It’s about helping them discover confidence, purpose, and hope.

Helping Children Flourish

At The Emiliani Project, our mission extends beyond meeting immediate needs.

We strive to help children grow emotionally, spiritually, academically, and creatively because every part of a child’s development matters.

Activities like this painting project create opportunities for children to build relationships, learn new skills, express themselves, and experience the joy of creating something uniquely their own.

If you’d like to learn more about how The Emiliani Project serves vulnerable children throughout Colombia, visit our Our Work page. If you’d like to make an even greater impact, consider sponsoring a child or explore opportunities to join an upcoming mission trip.

Because when children are given opportunities to create, explore, and believe in themselves, they don’t just make art.

They begin building brighter futures.

Every child needs food, shelter, education, and healthcare.

But there is another need that is just as important, though often less visible: the need to belong.

Every child wants to know they are seen, valued, and loved. They want to know there is a place where they matter and people who care about them.

For children facing instability, poverty, or difficult family circumstances, that sense of belonging can be especially powerful.

At The Emiliani Project, creating opportunities for children to experience family, community, and meaningful relationships is an important part of helping them thrive.

Why Belonging Matters

Belonging is more than feeling included.

It creates a foundation for emotional well-being, confidence, and healthy development.

Research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child shows that supportive relationships play a critical role in helping children build resilience and develop the skills they need to succeed throughout life.

When children know they are cared for and supported, they are more likely to:

• Develop confidence and self-worth
• Build healthy relationships
• Stay engaged in school
• Navigate challenges with greater resilience

In many ways, belonging helps children move from simply getting by to truly flourishing.

Family Comes in Many Forms

When people hear the word “family,” they often think of parents, siblings, and relatives.

While those relationships are important, family can also include mentors, teachers, sponsors, volunteers, friends, and community members who consistently show up in a child’s life.

For many children, these relationships become a source of encouragement and stability.

A caring adult who listens, encourages, and believes in a child can make a lasting difference.

Belonging is often built one relationship at a time.

Celebrating Family Day at Emiliani

Recently, children and families connected to The Emiliani Project gathered to celebrate Family Day.

The event was filled with laughter, shared meals, conversations, activities, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together.

What made the day special wasn’t any single activity. It was the reminder that every child deserves to feel connected to a community that cares about them.

Moments like these help children create positive memories while strengthening the relationships that support them throughout the year.

Family Day served as a celebration of the people who help children feel safe, valued, and loved.

The Role of Community in a Child’s Future

No child thrives alone.

Strong communities provide encouragement during difficult times and celebrate milestones during good times.

Community creates opportunities for children to learn, grow, and discover their potential.

Whether through sponsorship, mentorship, educational support, or simply spending time together, every positive interaction helps strengthen a child’s sense of belonging.

This is one reason The Emiliani Project focuses not only on meeting practical needs but also on creating environments where children can build healthy relationships and lasting connections.

How Sponsors Become Part of the Story

When someone sponsors a child, they are doing more than providing financial support.

They are helping create stability, opportunity, and hope.

Sponsorship helps ensure children have access to resources and programs that allow them to grow in a supportive environment surrounded by people who care about them.

Over time, these consistent investments help children develop confidence and a stronger vision for their future.

A Faith-Based Vision of Family

Throughout Scripture, God describes His people as a family.

He calls us to care for one another, bear one another’s burdens, and ensure that no one feels forgotten or alone.

While Family Day was a special event, it also reflected a deeper truth: every child deserves to know they are valued, loved, and part of something bigger than themselves.

This vision aligns closely with the legacy of Saint Jerome Emiliani, the patron saint of orphaned and abandoned children. After experiencing profound hardship in his own life, he dedicated himself to caring for vulnerable children, creating places where they could find safety, education, and belonging.

His example continues to inspire The Emiliani Project’s mission today.

How You Can Help Children Find Hope

Every child deserves a place to belong.

Through sponsorship, volunteering, prayer, and support, individuals can help create communities where children are encouraged, cared for, and given opportunities to thrive.

Because when children know they are loved and supported, hope begins to grow.

And where hope grows, futures change.

Once you say yes to a mission trip, one of the first questions that comes up is practical:

What should I bring?

Preparing for an international mission trip can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time serving abroad. Many people worry about packing the wrong things, forgetting essentials, or not being fully prepared.

The good news is that mission trips are not about having perfect gear or packing every possible item.

In fact, many first-time volunteers discover they need far less than they expected.

The goal is not comfort or convenience. The goal is to arrive prepared, flexible, and ready to serve.

If you are still exploring what a mission trip experience looks like, you can learn more about volunteering with The Emiliani Project here:
https://emilianiproject.org/volunteer/

Start with the Essentials

The best approach to packing is simplicity.

Focus first on the items that will help you stay healthy, comfortable, and prepared to serve throughout the trip.

Important Essentials to Bring

• A valid passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight, modest clothing suitable for warm weather
• Refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Personal medications and toiletries
• Small backpack or day bag
• Portable phone charger
• Basic notebook or journal

Medellín’s climate is often described as “spring-like,” with mild temperatures year-round. Still, it’s wise to bring layers since mornings and evenings can feel cooler depending on elevation and weather.

You can learn more about Medellín’s climate through the Colombia travel guide from Lonely Planet:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/medellin

Pack with Service in Mind

Mission trips are different from vacations.

You are not traveling to be entertained. You are traveling to serve alongside others and support ongoing work within the community.

That mindset affects how you pack.

Choose clothing and supplies that are:

• Comfortable rather than fashionable
• Practical rather than excessive
• Respectful of local culture and community settings

Simple, modest clothing is usually best. Many volunteers also find it helpful to bring a few items they do not mind getting dirty during activities or projects.

Packing lightly also makes travel easier and keeps the focus where it belongs: relationships and service.

What You Probably Don’t Need

One of the biggest mistakes first-time volunteers make is overpacking.

You do not need:

• Expensive travel gear
• Multiple pairs of dress shoes
• Excessive technology or electronics
• A large suitcase full of “just in case” items

Most volunteers end up using far less than they expected.

You also do not need to bring unrealistic expectations about “changing the world” in a few days. Mission trips are not about becoming the hero of someone else’s story.

They are about showing up humbly, supporting existing work, and building genuine relationships.

Often, the most meaningful moments come through simple conversations, shared meals, and time spent with others.

Preparing Spiritually Matters Too

Packing for a mission trip is not only physical. It is spiritual.

Before leaving, it’s helpful to spend time praying, reflecting, and preparing your heart for the experience ahead.

Mission trips often stretch people beyond their routines and comfort zones. They create opportunities to grow in patience, gratitude, humility, and dependence on God.

Many volunteers discover that spiritual preparation matters more than anything inside a suitcase.

Some helpful ways to prepare spiritually include:

• Spending intentional time in prayer
• Reading Scripture focused on service and compassion
• Journaling before and during the trip
• Asking God to give you humility and openness

For practical guidance on preparing for short-term mission experiences, Christianity Today offers helpful perspective here:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/

What You Really Need Most

At the end of the day, the most important thing you bring on a mission trip is not an item.

It is your willingness to serve.

You do not need perfect qualifications, extensive travel experience, or special expertise to make a meaningful impact. You simply need openness, humility, and a heart willing to love others well.

Jesus summarized the Christian life with two simple commands: love God and love your neighbor.

Mission trips create an opportunity to live that out in a tangible way.

And in serving others, many people discover something unexpected: their own faith begins to grow deeper too.

Taking the First Step

If you are considering a mission trip to Colombia, don’t let uncertainty stop you from exploring the opportunity.

You can learn more about upcoming trips, volunteer opportunities, and The Emiliani Project’s work here:
https://emilianiproject.org/volunteer/

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.

Sometimes growth begins simply by taking the first step.

Meet Our Volunteer Leadership:

• Charles Navarrete, President: As the President, Charles leads our mission with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our initiatives align with our core values and effectively serve the children. Charles co-founded The Emiliani Project, inspired by his experiences as a military veteran witnessing the plight of displaced children. Read more about Charles Navarrete.
• Matthew Monroe, Vice President: Matthew cherishes the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of orphans through The Emiliani Project. He emphasizes that even modest contributions can create significant change in Colombia. Matthew and his wife have two adopted children, Johanna and Gabi, who bring boundless energy and joy to their lives. His commitment to family and service reflects his dedication to living out his faith through action. Read more about Matthew Monroe.
• Cristina Ramirez, Director of Fundación Emiliani: Born and raised in Colombia, Cristina has witnessed the challenges faced by underserved children. Cristina oversees our foundation’s operations in Colombia, working closely with local communities to foster a safe and loving environment for the children. Read more about Cristian Ramirez.
• Bryan Hunter, Board Member: Bryan is driven by the singular mission of The Emiliani Project: to support Colombian orphans. He finds fulfillment in building homes that offer love and security to children in need. As the book of James 1:17 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” Read more about Bryan Hunter. 

Now is the perfect time to plan your volunteer trip to Medellín in 2025! Join us in building and maintaining Hogar de Cristo and caring for the amazing children we serve. You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, work alongside our incredible team, unplug from the daily grind, and dedicate time to serving the Lord and others.

Upcoming Trip Dates:

• July 12-20, 2025
• November 12-19, 2025

Our home, Hogar de Cristo, is located 30 minutes south of Medellín in Caldas, nestled atop a mountain at 7,000 feet elevation, offering beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. It’s the perfect retreat for those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in meaningful missionary work.

Join us in the spirit of Saint Jerome Emiliani and make a lasting impact on the lives of these children. For more information and to sign up for a trip, visit our volunteer page.

Ways You Can Support

As we reflect on this year of growth, your continued support is vital in empowering us to provide a nurturing environment for the children of Hogar de Cristo. Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Pray for our children, staff, volunteers, and for God’s continued provision.
• Sponsor a child to cover essentials like food, utilities, and education.
• Join a mission trip to Medellín in 2025 and experience life-changing service firsthand.
• Donate or sign up for easy recurring donations via iGive.

Every prayer and contribution brings hope and love to the children we serve.

Plan Your Mission Trip in 2025

Looking for a meaningful adventure in the new year? Join The Emiliani Project in Medellín, Colombia! Our mission trips offer a unique chance to serve others, build lasting friendships, and unplug from the busyness of life.

Upcoming Trip Dates:

• July 12-20, 2025
• November 12-19, 2025

Participants will help build and maintain Hogar de Cristo, care for the children, and experience the joy of serving as part of our dedicated team. Learn More & Apply Here.

Child Sponsorship: A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

This Christmas season, we’re especially grateful for our child sponsorship program, which continues to grow as we welcome new residents at Hogar de Cristo. With 18 children now calling the home their own, your sponsorship ensures they receive food, utilities, staff support, and education.

• Full Sponsorship: $325/month covers one child’s needs.
• Small Donations: Gifts of $25 or more add up to powerful change.

Learn More About Sponsorships Here.

Exciting Construction Updates

We’re excited to share progress on the new caretaker’s home at Hogar de Cristo. Framing is complete, and our crew is currently installing the exterior concrete board. This addition will enhance the support we provide to the children and the staff who care for them.

A Thought for the Season

As we close out 2024, we are thankful for the incredible strides made in both Colombia and the U.S. Together, we’ve brought hope and love to children in need.

This holiday season, may we all remember the reason for the season and the gift of love that transcends all boundaries.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
~ Isaiah 9:6

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With gratitude,
The Emiliani Project Team

It’s been an incredible year at the Hogar and it was so rewarding to see how happy the kids are to live there! We are excited to share the below video to give you a glimpse at the summer’s mission trip:

As always, we are so thankful for your continued desire to help orphaned and abandoned children. Your continued support is needed in the following ways:

• Prayer – for our kids, our staff, our volunteers, and for God’s continued provision
• Child sponsorship
• Participate in a mission trip
• Donate
• Sign up to donate using iGive