On December 21st 2000 our work began. On a daily basis, we saw children spending the nights under the archways of Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square. Unfortunately it wasn’t only a couple of children we had to worry about, but to our surprise many. In a small location (3x6m) only two blocks away from the Plaza, we started to provide evening meals to around hundred boys and girls. We did this from four in the afternoon at three separate occasions. At the same time we gave them lessons and read stories on the Christian vision to help change their lives. The majority of these children had to deal with various problems in their family environment. Some of these problems were alcoholism, personal and sexual abuses. This is how they came live on the streets. Most of them didn’t go to school; they worked and lived on the streets, were part of gangs and were delinquents. At the same time, they also used the drug “Terokal” (hallucinogen glue) or were addicted to drugs, gambling and the internet for games and porn. One and a half year after working like this, we wanted to offer these children more by finding a bigger location. We wanted to give them a place where they could find good care, love, attention and security. In June 2002, we bought the current home for the boys and started offering a home to 6 boys. These boys didn’t go to school nor had any conception of values and hygiene. Now ELIM has been here for a very long time. In 2005, we started the second home where we now have 8 girls living there. On December 21st 2007 we celebrated our 7th anniversary (see photos). We are receiving positive feedback from the Peruvian Government and from the neighborhood. Our children are going to school, stopped with their bad habits and can now see their future in a more positive manner. Nilda Escobar main foundraiser of ELIM