Ever been to a Nuevo Camino tent sale? Amelia made each and every one of those hair scrunchies by hand. All proceeds from our sales support our Nuevo Camino families as they transition out of the women’s shelter. Shop here for more great product!
It’s beautiful to see our Nuevo Camino moms take what they’ve received and “pay it forward” into the next wave of families. From taking other moms into their own homes, to helping with projects in the schools, they are demonstrating how much a second chance at life means to them. They help build community each day by investing in others who join them on this new path.
Some of the greatest experiences in our lives come after – and often because of – the greatest fights. We can choose to believe that no good thing comes without struggle!
Hear Lynn Ann and Elena share about how they chose to listen to that voice of hope that knew there was something better for their lives. The voice that refused to put themselves in a box any longer and decided to follow their hearts for something better for them and their children.
This Nuevo Camino is for ALL of us in all corners of the world. Let’s continue building it TOGETHER!
Check out our website to learn more about NUEVO CAMINO and to DONATE!
Surely I’m not the only one listening to rap music in the carpool, right?
My friend Lynn Ann has a job, 4 young kids, a minivan, and every reason in the world not to take a trip to a third world country at this stage in her life. But she had one quiet, nagging, persistent reason to go.
Just a few months ago, she was shopping for medical supplies along with her friends–ready to support their medical service trip to Peru. But surely this was not the trip for her. It just wasn’t the right timing (still paying off hospital bills from those last two babies, y’all). It was most definitely not convenient (ever traveled to a third world country with a breast pump?). It was not glamorous (ever washed sores on villagers’ feet?). Lynn Ann has.
Because she decided to listen to that quiet voice that said, “Isn’t this why you became a nurse in the first place? Isn’t this the stuff that gives your life the inspiration that makes it worth living?”
You can either lose yourself in the bills and the schedules and the stuff of life. Or you can lose yourself in the stuff that gives you life.
Life doesn’t offer many invitations to take the time to do something that fuels you. You have to fight for it. Consider this your invitation to hear from someone who did. But hear this: it’s not just about Lynn Ann’s experience in Peru. It’s about you and your “one reason.”
We hope you’ll join us this Thursday, October 25 and leave just a little more in touch with that quiet, nagging voice that’s trying, ever so delicately, to lead you to your moment.
Gwen Brown
Community Relations Director
Something New
WHAT: Woman Connecting Across Continents: Stories of Inspiration, Hope and Courage
WHEN: Thursday, October 25th
TIME: 8:00 pm EST
JOIN: REGISTER to join the call or HOST A PARTY with your friends.
A group of Something New volunteers headed to Cusco this week to support our Nuevo Camino families and spread love through a health campaign. It was a great reunion for some, and first-time intro for others!
The last Thursday of every month, women across the country have gathered to hear the women of Nuevo Camino share their stories of overcoming hardship. We have continued to find that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER and there is a power, as women, in supporting and encouraging each other.
Last month, Erika shared her powerful story and left us looking forward to the next time together. We will gather virtually and in person on October 25 at 8pm for our next call. More details of who will share to come!
Let’s keep building this Nuevo Camino and new global community! Here are two ways you can get involved:
[Read more…]
The last Thursday of every month, Something New and the women of Nuevo Camino host a call to connect, inspire, and build this network of women. This call, Erika, one of the first moms to go through Nuevo Camino in Cusco, Peru, shares her story of hardship and overcoming. Our next call will be on October 25!
Once together in the women’s shelter, Erika (right) who will share her story on September’s call, and Elena (left) have become close, supportive friends.
Last month, Yoli and Erika shared with us stories of hardships and overcoming. We would all say that through their cracks, a beautiful light shined. We have not all gone through the same situations, but THERE ARE SOME THINGS WE HAVE IN COMMON, AS WOMEN. We have all been broken, lost, and hopeless at times. And, we have all needed someone to encourage and support us — we are finding out that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER.
Many you of have asked to hear more of Erika’s story and to have more time together. Join us on September 27th for just that! You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be inspired.
Most of all, we will connect through our struggles and our victories. And we will keep creating a global community of like-hearted women who can lift each other up and cheer each other on.
Here are two ways you can get involved:
[Read more…]
“Last year, I could have never imagined eating at a restaurant and opening birthday presents. I couldn’t have imagined such a happy life,” Ruth Carina smiled as she fed her daughter birthday cake.
Last year, at just 17, Ruth Carina found herself abandoned and living under a bridge with her newborn daughter after her then-boyfriend threatened to take the baby’s life. A sympathetic taxi driver helped her find the women’s shelter in Cusco where she found safety, hope and a new start thanks to your support. Read more of Ruth Carina’s story HERE.
Her birthday is extra special this year, because at 18, Ruth Carina can move out of the shelter and live on her own. Starting next week, she’ll be renting a room from Elena, a fellow mom in the Nuevo Camino program and a mentor who will help her get on her feet and learn to learn to take care of the baby. Nuevo Camino is more than a program. It’s a community of mothers fighting together for new life and purpose for themselves and their children.
Ruth Carina is also finishing up high school at night, and looking for work during the day.
She is learning to stand on her own — and knowing Ruth Carina’s drive and heart to support her daughter, we know it won’t be long!
Learn more about the mommas of Nuevo Camino HERE and DONATE to support Ruth Carina and the other moms!
When you’re a child facing adult problems, you might end up sleeping under a bridge with your newborn. And maybe even using your own clothes for your daughter’s diapers because, even at 17, you’re a mom and moms will sacrifice anything for their little ones.
This is the reality for Ruth Carina, who left home at 11 because her parents weren’t able to provide for her. She worked odd jobs, and managed to rent a room and still somehow attend school.
When she became pregnant, Ruth Carina’s boyfriend told her that she and the baby could move in with him and his parents. But when little Jhandy was born, her boyfriend and his mother turned her away. She ended up at his grandmother’s house, but when the boyfriend showed up and threatened to kill the baby, Ruth Carina ran away.
That’s how she ended up spending a night under a bridge with a newborn. A sympathetic taxi driver directed her to help and she arrived at the women’s shelter with only her precious little girl and the clothes she was wearing.
On her first ever shopping trip, with Nuevo Camino volunteers, she got a hot pink puffy coat, and refused to take it off.
The idea of a Nuevo Camino (new path) after such an incredibly painful and rocky one, is refreshing and joyful to Ruth Carina. She’s willing to give her clothes as diapers for her baby, but with this new chance, she’ll fight for something much better. She is willing to work hard for their future. Enrolled in her final year of high school, Ruth Carina feels confident that she finally has a family – both in the Nuevo Camino volunteers and the other moms and their kids.
Go HERE to support Ruth Carina and the other mammas of Nuevo Camino!