2012
As we continue to support shelters and provide free meals to the school children, our focus in 2012 will be to increase the amount of medical care to the working poor of the colonias. Often, we are discovering that children and young adults are undergoing unnecessary amputations. It seems that some of the medications and surgeries that save children from losing a foot or a leg are not covered by the poor people’s insurance. (Amputation is covered by insurance). click to continue
Visits to Cafeterias
We visited each school cafeteria during the month of February. Our visits were unannounced and we inspected the food, spoke with the volunteers and inspected each building. (We also enjoyed a meal with the children). click to continue
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Piedras Negras
On Tuesday, a female officer was reported to be killed and six people were wounded in a gun battle between police and gunmen.
The international bridge linking Eagle Pass, Texas with Piedras Negras was shut down.
The attackers were routed and fled following the shootout, leaving behind a large quantity of weapons, including assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and grenade launchers, ammunition, rifles and pistols.
The press, Mexican authorities and witnesses will not provide more information. In fact, nobody even mentions the word ‘cartel’ in any report.
The shelters for children and the poor need our help more than ever. No U.S. churches or charities are expected to help.
Piedras Negras is about 40 miles from Acuña and was one of the cities that many churches and nonprofits visited in previous years. Most of these churches and nonprofits claimed to have ‘strong ties to the local community’ and claimed to have strong commitments with churches in Piedras Negras. As cartel violence was reported (continue)
Services
Samuel Wiegman Samuel's services will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church 6723 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77087. Viewing will be held on Thursday April 12th from 5-9 pm with rosary, vigil liturgy and words of memorial starting at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be on Friday April 13th at 10 am. Thursday.
Samuel Wiegman, 16, of Houston, TX went home to his Heavenly Father on April 7th, 2012. He is survived by his mother, Christine Wiegman and his brother, Cordero Wiegman, his grandparents Joseph and Wilhelmina Wiegman. He is also survived by his uncles and aunts: Leo & Julie, Jan & Vicky, Paul & Sarah, Barend & Martha, Herman & Holly, John & Marij and his cousins: Adrian, Harry, Elliott, Maddie, Rosabelle, Caleb, Joseph, Grace, David, Andrea, Nicole, Nathan, Anna, Sonja and Finn, and his friend and encourager Patrick Green. He is also survived by Tina and Salaya Leal.
Samuel was proud to have attended Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory. He was in the Boy Scouts, volunteered in his community and also touched the lives of many children and families during his 8 years of attending mission trips to Mexico. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to be made to Paper Houses Across the Border MSC-980 P.O. Box 2954, San Antonio, TX 78299-2954.
Christine wants the money used to provide a playground for the children of the colonias and also asked us to purchase shoes for the children. We are already working to select a site for the playground. (continue) photo link
Always Unexpected
December 7, 2011
Juan Pedro had a growth spurt! We are always excited when our children seem to suddenly grow, even though we know it often means new clothes are needed.
In 
Juan Pedro's case, he has 'outgrown' his prosthetic leg. We met Juan Pedro and his family yesterday and he is now in Monterrey to have his 'leg' modified. As always, Juan Pedro is happy, excited and thankful to the Americans that help him. Mom and Dad expressed tearful thanks.
ADVISORY BOARD
2011
Paper Houses is forming an Advisory Board. We need input from donors and supporters. We already receive advice from the people of the colonias, but we also need advice from our supporters—they're the people from the trenches and have been on the business battlefield longer than we have.
An Advisory Board will provide a reality check for the board of directors. Our website, newsletter or videos may be too in depth or they may require expansion. The frequency of letters to donors or the content may need to be changed. (continue)
Our Blogs
We hope that our blogs promote comments and opinions. We value opinions and hope to grow new ideas and consider your viewpoints.
How to Help!
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Volunteer to edit or translate our web pages and documents.
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Sponsor a table at our cafeteria - Cost is only $25 a month to feed 8 children!
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Talk with your school, church or employer about inviting Bob to make a presentation.
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E-mail your friends and relatives to visit this website.
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Twitter to your friends about us.
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Share us on Facebook
E-mail us about these and other opportunities click here.
We are establishing relationships between American and Mexican schools. Just drop us an e-mail if you are interested!
