4 years ago, a small group of reefers began a partnership with an orphanage in Guatemala. Our own Christina Watson, who adopted 2 children from Guatemala, had a special relationship with this orphanage, called Casa Bernabe. Her second child lived there for 4 years during the difficult adoption process. As a way to give back, Christina began leading mission trips of Ocean Reefers back to her children's beginning.
Center Rear - The 2017 Team led by Christina Watson and Mike & Laurie Tein.
When it started, groups of 28 to 35 traveled down to the orphanage and painted, babysat, built fences, fixed roofs; taught Zumba, volleyball, and soccer. Of all these things, the soccer was by far and away the most popular with the kids.
Pastor Carlos blesses and distributes food in Guatemala barrio
“Each trip, we brought new gear, professional coaches, and a lot of players. We've been back 5 times and have made our mark in several ways, but soccer has always been our jam. So when asked to take their program to the next level, the generous people of our little hamlet came through.
In late February, and just in time for the lockdown, the brand-new artificial turf soccer field was completed, right on campus! In a culture where soccer is such a big part of daily life, in a place where the rains turn the concrete-like dirt to a mud slick, this gift is one that the kids could barely wait to use. The plaque reads: We thank God for the generosity of the good people in Ocean Reef for this soccer field.
The rain turns the concrete-like dirt to mud. The astroturf was completed in February 2020
Our 6th mission trip was scheduled for June 13-20 but had to be canceled due to COVID19. In place of a live visit, we have funded 4 "feeding events" where we sent funds to the local church who bought supplies and rallied the volunteers to distribute food to the neediest areas.
The beautiful thing about our trips is watching not only the smiles on the faces of the orphans that we have come to bless but also the smiles of the team members, whose hearts are changed in ways they never imagined,” says Watson.
Eve Tatlock entertains a youngster on the 2019 Trip.
The Ocean Reef Orphans groups include members, employees, and friends of this community. They anticipate return trips in safer times when the borders open. The team will find more ways to help. So to be a part of this incredible journey or learn more about us please go to orcfororphans.com.
Christina Watson brings years of business experience to Watson Luxury Properties. Her business management skills have been put to good use, coaching the family firm to new heights. She is a licensed sales associate as well, and under the tutelage of her sister, Bobbie, she has learned the ins and outs of the real estate market on the reef. Christina also leads a mission trip to an orphanage in Guatemala where her daughter lived before she came home. Together with the generous people in Ocean Reef, the team have conducted 6 trips and made a great impact. Christina is also an advocate of the Academy at Ocean Reef where she has served on the Board and where her 2 children attended for many years.