April 16, 2012 at 4pm: The sky was blue and perfect for the occasion: the inauguration of the Children’s House, a festive event attended by about 400 children and adults. Many staffers, especially Lyndal Maxwell, were busy for days trying to get everything organized. Now the day had finally come! The Kids Club children sang and their enthusiasm was infectious.
Dr. Martina John served as mistress of ceremony, and Dr. Klaus John gave the opening speech. He thanked Mr. and Mrs. Klemenz for their selfless service and dedication. He remembered Franz Vogtländer, the architect who drew up all the building plans free of change, and Thomas Dern, who contributed with his structural engineering expertise. He also sent a big "Thank You" across the ocean to Cologne, Germany, the home town of Dr. Oliver Brosch and his wife. The couple’s financial donation greatly contributed to turning the Children’s House into a reality.
Olaf Böttger, who was the afternoon’s second speaker, pointed out that the Kids Clubs are in people’s hearts even abroad. His speech was followed by two local politicians, who praised Diospi Suyana’s work both in terms of solving medical problems as well as working with children.
Next on the afternoon’s agenda was the play about the "Three Little Pigs", which most likely was the highlight for all the young kids in the audience. Alexandra Kopp, Tibor Minge and Sabine Oswald built houses made from different materials. The big bad wolf, a convincing Dominik Hütter, was able to blow them all down. Only the house built on rock remained standing.
In his short sermon, Dr. Brady drew parallels to the words of Jesus: Only people who build their house on rock have a firm foundation, only if God is our foundation can we withstand the storms of life.
Four guest of honor, the district’s governor Sr. Franzisco Cahuan Valdeiglesias, assistant mayor Sr. Mario Valenza Alarcón, and Olaf and Annette Böttger from Germany, cut the red ribbon to officially open the Children’s House.
Then, sandwiches and drinks were served, while the children were able to use up their energy by visiting the various play stations. At about 6:30pm the party ended. It was an event that will be remembered for a long time.
We praise God for blessing the Children’s House, from the mere idea all the way to the inauguration.
