Expo 2020!

Nere presents the Mexican flag during the Inauguration.

Nere presents the Mexican flag during the Inauguration.

The Show Goes on …

Preparations for Expo Esperanza, held the first weekend in August, were met with some obstacles for the 2020 event. Although there were changes on the planning committee and restrictions due to the Covid pandemic, there was still the anticipation of a successful event. God provided fresh energy with an experienced intern, willing summer volunteers and dedicated committee members to carry out the project classes and execute Expo 2020. Planning this year’s event were Denver and Katie Slagel, Kendra Neihouser and Cassidy Wulf.

day 1

Day 2

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Due to Covid restrictions, involvement in Expo Esperanza limited participation to the kids from CVE and the families of staff members. Also noticeably absent and missed were the people from the community of Magdalena that would typically serve as volunteer judges and spectators in many of the events.

wearing many hats…

Much like the early years of Expo and taking the place of the community judges, projects were judged by the staff from CVE, CVV (the school) and the summer volunteers. Also, as in years past, many others from campus were utilized to judge the exhibits, take pictures, run the sound, and help the kids with their projects, not to mention the support from the caregivers! The Fatted Calf is thankful for the investment of time and talents to execute another great summer activity!


Expo is special to me to see the kids grow in their confidence, courage, persistence, perseverance, and their ability to encourage one another even though they are fellow competitors. They have done an amazing job in learning to encourage, cheer and applaud each other.
— Kendra Niehouser, CVE Caregiver and Planning Committee Member

Anticipated rains, Expo nears

Rancho Agua Viva

Calving, ear tagging, taking weights and cow checks are keeping the ranch employees busy this time of the year. Additionally, fields are worked and irrigated for late summer planting in hopes to grow more feed for the cattle.

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Ranch hand Fernando checks the cows at the rented ranch in the mountains. Dark skies in the distance give hope for rains to water the earth.

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Meanwhile at Headquarters, irrigated pastures are utilized for grazing the commercial and backgrounded cattle.

Joel and Fernando take weights on the backgrounded cattle.


Expo - Final week of practices

Expo Esperanza will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 7 & 8. A visit to the campus of Casa Vida y Esperanza would find you observing summer staff helping the kids finish their projects. Kids are busy in the shop with industrial arts projects, in the arena with horses, on the grounds with dog practices, in the dining hall practicing piano and on the stage preparing for performing arts.

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The Fatted Calf Summer Intern Brecken Beyer spends his mornings giving pointers during horse practices…

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and helps the participants practice dog agility & obstacle course in the afternoons.


In Memory

Horacio, former employee of Carnisimo, was taken from this life the end of July. Until a recent decision to change jobs, Horacio worked at Carnisimo for 9 years. He also was a judge for music and performed on the entertainment stage several times through the years at Expo Esperanza. Prayers for his children, family, and friends left behind.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom
— Psalm 90:12