Fundraiser Update!

Yes, in case you haven't seen it yet, it is official- Project #2 is complete!!! Janet (Project #1) and Miguel Angel (Project #2) are about to be surprised with a special needs donation!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!! I just can't thank everyone enough! Project #3 will begin next week. I know last time we had some anxious people waiting to donate to the next fundraiser... So, for the anxious folks, here is the link to project #3: http://www.firstgiving.com/keepkatherinehealthy
I am still working on it, but the page will accept donations. I just don't want to overwhelm people with several back to back fundraisers...
You all are terrific!!!

Meet Efrain's 10th sponsored child Clarizze!

Until yesterday morning, 4/28/2009, Alyson remained my most recentsponsored child. Things change over time and this has already changed. Clarizze is now my tenth sponsored child with Children International, my eighteenth sponsored child ever, and one of my most recent sponsorships.
Clarizze was yet another impulsive sponsorship. I entered CI's website and browsed through the girls list. I saved her page along with two more and I couldn't resist to sponsor all three of them. I sponsored Clarizze first, so she is now my tenth sponsored child.
Her photo album contained three pictures, so I can easily guess that she had a sponsor who dropped the sponsorship for whatever reason.
Clarizze is seven years old. She lives on the Philippines with her father, mother, three brothers and one sister, speaks Filipino, likes to play with dolls and to play with friends.
Even though she is only seven years old, I expect her to already writeher own letters. All of my previous Filipinas always wrote her own letters. It has been my impression that children in the Phillipines learn to write fast.
Clarizze is just adorable. I love her innocent eyes, her overall baby face. The way she looks in her most recent picture makes me wish to hug her, kiss her cheeks, and stroke her hair. Just that I don't know whether that's considered appropriate in the Philippines. I know that would be second nature to a latin child. Anyway, I look forward tobuild a fulfilling relationship with her.-- Efrain

Here is the family report:

Age: 7
Gender: F
Date of Birth: 2/9/2002
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Height: 3 Feet 6 Inches
Weight: 35 Pounds
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Brown
2. Health problems, if any: None
3. Attends School: Yes
4. Favorite School Subjects: Mathematics
Favorite Pastimes or Sports: Playing with dolls, Playing with friends
Chores at Home: Running errands
Talents or Hobbies: Dancing, Singing
Languages Spoken: Filipino

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:
5. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $199.00
6. Name of Father: Aureliano
Age: 30
Occupation: Daily Worker
(If not present, why?)
7. Name of Mother: Mary Grace
Age: 32
Occupation: Homemaker
(If not present, why?)
8. Brothers and Sisters:
Name C J
Age 4
Gender M
Name Carl
Age 9
Gender M
Name Leander Dave
Age 12
Gender M
Name Lindsey
Age 13
Gender F
9. Child now living with: Parents

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
10. Description of Home: One multi-use room
Cooking Facilities: Portable gas stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Sleeps on the floor with mattress
Home Construction: Walls Concrete block
Roof Corrugated metal
Floor Concrete
11. Facilities and Services:
Water Source/Storage: Running water in home
Electricity: Available
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

How I have chosen my sponsored kids

First, here is the beautiful new picture of Jonathan! I have been waiting for several updated photos. This was the second photo to be updated recently. Mwanza's photo came earlier this month. I am still waiting for Dulce's, Leydi's, and Diego's updated photos. I am waiting for all 5 of their family report updates as well.
Well, everyone has different reasons for the children they choose. I thought that I would share how I chose mine. You all already know about the 4 with serious health conditions. The diagnosis of a life-threatening virus/disease is why I took them. They need the extra benefits that sponsorship provides them, as well as moral support/ someone to talk to. My other children I chose based on their personal struggles and family income. I don't care how cute the child is really because once I get to know them, they are the most beautiful children to me.
Some of you sponsors may be surprised at my children's circumstances. For example, Mwanza and his 4 brothers and sisters live without parents on $5 a month!!! Jonathan lives with his grandmother and aunt since both of his parents have died. He is sick, and his grandmother struggles to give him everything he needs to live as long as he can with an income of only $50 a month!!! When I chose Henry off of the CI web-site, I chose him because his family of 4 was living on $25 a month!!!
I am anxious to see the updated family reports. I hope that their income has gone up, and maybe I may be able to set up some income generating projects for a couple of them. I really hope I can help Jonathan's family soon. I am waiting to hear back from the field office. I will keep everyone posted.
So, even though I didn't choose Jonathan for his looks, isn't he a CUTIE!!!!

Swine Flu Outbreak in Mexico

Brayan age 6

Miguel Angel's fundraiser is still going on. Hopefully, by the time the funds are raised and processed, the swine flu chaos will be over. As of today, Mexico is in a panic. Mexico City was the first hit. Stores, museums, restaurants, and businesses are closed. The few people that are venturing outside are wearing masks to protect themsleves from the deadly strain. While swine flu has not been reported in Jalisco, where the CI field office is, schools nationwide have been shut down. Classes are expected to resume on May 6th. While it is spreading through the capital, it can, also, affect those in the rural parts of Mexico. One way it is being spread is through contact with infected pigs. Many rural farmers raise pigs and other animals as a source of food. These pigs (as well as other livestock) are allowed to roam freely into and out of the home. Especially in the rural areas where news travels slowly, it may catch the inhabitants unaware. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers. If any of you have been meaning to donate to Miguel Angel's fundraiser, we are in need of $50. Project #3 will start up in a week or so. http://www.firstgiving.com/abed4miguel

On another note, the swine flu has been found close to home. On Saturday, I went by to visit my aunt & uncle. Today, I saw the elementary school behind their house on the news. The elementary school has been closed along with a preschool close by. They will spend the week disinfecting the buildings while the sick children are treated. Texas and Mexico are so close, that we are almost like one in the same. People come and go from Mexico to Texas all year long. I am sure this is just the beginning, but I hope that everyone recovers quickly & that the rest stay well!!

Meet Chrystal's Sponsored Child Brenda!

This is Chrystal's sponsored child Brenda from Guatemala. Chrystal will be giving us more information about her soon, as she is scheduled for fundraising project #6. For now, here are the basics that she sent me:

Name : Brenda
Age: 11
Birthdate- 10/21/1997
Favorite Subject: Grammar
Favorite Pastimes: Playing with dolls
Father: Abandoned family
Mother: Abandoned family
Brother: Francisco , Age 17
Child lives with relatives in Rual Guatemala Home-
One Bedroom, Kitchen
Cooking Facilities- Portable gas stove
Home Construction: Walls Concrete block
Roof: Corrugated metal
Floor: Concrete
Water Source: Running water in home
Electricity: Available
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

Brenda is currently living with relatives. I received several pictures of her and a woman that might be an aunt. I have to ask her about that. The family's monthly income is only $90.00. Her letters are wonderful. In her first letter she writes how greatful she and her family are to receive my support. Brenda also mentioned that she would like to have the opportunity to meet with me and thank me in person.

A Letter From Wilson

Greetings Dear Mack:
May God bless you.
I want you to know that I am so happy for the letter you sent me, because thanks to it, I can know about you.
I am so glad to know that you have a beautiful heart and that you are so kindly. Please give my greetings to your husband and take care of your pets, I like them so much.
I am attending school and I am so happy because this is my last primary school year.
Thank you for loving me so much.
I hope we keep in touch.
I am sending you lots of kisses and hugs.
Your sponsored child,
Wilson

(do you have a letter you would like to share? If so, send me a picture of the child with the translated version of the letter, and it will be posted here)

Only $70 more to go!!!

We are down to the end of Barbara's fundraiser for Miguel Angel in Mexico. You guys are amazing!!!! Soon, we will see the difference that you have made. When the thank you's begin pouring in, I will post them here for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for making such a big difference in these children's lives!!!

Here is the link to the fundraiser:

http://www.firstgiving.com/abed4miguel

Victor and Mack's Trip to Honduras Part 6

(Bathroom)


(house pet)

CI Day, Part 6 – Wilson and Axel's Home:
Wilson’s family had the most primitive living arrangements of the three homes we visited, but they were the proudest, and most eager to show off their house. The home consisted of two one-room structures separated by a courtyard area containing a large wash basin – almost big enough to qualify as an outdoor pool!
The room furthest back seemed to be the primary living area, in which I counted three beds. Not enough, really, for so many people, but I don’t know where they would even put any more! I didn’t notice a whole lot about the inside of the home, so I hope Victor can supply better details in his comments. I do recall noting that “Axel’s bed” – the one Victor had sent money to buy – had a lot of girly toys along one side. Either the kid sleeps with his sisters, or he’s man enough not to be ashamed of playing with dolls!
I’m all about the animals, so what interested me the most about Wilson’s and Axel’s house was their pets. They have a very nice – if irritable – aquatic turtle, and also a pet bunny rabbit. There were chickens and a duck that wandered in and around the house, just as it should be with pets you probably intend to eat someday. You want to know where they’ve been!
Wilson’s grandmother was a very gracious host, and she insisted on cooking us up a batch of fish tamales. Unfortunately, we did not wish to spoil our appetites because taking the kids out to eat was one of the top things on our agenda. Also, we had spent more time at Axel and Wilson’s house than anywhere else, and we were anxious to get on with our expedition. The grandmother packaged up our tamales to go, and we took them along with us for later. Of course, they weren’t safe to eat for dinner after sweltering in the back of a hot SUV for six hours … but I had one that night, anyway, since Grandma had gone through so much trouble. It was pretty good!
Victor's Thoughts: Axel's mother told me that one bed was for Axel, one was for Wilson and that she and the three girls slept in the other. I'm sure that's not the case; it's probably that since a bed was one of the things Axel got from a special gift I sent down she was probably worried what I would think if he still had to share a bed. Of course I wouldn't care; I would only be upset if he still had to sleep on the floor or something. My guess is that Axel and Wilson are in one bed, the two older girls in the other and then the toddler with Mom.
I had given Axel a picture of myself in a frame, and as before with Carlos, his mother put it up by the TV. She also showed me some other (unframed) pictures of some of Axel's uncles that she had up on the wall. None of his missing father, though. The house was also the least organized of the three but I suspect that has to do with the fact that they have very little places to put things. Not much in the way of drawers and shelves.
I knew that Granny wanted to play host some more, but we had to get on the road. Also, despite living in an island nation, I'm not all that keen on the taste of fish but I would have had to choke it down and smile if everyone else had started eating the tamales.

Letters from our kids

(my sponsored child Jonathan from Guayaguil, Ecuador. Although he has a serious health condition and has already lost both of his parents, he remains constantly optimistic.)
Dear sponsor Heather,
Warm greetings. I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Let me tell you that I'm fine along with my family~ which is my aunt, my grandmother, and my cousins. Congratulations on your new job. Thanks for the cool stickers and Jaden's nice drawing. I am on school break right now, and this weekend we are going to the beach to enjoy the break. Thanks from all my heart for being a wonderful sponsor! I say goodbye with a big hug. Jonathan

(Alice's sponsored child, Flora in Guatemala)
Dear sponsor Alice
Your sponsored child greets you wishing you all the best.
She and family are in good health, thank you very much for sending your special letter to her, she is very happy to hear from you.
Flora helps her mom with the chores around the house, sweeping the floor and washing the dishes. She also likes to play with her siblings and watch cartoons.
Flora says goodbye with hugs.

(my sponsored child Dulce from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic ~ she, also has a serious health condition. However, she, is always optimistic and happy in her letters. I believe her father is still alive, but her mother is not)

Hello dear sponsor Heather,

It is a pleasure to receive all of your photos that you sent me. The pictures are so beautiful, and I like them so much. I love the pictues that you sent of me, too. I love to play with dolls and draw. I say goodbye with lots of love, Dulce

(My sponsored child Diego from Cartagena, Colombia ~ he lives with realtives because both of his parents have died, which explains his letters in which he sounds depressed and unsure of what life has in store for him)

Hello Heather

I hope that when you receive this letter, you, your husband, and daughters are all well. I received your gifts and I like them a lot. Every day I put on a shirt and pray to God that he fills you and your family with blessings. About me, let me tell you that classes have already started back up, and I hope that my aunt, my grandfather and you will be proud of me. I miss my parents a lot, but my aunt and grandfather do all that is possible to fill that emptiness. I live near some cousins that I play and share my free time with. Sponsor, may God bless you.

Diego

(Efrain's sponsored child Carolyn in the Dominican Republic)

16 de abril de 2009

Querida Carolyn,
Me encanta leer tus cartas.

Esta dice lo siguiente:

“Hola es un placer escribirle y asi decirle que estoy muy bien. La escuela aqui ya empezo y estos primeros dias me ha ido bien en la escuela. Tambien el clima se ha mejorado y ya no llueve mucho y ya sale el sol. Gracias por escribirme siempre. Yo lo aprecio mucho y me despido y espero su otra carta. Se despide su ahijada, Carolyn.”

Eso dice tu carta. Yo también estoy bien. El clima aquí está bueno, llueve de vez en cuando, pero eso es bueno. Me encantó tu dibujo. Dos árboles con una cerca de alambre de púas, flores, mariposas, nubes y el sol. Por un lado dice “para mi padrino”, y por el centro dice “te quiero mucho”. También escribistes tu nombre. Mi querida Carolyn, yo también te quiero mucho. Ahora me despido y espero tu próxima carta. Te envío un beso y un abrazo bien grandes con esta carta.

Translation:

April 16, 2009

Dear Carolyn,

I love to read your letters.

This is what your letter said:

"It is a pleasure to write to you and tell you that I am doing well. School has already started here, and classes have gone well for me so far. The weather has gotten better. It hasn't been raining as much, and the sun comes out. Thank you for always writing me. I appreciate you very much. I say goodbye and I wait for your letter. Your sponsored child, Carolyn"

That is what your letter said. I am, also, doing well. The weather here is good; it rains every now and then, but that is a good thing. I loved your drawing. Two trees with one close to barbed wire, flowers, butterflies, clouds, and the sun. On one side it says "For my sponsor" and in the middle it says "I love you very much". You, also, wrote your name. My dear Carolyn, I, also, love you very much. Now, I say goodbye. I wait for your next letter. I send you a kiss and a very big hug with this letter.

(Efrain's sponsored child Leidy Altagracia in the Dominican Republic)
16 de abril de 2009

Querida Princesita Mía,

¿Cómo estás? Yo estoy bien. Recibí la carta de respuesta de la donación especial que te hice. Veo que te compraron una pelota. Es dec olor rosa con hadas pintadas. Me dicen que te gusta jugar volleyball. Ahora tienes tu propia pelota con qué jugar.

En mi carta anterior te decía que había comenzado un curso dec opywriting. Ayer fue la última clase. Creo que en los próximos días van a anunciar el siguiente curso. Te podría parecer raro que en estos cursos no den notas. Así son.

Me alegra mucho saber que les gustó ir de compras con el donativo especial. Hasta la próxima vez. Siempre que recibo tus cartas, miro a ver si ya la escribistes tú misma. Estoy esperando el momento en que tú misma puedas escribirlas. Cuídate. Efraín

Here is the translation:

Dear Little Princess of mine:

How are you? I'm fine. I received the reply letter from the special gift I sent to you. I see that they bought you a ball. It's pink with fairies painted on it. They tell me that you like to play volleyball. Now you have your own ball to play with.

On my previous letter, I told you that I began a copywriting course. Yesterday was the last class. I think that over the next days they will announce the next course. It might seem weird to you that on these course, they don't give grades to the students. They are that way.

I'm glad to know that you liked to go shopping with my special gift. I look forward for your next letter. Every time that I get a new letter from you, I look whether you wrote it by yourself. I'm looking forward to the time when you write them by yourself. Take care of yourself. Efrain

An Angel Named Steve...

Steve with my sponsored child Yessica and her mother

Yessica, age 10, in Guatemala City

Steve with Barbara's sponsored child Eloina, Eloina's older sister, and Eloina's mother

Eloina~ look at that smile! They must think Steve is Santa Claus!

Barbara's sponsored child Marelyn with her mother

For those of you who do not know Steve, you will need to check him out on Google Groups. He makes wonderful travel pages of all of his trips to see his sponsoered kids... I think he has 50 or so kids... or maybe a little less... Anyway, most recently, at the beginning of this month, he made a trek to Guatemala. He offered to meet with any of our kids, if we wanted him to. What a wonderful experience!!!! He brought back pictures for all of us, and somewhere there is, also, a video... As for my sponsored child Yessica, he took special care to wrap up the gifts that she gave him for me. Yes, you heard me right... Yessica gave Steve gifts to send to ME!!! Now, that Steve is back in the US, he is going to pack up her gifts and ship them to me... I will make sure to take pictures so that everyone can see the lovely things Yessica sent.

There are no words that can truly show how deeply his kindness has affected those for whom he took the extra time, care, and attention to visit... And how much the sponsors are grateful for the extra bridge he has added to the sponsor-sponsored child relationship. Thank you, Steve! You are an angel!

Heather