Just Launched~ Project #14!!

http://www.firstgiving.com/igp4jonathan
My ten year old sponsor child Jonathan lives in Ecuador. He has the sweetest smile ever, and his letters are always joy-filled. You wouldn't know by looking at him the struggles he has been through.

I should begin back way before Jonathan was born, since that is where this story begins. Jonathan's father was abandoned by his parents. Jonathan's father was only a child when his parents dumped him and never looked back!! That could have been the end of the story there. In a country where it seems everyone is struggling to get by, who would take in a child that the parents didn't want to keep?

Jonathan's father was in luck when Ms. Lida found him and took him in. Though she barely had enough for her own family, she was not going to sit by and watch this child whither away. Ms. Lida brought him into her home and raised him as her son.

Jonathan's father grew up, got married, and had one child. Jonathan, the only child to come from the marriage was raised by his parents for only a short time. Tragically, both of Jonathan's parents passed away.

Once again, Ms. Lida stepped up to take in a small boy... Jonathan. Jonathan has been living with her now for a few years. They live in a two multi-purpose room house with a corrugated metal sheet roof. Ms. Lida's daughter lives in a house on the same plot of land. Ms. Lida's daughter has children that Jonathan refers to as his "cousins"

Ms. Lida, unfortunately, has some health problems that prevent her from doing the work that she has always done~ sewing. The only income that is shown on Jonathan's report is income that comes from his "aunt". The "aunt" (daughter of Ms. Lida) gives them enough money to cover food, electricity, and clean water.

This fundraiser will start Ms. Lida up with a business! She would like to sell 30 bed sheets and 6 bed spreads. Once those are sold, she will reinvest the money into other items to sell. If there are still customers that will buy the bed sheets and comforters, she will buy and sell more of those. If the demand is not there, she will go on to selling other things: kitchen utensils, socks, towels, underwear, or other household items.

This is a business that she could do for a lifetime. The benefit will be an increase in income that will provide Jonathan with nutrional, health, educational benefits and more!

Thank you in advance for helping a woman who has spent her life helping others!! And, thank you for helping my sponsor child, Jonathan!!

September Fundraiser Update

Project #11B~ Angelito (Tamara)***STILL ACTIVE*** http://www.firstgiving.com/graduates2
Project #13~ Nsenzeni (Barbara) **STILL ACTIVE** http://www.firstgiving.com/igp4nsenzeni
Project #14~ Jonathan (Heather) **JUST LAUNCHED** http://www.firstgiving.com/igp4jonathan
Project #15~ Crystal & Gema (Su)
Project #16~ Maila (Steve)
Project #17~ Adriana (Candace)
Project #18~ Yamileisy (Dee)
Project #19~ Nikhat (Jennifer) (Jennifer, please see my e-mail about this one and send me the break down, photos & write up, so I can set up the page)
Project #20~ (Stephanie)
Project #21~ Wilmer (Robyn) ~ The field asked for an extension, so this one may be delayed~ or we may change the fundraiser to help a different sponsor child
Project #22~ Jerry (Wilfredo)
Project #23~ Joyce (Heather G)
Project #24~ Maria (Holly)
Project #25~ Ariela (Camille)
Project #26~ (Tamara)
Project #27~ Sabrata (Cherise)

The next batch of fundraisrs will have a limit of $300 (starting with project #26), until donations pick back up, that way, we can continue to help many kids and their families. Some of the projects before #26 will be small as well.
I have had to rearrange the order of several of the fundraisers due to a delay in getting responses back on some of them. Projects #17 through #21 need to e-mail me ASAP. I need the special needs break downs, pictures and write ups so that I can set up your pages. The sooner I get your information, the sooner I can launch your fundraiser.
Now is, also, the time for everyone who wants to do a fundraiser in the next round to e-mail me, so that I can get the special needs requested.
If you have a fundraiser coming up, don't forget to put in your 25% before your project can begin. There are some who have donated more than 25%. That is even better!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to EVERYONE who had donated thus far!!!! This group is really amazing!!!

Meet Andrea & Andrea

From Mack:

Last Sunday, I went horseback riding with my little cousin, Andrea. During my visit, I told her about my sponsor kids and my recent trip to Mexico. She was thrilled to learn that the children offered for sponsorship are "real", and that CI encourages sponsors to form a meaningful relationship with their kid(s). Andrea had always been intrigued by the idea of sponsorship, but needed to hear about someone else's positive experience before taking the step herself.

A few days later, my cousin logged in through my Lift One page and found a little girl who shares her name to sponsor. After that, Andrea promptly convinced a co-worker and her step-ish daughter, Jennifer (who you will meet soon) to do the same! So, my sore crotch muscles were worth the end result.

The smaller Andrea lives in Mexico; she is 8 years old. She lives with both parents, and her father is a bricklayer. She has a 7-year-old brother named "Jesus".

Andrea sleeps in a bed and has a toilet, but no running water. The Family Record says: "Water Source/Storage: Stored at home in barrel/tank"

Paola July Visit, Part 18 - Refreshment Break

July Visit, Part 18 - Refreshment Break
It was nearly 2pm when we exited the aquarium. I was grateful to Marcela for not taking Rosa's desire to be home early too seriously. Rosa had no way of telling the time, so Marcela must have decided that it would be good enough to let her know when it was actually 2:00, rather than have us leave at 1:15 so we could make it back to the home by that time. I wasn't about to complain!

Fortunately, Rosa had succumbed to the zoo's lure, and she agreed that we could stay long enough to see an hourly "show" that we had missed earlier in the day. We had 15 minutes before the next show time, so I asked if anybody wanted a fruity ice drink from a nearby refreshment stand. I bought drinks for Paola's family, but the CI staff all declined the offer - I'm not sure why, since sponsors are (naturally) expected to feed the reps who assist them with their visit. Maybe Marcela, Fernando, and Elsa knew that the beverages would be sickeningly sweet. I sure couldn't drink mine!

Here is something interesting to note about Paola and Tomasa: They never asked for ANYTHING. Many of the zoo attractions forced us to exit through a gift shop, and I always expected the girls to be drawn to the toys and stuffed animals ... but they didn't touch, beg for, or even LOOK at the merchandise. I don't know how long it had been since they'd last had a meal, but the kids showed no interest in the food or ice cream stands that we passed - until I offered, that is. The family definitely enjoyed their super-sweet fruit drinks.

Later, on the way out of the zoo - and past more gift shops - I asked Marcela if we shouldn't buy something for each of the girls. She told me it wasn't necessary, as we had already done so much for them. Since the kids weren't asking for anything (unlike every other child I've ever known), I took Marcela's advice and saved my money. Tomasa and Paola need to learn that the squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Paola July Visit, Part 17 - The Aquarium

July Visit, Part 17 - The Aquarium

After checking out the kangaroos, our group stumbled upon the entrance to the "Aquario". We had the appropriate tickets, so we were granted admission. I wasn't particularly excited about the aquarium myself, but after seeing how delighted Paola seemed while watching the fish, I was glad we were able to go in. First, we spent some time at the stingray petting tanks outside, then we saw all the fish housed in the building. The family was particularly impressed by the diver feeding the fish from inside the tank. I asked Marcela to explain to them that I am also a diver, and that I once dove in the shark tank at the Singapore aquarium. Judging by her fascination level, I think that Paola liked the sharks better than the smaller, more colorful fish.

Lollipop Fundaraiser Update

It's official! The lollipop fundraiser will began in September! If you would like to order a box or two, it is $18 a box (72 lollies) & the shipping to you if you are in the US will be $5 for 2 boxes. I am not sure how much the shipping will actually cost because I have to order them and get them to my home first. (If you want to order 8 boxes, shipping is free!!) I will pay for any additional shipping myself, if it ends up being more than $5. $41 gets you 144 gourmet lollipops!! These are the flavors:
Blue Raspberry, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Cherry Cheesecake, Cherry Snow, Cinnamon, Colorblaster, Grape Delight, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Shake, Watermelon Slice, Wild Cherry
* Flavors are subject to change without notice

To order, I must receive your order with payment by September 5th. These lollipops have to be paid for in advance, and unfortunately, I can't afford to buy all of them and have people "pay me back". You can send a paypal payment (almost all of you know my e-mail address, but in case you are reading this blog for the first time, it is: heatherlecount@yahoo.com ). When you send your paypal payment, make sure to give me your address in the "comments" section. If you want to mail check or mondey order, e-mail me to let me know it's coming 1st.
I will update everyone to let you know the status (i.e. when the lollies arrive at my home & I ship them out to you).
These are perfect to take to work, events, school, etc.

Incorporate your child's life into yours

http://www.amazon.com/Combo-Juego-Oca-Parchis-Medium/dp/B000QBAQQ6/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=IT94FXXWDJA8E&colid=3AMQISM32HYCN This is a link to order Parchis.

Just an idea for all of my fellow sponsors... I find that this method draws me closer to my sponsor children AND teaches my biological children about other cultures. Since I homeschool my kids, I have TOTAL control over what they learn. I want them to learn about other cultures, languages, countries, and beliefs. I made them each a pretend passport, and each time we visit a new country, they get to put it in their passport (I will blog about this one my family blog in a few months). So, what can you do in your home?

Idea #1: Ask your sponsor child questions.

Examples: What games do you play with your friends/family (Henry in Colombia told me that he plays Parchis, which is a game I have never heard of)? What is your favorite food? What does your mother cook that you like the best (including getting mom to write up a paragraph about how she makes it)? What music do you listen to? Who is your favorite singer? What sports do you like (usually soccer)... What team is your favorite?

Idea #2: Do something with the info!!!

Games- get the games your child likes & learn to play them... Then, communicate back with your sponsor child what you liked about the game. Not only will you be learning something new, but they will feel like they mean something to you (you really listened to what they said, and then, thought it was cool enough to do yourself!!!)

Food- fix the food making adaptations as needed for a stove in place of fire, etc. Then, tell your s.c. (sponsor child) how delicious it was!!

Music- listen to the music that they told you they like. If you are not familiar with the language, focus on the beat and how the music makes you feel. Once again, give feedback to your s.c. about your experience!!

Sports- when you know who their favorite team is, search for it online. Get as many details as you can about their games recently played & upcoming, and watch a game or two or three. Won't they be surprised that you are cheering for their team!!

These are just a few ideas. Of course, the possibilities are endless!

Letter from "Oficial de Campo" on behalf of Paola

Because neither Paola nor her mother know how to write, the letter I received was written by Araceli (whom Mack spoke of in her earlier posts). This is what the letter says:

Dear sponsor,

Paola is a 4 year old girl. She is happy and playful. She likes to run around with her sisters, play ball, sing and dance. Paola likes to eat pretty much everything but especially likes beans and soup.

She still is not old enough for Kindergarten. She is a very active girl. Even though she is only 4 years old, she likes it play in the street and run in the field that is around her home. On behalf of Mrs. Rosa who thanks you for sponsoring her daughter.

Araceli (Field Officer)

Spanish & English Laptop

This offer is for TODAY ONLY!!! You can only purchase a max of 3, unless, you have more than one account set up with different addresses. You DO NOT want to miss this deal. I know it isn't the fanciest of technology. However, it is a learning device in SPANISH that is for ages 6 and up (I think giving it to a 4 or 5 year old works, too). You will need to provide them with LOTS of batteries to keep them learning. These are the specs:

Teaches English and Spanish

Gives kids the option to play in both English and Spanish speaking modes at a touch of a button

Press the translate button to instantly translate words and numbers between English and Spanish

13 activities covering topics from mathematics and spelling to musical composition and games

Contains 90 songs in three categories for kids to listen and sing along to

Keeps track of right and wrong answers and displays the final score

Makes learning a new language fun and easy

The fold-down screen features a built-in handle and locks for secure transport

The 3 1/4”(W) X 1 3/4”(H) LCD screen features a variety of moving animated graphics designed to keep learning fun for kids

Kids can choose from a wide assortment of spelling games, math puzzles, music and other educational activities

With its twin power source, you can operate the computer using either 3 “AA” batteries (not included) or optional 4.5V AC power adapter (Not included)

Folding design
Animated LCD screen
Easy-To-Use keyboard
5 button selector mouse
Shortcut keys

English/Spanish mode button
Translate button

Built in audio speaker
Directional buttons
Closed Dimensions: 10 1/2”(W) X 11 1/2”(D) X 2 1/2”(H)
Weight: 2.4 lbs.

English Mode:
Press any alphabet key and the computer will show and speak the letter, then display words that start with that letter

Pronounces words that appear on the screen

Translate button translate the word on the screen into Spanish and pronounces the word

Displays a word with a missing letter, and asks you to fill in the missing letter

Shows a picture along with three different answers, and asks you which is the correct answer

Mathematics Mode:

Choose between addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Displays a random math question from the chosen subject, and the user must enter the answer

Game Mode:

Shooting game (I wish they would omit this one, but since they are only shooting letters and not people...), Different letters of the alphabet will appear on the screen starting from the right hand side, the player must quickly find the letter on the keyboard to shoot down the letter

Wallop, Hit the monster on the screen by moving the left and right

Music Mode:

Playing piano, learn and create melodies by using the letter keys on the keyboard
30 Christmas songs
30 Children songs
30 Love songs

In the box:
Compukidz 5706 Bilingual Kid’s Laptop
Users Guide

Now, are you ready for the price?... $7.99!!!! You can buy three at that price and have all three shipped for a $5 shipping fee.
Today 8/26/09 only, and only while supplies last: http://kids.woot.com/

***Gourmet Lollipop Fundraiser***

Here is an idea for our fundraisers, for anyone who is interested in participating. These 3-D Lollipops can be bought & then sold for profit towards our fundraisers!!! They come in great flavors:

Blue Raspberry, Bubble Gum, Cotton Candy, Cherry Cheesecake, Cherry Snow, Cinnamon, Colorblaster, Grape Delight, Sour Green Apple, Strawberry Shake, Watermelon Slice, Wild Cherry

Don't they sound delicious??? Now, this is how I am thinking it would go... For those of you who have upcoming fundraisers, you know that our donations have slowed down to a halt (almost). The idea is that whomever whats to participate, would need to let me know. I have to order these things in bulk- 576 pieces. If you would like to sell them, you can buy them by the box at a price of $18 (plus shipping) for 72. You, then sell them for 50 cents, 75 cents, or $1. You can really make your price. Whatever you make above what you paid for the box would be the amount raised for the fundraiser.

Then, you can apply that amount to your own fundraiser. I have several pages already set up, even though they are not yet released to the public. Or, you can put the money to someone else's fundraiser if you want.

Now, here is the trick, I have to buy the lollipops in case quantity. 8 Boxes have to be purchased at one time. You can purchase as many boxes as you want, but if everyone wants to get just one box, 8 people would have to participate to make it happen.

This can really be a boost to our fundraisers!!! These should not be hard to sell, and if you do a special such as a pack of 8 lollipops for $5, they will run out fast.

The money for the lollipops has to be paid upfrount, so you have to send me your payment either through my paypal account, or as a check in the mail. I will make a list of what everyone has paid for, and I will ship out the lollipops as soon as I get the bulk shipment.

Does anyone want to purchase some of these delicious lollipops for their sponsor kids? :0)

Did you say that you needed someone to help?

Look at these faces!!!! These are only a batch of pictures that I have in front of me that are for the children waiting for their turn in the fundraising line!!! Every child has a story to pull at your heart-strings. It is difficult right now as we try to get through this slow time for donations.

Each one of these families has special & urgent needs. I am glad that they will each get a chance. There are still several requests waiting for responses from the field. If your name is on this list, and you have the SNQuote & pics back from CI, please forward them ASAP. I need to set up the pages for these:

Robyn

Jennifer

Su (I need the pics only)

Steve

Stephanie

OK... Now, based on the list of ones we are waiting for responses for, I am pretty sure some of there kids on this blog will get their fundraisers bumped up. We already have a lot of kids waiting for our help (as you can see), so hopefully, we will get the other responses soon.

I will start project #14 on October 1st, and we will just keep plugging along on these fundraisers. The key is to never forget WHY we are doing what we are doing!!!

I have such a unique "job" (albeit un-paid). I get to know each one of these children as I set up their pages, look at their pictures, and hear about them from their sponsors. I feel like I have 50 sponsor kids all to myself!!!! I am so grateful that all of you have chosen to share your experiences, love, devotion, and monetary contributions with the group.

Together we are changing lives, one child at a time!!

A Letter on Paola's Behalf

Mack wrote: I still haven't finished the report from my trip, but today I received our first letter from Paola's camp (+ many, many photos!!!), so I thought I'd share it immediately.
The translation reads:

Dear Mckenzie and Michael,
The little girl Paola and her mother Rosa want to tell you that they were very happy for your visit and they thank you very much for the attention for Paola and for visiting her. Rosa says that Paola loved how you took them to the zoo and they loved it. They also thank you for your kindness and courtesy for them on your visit. They say God bless you and may He pay you for everything you have done for Paola. Thank you for everything.
I wrote this letter on behalf of the family.

Sincerely, Araceli (field officer)

Mack's note: I wish the letter would have included thanks for all the sponsors - not just me and my husband. I don't think the family quite understands the 13 sponsors concept, but they will figure it out with time!

Letters from our precious children

Hi Heather!
I hope you and your daughters are in good health. God bless you in your job. I received your letter and read it with much attention. I like all of the things you said in your letter. For example, the greetings to my grandmother mean a lot to me because it is very important for me and my aunt, too. I am in good health. I help her with the housework.
I thank you deeply for being a wonderful sponsor! I say goodbye with a big hug!
Jonathan

Dear Mrs. Heather,
How have you and your children been? I hope that you are all well along with your husband. I am very happy that you worry about my family and for my health. Now I feel very good. I play soccer with my friends, and I have lots of friends. I know what it is like to lose your father because sometimes I feel alone and I only have my aunt's and grandfather's affection. They tell me that I am rude sometimes but they understand that I am hurting. I send you nice regards. I love you a lot. With affection, I say goodbye.
Diego

Dear Heather,
My family and I hope you are well. My brother and I are back in school, and we didn't go out much this summer because we had chickenpox. After we healed, we went to the beach. My parents thank you so much for the help you sent to us for the business. We heard before that the donation had arrived, but they haven't given that to us yet (he obviously wrote this letter BEFORE the other one). The reason they haven't given us the donation is because we are trying to find a location for the business. It has been hard finding a place, but we hope we can find it before the month ends. We have faith that we will do very good. Thank you so much for all of your help and we pray that God continues to bless you very much.
With love and affection,
Henry

Though he already mentioned Steve in his first letter while he wrote his very first letter during Steve's visit he also thanked him in his second letter as follows"

Dear Madrina Barbara

I hope this answer to your letter finds you in good health and that you do well in all of your projects that you have set for your future. I thank you for everything that you have cared about me.

Thank you for the world globe and shampoo and hair conditioner. Your friend Steve is very kind. Thank you to your friend Steve. My brother Lalo brought a box of chocolates (probably in reply to what did he do for his birthday in June) and I felt very happy with all my siblings. I say goodbye from you since this is my first letter. (actually his second). Kisses and hugs.
Mario

He also added a cute drawing of a bear holding a flower and a picture of me though it could have been his mother or sister. He signed it "This is me in disguise as a bear". He is so cute.

Hello Efrain!

It’s very good that, thank God, you are well and that your immenseaffection and that that love so big for her is in you who are part ofour family. She tells (asks) me what are you studying and she hopes that, with the help from God, your plans for your business could go well because she tells me that it’s very good to do things with God’swill and that she will pray for God to care and protect you. She lovesyou much and most of the times she looks at your picture and she tells her siblings that God gave her a very good sponsor and that she loves you much. She is doing well in school and soon the “aportes” (can not tell what is this) will begin.

Marisol (Alyson's mother)

In the back of the letter there is something more.

Most of her birthdays she likes going out.

Her favorite beach activity is swimming.

Pictures & Thank You for Fundraiser #4!!!

The original request that I received from Henry and his family to start an IGP was for a clothing resale business. However, I asked Greg at CI to check into this with the family because it appeared that once they sold the clothing, the IGP would end... It was not a long term plan. Greg sent a memo to the field office to see if there was something the family could do for a long term plan.

The fundraiser was already over by the time I received a response back from the field. We raised $200 for the family to start an IGP. I received the breakdown for their new business idea and found that I was falling short on providing all that they needed. The total was now at over $600, and I had only raised $200. I had to make a decision on what to purchase with the $200 that was already raised, so this is what they received:

1 set of 12 pieces of cutlery $.46

4 plastic tables $21.56

16 plastic chairs $8.

can opener $1.06

1 pitcher $1.61

1 fryer $52.75

1 blender $64.22

1 grater $3.03

1 fan $47.25

Total = $199.97

I will have to do another fundraiser for them for the additional $400, so that they can purchase the following:

several small things, & 3 display cases

The display cases cost a total of $247.71 & tax is $78.75. The rest is for the small things which are litterally a couple of dollars a piece (for example, 4 cups: $.83)

Now, I, also, have to mention that this is an amazing family. They are never asking for hand-outs and are grateful for everything. So, I wasn't so surprised to find out that they requested a loan from a coop to buy the bulk of the business before they requested the other items from me (in response to my request that they send me a list of how I can help). They got a $920 loan in order to set up the business!!!

I am hoping that the things we purchased for them will allow them to start the business now. The small items such as the cups can be bought by the family little by little. Then, the only things they are missing are the display cases... Can they open the restaurant without the cases? That is my hope. Until we can do another fundraiser for them.

This is the letter from Henry:

I hope you and your family are doing well. I received your gift to be used in my mother's fast food business where she is going to sell hot dogs, pizzas, fried plantains, etc. My mother and father are very happy. With this business, we will have extra income at home to supply our needs. I pray that God blesses you and gives you many years filled of health and prosperity. All of us give you thanks for this generous gift for my mother and me. About me, let me tell you that I am doing well at school. I got my best grades in Spanish and Math. My teacher's name is Pilar and my favorite classmate's name is Duvan. We play soccer and fly kites. We, also, play parchis*. My grandfather takes me to church every Sunday. My father is going to help my mother in the business. She will work during the day and my father will work there during the night. I send you a big hug.

Your sponsored child,

Henry

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parch%C3%ADs

I Know the task can seem DAUNTING

Do you feel like what you are doing is not making a difference? Right now, especially during these slow fundraising months, it can be hard to remember that we have already done so much!! Funds are only trickling in for our projects, as opposed to the flood of money we had just a few months ago.
This post is to keep you from feeling down about these slow months. REMEMBER, we have already helped 13 children and their families with our previous projects, and we did it all in a span of 5 months!!! That is incredible!!
August is the slowest month for contributions of all of the months of the year. Right now it seems even worse because the projects we are trying to fund are larger than the previous ones. Luckily, we are halfway through August, and contributions will get even better as we approach the holiday season.
For now, we just have to do the best we can with what we have, and remember that we have done a lot already. There are children out there sleeping on beds that we purchased; children who are healthier because of nutritional supplements we provided; children that have clothes on their backs because of us; children's parents who now will be able to better provide for their children because we have provided them with a business of their own that they would never have been able to afford had it not been for us... I just want everyone to see that even if you only were able to donate a few dollars, it DID make a difference!!!
These are the 2 current projects that are in need of donations to complete. I hope we can complete these this month, so that the families will get the money in September. I can't speak for everyone, but I currently find myself in a VERY tight financial spot! Donate what you can, when you can, and little by little, penny by penny, we WILL make a difference!! On my next pay day, which is still a week away, I plan to add a few more dollars to the fundraisers. I know it won't be much, but I know $5 or $10 less in my pocket (or to my bills) will have a much bigger impact on the familes that we help than it will in my wallet... Of course, I am not condoning debt. I do think that we can all find ways to pinch a penny or two :0)
If any one would like to submit any of their new and exciting ways to pinch pennies for the benefit of our children, shoot me an e-mail. Once I get several ideas, I will post them here with the submitter's name.
Don't forget these children who have a chance to get their projects funded this month! If we can raise the money needed for them by August 31st, they will get the funds for their projects at the end of September!!

Nsenzeni's project needs $370 to provide a small business for her grandmother:
http://www.firstgiving.com/igp4nsenzeni
Angelito's project only needs $165, and his sponsor Tamara is offering a raffle ticket for each donation of $10. The winner will be able to choose a gift from her web-site valued at $100!!!
http://www.firstgiving.com/graduates2

I, also, wanted to update everyone on the success of finding sponsors. My blog readers are the BEST! If you don't believe that, just check out the list below... 4 children received sponsors because they were featured on this blog. I like featuring children on the blog for others because then, I get to see the children grow through pictures and letters as their sponsors send me the updates. There is another child that got a sponsor through the blog, but I don't have his picture. After the special needs feature last year, my sister-in-law decided she could take a child. She asked me to find her a child with a cranial-facial disorder. I contacted Ashley at CI (The same rep who hooked me up with the other children with special needs) and she gave my sister-in-law a filipino child named Feliciano.
I want to thank all of you who have donated and/or taken on a sponsor child from this blog!!!!

Alice stepped up to sponsor Paola's sister Tomasa after she saw the post that she was in need of a sponsor!!
Sarah became Maria Cristina's sponsor at the end of July!!! Maria Cristina will greatly benefit from the health benefits, thanks to Sarah!!

Katherine was featured almost a year ago, along with 3 other children with special needs. Katherine was scooped up by Alice immediately after she saw the post. After some financial difficulties for Katherine's sponsor Alice, Katherine was able to get another loving sponsor... Jim became Katherine's new sponsor. Alice is still able to watch Katherine's growth via this blog!!

Gladis was featured just a week ago. Her sad face touched Llahnna who has now made it her mission to change her frown into a smile. Llahnna is excited to be Gladis's new sponsor!