Dulce's 2011 Report!

Dulce's new photo and report:

Height: 4 Feet 7 Inches		Weight: 68 Pounds		Hair Color: Black		Eye Color: Black
2. Attends School: Yes
3. Favorite School Subjects: Mathematics
Favorite Pastimes: Playing with dolls, Running
Chores at Home: Running errands, General housework
Talents or Hobbies: Drawing, Dancing, Singing
Languages Spoken: Spanish
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:
4. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $100.00
5. Name of Father: Victor Manuel				Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Does not live at home at present
6. Name of Mother: Dulce Maria				Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Deceased
7. Brothers and Sisters:
8. Child lives with: Relatives
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
9. Description of Home: Three Bedrooms, Dining Room, Kitchen
Construction: Walls: Concrete block			Roof: Concrete		Floor: Concrete
Cooking Facilities: Gas Stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Beds
10. Facilities and Services:
Water Source: Running water in home
Electricity: Available
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

Another Fundraiser has Launched!!

The latest fundraiser is for my sweet 10 year old in the Dominican Republic. She has been waiting for a fundraiser for over a year, so I am happy to see her turn come up! Those who know me know that I take on children with life-threatening illnesses. Dulce is no exception. This makes her fundraiser extra special because the items we will provide will help her live longer and improve her health. She needs nutritional drinks and supplements and a fan to keep her cool. She is, also, not doing very well in school because she must miss attending daily due to her illness. This fundraiser will provide her with educational help such as learning devices to improve her grades and get her on the right track.

To help Dulce, you can find her fundraiser here. Thank you for helping me to give her a better life!

Dulce's Annual Update- 2010

Age: 10 Sex: F Date of Birth: 1/25/2000
Height: 4 Feet 4 Inches Weight: 58 Pounds Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Black
2. Attends School: Yes
3. Favorite School Subjects: Mathematics
Favorite Pastimes: Playing with dolls, Running
Chores at Home: Running errands, General housework
Talents or Hobbies: Drawing, Dancing, Singing
Languages Spoken: Spanish

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:
4. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $100.00
5. Name of Father: Victor Manuel Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Does not live at home at present
6. Name of Mother: Dulce Maria Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Deceased
7. Brothers and Sisters:

8. Child lives with: Relatives

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
9. Description of Home: Three Bedrooms, Dining Room, Kitchen
Construction: Walls: Concrete block Roof: Concrete Floor: Concrete
Cooking Facilities: Gas Stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Beds
10. Facilities and Services:
Water Source: Running water in home
Electricity: Available
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

DR Birthday Party x 3 Part 5

A post from Barbara:

It was hard to take photos of the pleasure that the girls apparently
got from opening their gifts as the area became crowded with on-
lookers. One annoying woman, who may have been an older relative of
Crismairy's, for some reason leaned all over Leydi and tried to check
out each gift and immediately placed them back in Crsmairy's bag until
I asked her to please let us take the photos. Dulce and Leydi were
excitedly opening and displaying each gift themselves without
interruption. Dulce obviously liked the Princess stationary set
whereas Crismairy and Leydi were more taken with the High School
sticker books and Dora piggy banks.

When they opened their Olympic Mascot T-shirts I asked them to try
them on and then hold their stuffed mascots over their heads for a
photo which they did even though mystified as to the meaning of it
all. The annoying woman was finally removed when the staff asked me
to joing the three girls for a photo. Another tip if you have a
digital camera. The children were delighted when I took a photo of
them and showed the their photos. Crismairy's little brother,
Franklin, had received a cap and funny sunglasses in his own treat bag
and now wearing both he gently asked if I could take his photo in
them. After I stopped laughing because he looked so cute I tried to
oblige but his cheeky cousin deliberately stood in front of him just
as I clicked the camera. He was about to do the same again until older
brother, Jeffrey, stepped in and the two brothers had their photo
taken together - one of the best photos of the party.

As the party wound down children began asking for the last ballons on
a stick with Franklin getting the very last one. Then a small group
surrounded the chair where a few small winner gifts remained and asked
what would happen to them. I was quite impressed by the good
behaviour of even the smallest Dominican children. Not one thing was
taken or even touched until they asked permission. I distributed the
last few things for their honesty and patience. Another thing that
struck me was that, unlike many over-excited Western children, there
were no temper tantrums, jealously of fighting amongst each other.
Quite the contrary.

All gifts distributed, admired and repacked it was now time for the
party group to get back to their individual homes. Since Leydi's
group had the furthest to travel they were the first to leave. Leydi,
happily clutching all her balloons and gifts came to give me her
heartfelt thanks and a farewell hug but her last thoughts were for
Heather for as she turned to wave goodbye she cheerily shouted.
"Please say hi to my sponsor!" She is an absolute delight always
cheerful and outgoing in spite of her illness.

Dulce was the next to also say thank you. Evidently she had been
worried that there wouldn't be any cake left to give to her relatives
so was relieved to find that the remaining cakes had been divided
amongst them to take home. Now satisfied, I asked her if she had ever
had a birthday party before and whether she had enjoyed herself. She
replied that this was her first birthday party and it was evident from
her expression that she had really enjoyed herself in spite of not
feeling well.

Gradually the festive room was stripped of balloons as each child
received one or more to take home. They began to file out each
happily clutching their balloons, treat bags and cake. The logistics
of the transport must have been a real headache for the CI staff but
as Leydi's group set off the rest waited patiently downstairs for
their own van to take them home after a very happy and enjoyable
party.

I hope that I have been able to convey some of the joy that the
children experience and that you have enjoyed the rather long ride.
The photos will give an even better idea. On that note I would like
to thank Bernie very much for posting the photos for me. Also, many
thanks go to the wonderful CI staff, both in Kansas and Santo Domingo
without whose valuable assistance the party would not have been the
huge success that it was. And I mustn't forget the financial
assistance of many of you and, of course, Heather

DR Birthday Party x 3 Part 4

Musical chairs was the next game which was again explained to the
children who scramble to take their places in the ring of chairs.
What happened when the music began was so hilarious that it was
difficult to keep any sort of order. Little and big kids alike all
ran in different directions crashing into each other, falling over and
laughing uproariously. We adults tried to explain the rules again and
agains and in the ends just gave in to the futility. I suggested
making two separate circles for the older and younger guests to make
it more fair which was done. When the music began again all began to
run but were still slipping and falling so several decided to take off
their shoes - yet another delay in getting things really going as each
child decided when they should take off their own shoes keeping
everybody else waiting!

Finally, all were ready and the game began in earnest. I was with the
tiniest players and was laughing so hard myself at their antics that I
couldn't take any photos while the music was playing. Many of the
children still hadn't grasped the concept of the game and chaos
reigned supreme.Crismairy, who was in the older children's group was
out when she was not able to find a chair. Unperturbed, she
cheerfully ran to joing the smaller children's group - so happy that
she could still run and find a chair - any chair - even sharing it
with her tiny cousin. One little didn't even move from his chair all
the time sucking on his lollipop seemingly quite unaware of the other
children racing past him. I tried in vain to encourage him to run as
well but he ignored me and remained contentedly sucking his
lollipop. I then realized that nobody was removing the chairs from
the smaller group so began taking one away each time the music stopped
but each time I was followed by a small child who immediately plopped
themselves down triumphantly on the withdrawn chair. Chaos still
reigned but they were having so much fun it was not the time to
enforce any rules. Consequently, they just raced around and around
until a winner was announced for the older group.

It was now time for the birthday cake ceremony. Yhe three birthday
girls took their places behind the individual cakes watching curiously
as a male staff member placed and lit only 4 candles on each cake.
Why only four, when I had bought many more, is still a mystery. The
girls all looked very happy as they were congratulated and everybody
sang a version of Happy Birthday to you. One little boy bellowed out
his song with such confidence and gusto that the camera lady took a
close up shot of his effort. I can hardly wait to see who it was
being behind the group of children. Unfortunately, my camera acted up
just as the three blew out their candles so am hoping that one of the
staff managed to take one. Once the candles were blown out more
photos were taken - of the three girls together - with me - and
individually. Crismairy, always the poseur was encouraged to make
even more extravagent poses by the irrepressible Yolanda!

Returning to their tables each child was now served with a generous
helping of cake and glasses refilled. They were next presented with
their treat bags. Some opened them laying everything on the table in
front of them; while others saved their bags to open at home.
Meanwhile, I presented the three Princesses with their birthday bags
full of gifts. Since I had been unable to find the birthday cards for
Leydi and Dulce I asked Lissa if she could explain why and read out
the birthday messages from Heather as they received her gift and
letter while the video was being taken. Something to look forward to
later, Heather.

DR Birthday Party x 3 Part 3

A post by Barbara:
Let the Games Begin:- Tiny tummies filled and tiny bladders emptied
the youngest guests returned to joining the others who were already
amusing themselves by chasing each other around the large room. It
was time to restore some order and the CI staff now really came into
their own showing their expertise in organizing children in their
competent but caring manner; while I was glad to take a back seat and
just take photos of the children enjoying their new games.

In one orderly line Mona and Yolanda served the, by now, cooled drinks
Lissa and Griselda organized an obedient line of kids to teach them
how to play the new Caribbean Treasure Game. Lissa explained that each
child would be blind-folded in turn and would place a number on the
wall game. The closest to the treasure would be the winner.
Meanwhile, Griselda prepared the huge bag of candies to give out to
each participant after they had taken their turn. As each child was
blindfolded and took their turn to place their numbers the rest would
roar with laughter and excitement. The tiniest little girl was so
eager to claim her sucker that she rushed off with the mask still
tangled in her hair whilst Lissa struggled to remove it. When he was
next in line Crismairy's older brother, Jeffrey, could hardly restrain
his excitment clenching his fists in anticipations! In fact he was
apparently so intrigued by the game that, when the party was over, I
saw him taking it down from the wall to bring home with him.
Hopefully, their excitement might have been captured by the lady
wielding the video camera. As the line shortened I moved away to
prepare the fake 'winner' medals and small gifts for the winners. I
had barely finished when Yolanda bought over the winner of the game to
claim her prize. And the winner was - sweet Dulce! Earlier I had
been concerned when I noticed the staff examining her neck glands as
if they might be swollen. Somehow, in spite of not feeling well she
gamely carried on enjoying herself so I was delighted to see that she
had won the first game. She was so pleased with herself as she
received her medal and had the first choice of choosing a prize which
was a small plastic purse filled with girly things.

During a lull before the next game Dulce came up to ask what were the
cardboard Princess tiara's were. I explained that they could be
decorated with the sequins and beads with the sparkly glue provided.
The threee Princesses enjoyed their decorations - being helped by a
small entourage of girls. Others were asked to write their names in
Crismairy's small Princess party book.

DR Birthday Party x 3 Part 2

Post by Barbara regarding her trip to the Dominican Republic in which she threw ar birthday party for her sponsor child Crismairy and my two sponsor children Dulce and Leydi:

Now, the three birthday girls met each other for the first time and I
led them to their special table as the CI staff organized the rest of
the party group in their own places at the long table. During all
this action we, adults were taking numerous photos of the birthday
girls, their guest and even of each other as we became quite giddy
after all the last minute rush to get things ready. Yolanda took
great delight in acting up, taking unflattering photos of me bending
over to hug the birthday girls and pulling a birthday hat down over
my eyes, etc., In fact, we were having more fun than the subdued
children sitting demurely in their places watching our actions in
subdued amazement. They were also probably still over-awed by their
first sit-down party. They were encouraged to put on their own party
hats and the three Princesses were given their birthday tiara and boas
to wear and soon they all got into the party spirit as well. Mona
came up to ask if was happy with everything which, of course, I was
now. She added that I must be used to giving such parties every year
and did not seem to believe me when I replies that this was the first
time. The only other party I had given was for Miguel in Mexico which
was a much, smaller family affair.

After a while I asked why the snacks were not being served? The replt
was that they were waiting for the lady bringing the music and video
recorder! But, as the children were getting restive I requested that
they be served now which they were and in the midst of the kids
munching on crisps and crackers, she arrived bringing with her a large
video camera and boom-box like radio which she immediately turned on
FULL BLAST!! I soon asked it to be turned down so that we could hear
each other talk which she did - regretfully but began filming the now,
more relaxed party goers. Next their were requests from the guests
for something to drink. When I asked if that would be possible the
answer was that they were waiting for the ice to arrive which it did
after the children began leaving the table. Then, there was a further
delay while waiting for the bottles to be cooled down in the ice. It
was probably just as well that the drinks had not been served earlier
as I was soon surrounded by little people with tiny bladders needing
to use a bathroom; but, when I led them "Pied Piper like" to the
toilets it was to find them locked and the staff member with the key
was not there!! These glitches were probably caused by things not
being set up in the as yet unopended new centre with everything having
to brought in amongst all the other deliveries for the future
opening. But keeping the toilets locked during a children's birthday
party? - Manana!!,

DR Birthday Party x 3 Part 1

A post by Barbara regarding her trip to the Dominican Republic in which she threw a party for her sponsor child Crismairy and my two sponsor children Leydi and Dulce:
The day did not start off well! Lissa had kindly offered to arrive
early in order to make a last attempt to purchase the bookcase and the
last two birthday cards but, instead, arrived 40 minutes late. It
should be kept in mind when visiting a country with Spanish roots that
a lingering 'Manana' effect still prevails. Time is very fluid in
such countries, not fixed as in most western countries; so people turn
up either early (rarely) before the appointed time but more often
later. When, I asked the reason for the delay she replied that she
had been organizing someone to bring the music and video camera.
Nothing like leaving things to the last minute! She was accompanied
by a new, but equally burly, driver who carried out the suitcase full
of birthday decorations and loot bags, the books, world globe and the
three Disney birthday bags. The chef and other hotel staff in the
lobby called out their best wishes and bon voyage as we set off.

Our first stop was at a massive and very impressive Ikea outlet. I
have never seen such an huge Ikea packed with the latest of goods and
extremely well organized. It didn't take too long to find a perfectly
sized, white bookcase for Crismairy which was soon ordered and paid
for and our driver packed it into the already full van. We were
already running late so there was no more time to look for the
birthday cards - sorry Heather but I did try hard. As it was we
arrived 15 minutes late due to the congested traffic and rushed upto
the second floor expecting to find everything set up and the children
waiting. But, to both Lissa's and my own astonishment no children had
yet arrived and the party room was empty containing only the long,
empty table and some plastic bags of party goods in one corner. It
was time to take charge so we set to and began trying to turn the
empty unwelcoming room into something more festive!

Fortunately, the driver had arrived carrying the bookcase and globe so
I asked him to bring in the smaller table from the other rooms which I
had him place (after lots of misunderstanding) at one end leaving a
space between the tables in order to be able to take close up photos
of the head table. Lissa had already unpacked the plastic bags and
discovered some colourful plastic tablecloths which we placed on the
two party tables. So, while she sorted out the rest of the party
accessories and read up the party game rules, I laid the longer table
with the birthday plates, serviettes and hats. She then taped up the
two games on the end wall and was joined by Griselda, who was Leydi's
social worker. I next noticed a beaming face with large bright eyes
peeping around the open door whom I immediately recognized as Leydi
whose curiousity had got the better of her. Since she and her party
lived the furthest away from the CI centre they had arrived first and
were patiently waiting outside in the hall before being allowed to
enter the hive of activity. After I introduced myself to Leydi and
her group as the friend of her sponsor, Heather, I returned to the
party room to find Lissa and Griselda busy blowing up the many
balloons. When, they started to feel light-headed I asked Leydi and
her group if they could help out by blowing up some other balloons on
sticks which they did with great gusto.

I then began setting the head table for the three birthday girls
placing the large Disney place mat in the centre and the three
colourful CI made placemates with the names of the girls with
Crismairy in the middle. Birthday plates, etc., were next to be added
and, finally, I placed little glass, heart-shaped photo holders with a
clip in front of each setting; but, instead of a photo I added three
tiny birthday cards. That table finished three large cakes arrived
and were placed on the head table - but how could the children eat
with a huge cake in front of them. And, since it was obvious that
there was no real concept of what I was hoping to achieve and I wanted
everything to be perfect for the three birthday girls I again took
charge of things. I felt like a circus ring-master with the CI staff
being the performers and Lissa being the star!! She was wonderful
rushing from one task to another as I cracked the whip!! I asked for
another table for the birthday cakes to be set up out of the way at
the other end of the hall together with the loot bags and other
gifts. This was soon arranged and then she helped me to tape up the
Happy Birthday Banner behind the head table. Where were the glasses?
- They soon appeared and were placed on the two tables. We need
chairs - they were produced and placed at each table. The snacks need
to be prepared - now Mona appeared, joined by Yolanda and began
helping - done! Yolanda had bought with her Crismairy and Dulce with
their small groups of guests and siblings who must have also been
waiting out in the hallway. The excitement was now palpable both
inside and outside the party room as the hectic preparations were
finalized to make the party room festive looking and ready for the
children.

Crismairy was the first to enter the party room and she certainly made
an entrance - looking quite beautiful in her new party dress and
shoes. She was followed by her little guests and siblings. Sadly, I
learned that her mother would not be coming because she had to rush to
the hospital with baby Dailyn. Also, some other guests on the list
had not been able to attend and their places had been taken by other
guests - but they were boys!! As I was wondering how young boys would
react to the ear-rings in their treat bags Dulce and her group entered
the room. I was so relieved to see her arrive as I had worried that.
because both she and Leydi were suffering life threatening illnesses,
either one or other of them might be feeling too ill to attend the
party.

Dulce's Annual Photo- 2010

Isn't this a sweet picture!? This is Jaden's favorite sponsor child, Dulce in the Dominican Republic. She is growing up so fast! And super sweet/dulce!

Who has the most patience?

I went to the mail box today with high hopes of letters or pictures from my kids. There was nothing :o(

I know that we will have lots of pictures and letters soon, but I am not very patient. That is why I write to my children so often, as well as send packages. You would not believe it, but I write at least once a month (I try for twice a month). That is a lot of writing! I know we will be getting the pictures from our Summer packages soon.

So, I have no news to report because I haven't gotten any letters or pictures lately. Instead, I am going to tell you about what Jaden and I have going on for her sponsor children. I have taken the single strand necklaces that the MIC group made and added a charms that says "friends" to them. Jaden is sending one to each of her girls. She is, also, going to send them each a picture of herself with the same necklace on. The letter will go something like this:

"I am giving you this necklace to let you know that you are always in my thoughts. It says "friends" because I consider you a good friend of mine. I have the same necklace. When you are wearing your necklace, you will be reminded that I am wearing a necklace, too. We will always be reminded of each other. Even though we are far away, we can still be close at heart. I love you and send you a BIG hug!"

A Letter from Dulce in the Dominican Republic

Dulce is 10 years old. She lives with her aunt and uncle. She is the girl in the middle in the picture above. Her mother passed away a while back. Her father is sick and deaf. He does not feel like her can take care of Dulce on his own, so she stays with relatives.

I got a letter from her today. This is what she said:

"Dear sponsor Heather,
It is a pleasure for me to receive the beautiful stickers and your picture with your family. I want to tell you that you are the best sponsor in the world. I love you very much and I am very happy because you remember my birthday. I like to go to church and the amusement park. I close with love and affection. Your sponsored child Dulce"

Dulce's Response to my Questionnaire

Dulce decided to send a letter, instead of answering all of the questions I asked in the questionnaire. This is what she said:

About your letter, you know my favorite food is rice, beans and meat. My favorite cartoon is Dora the Explorer. Thank you for everything. I am growing, playing and studying so much. I send you a kiss. May God take care of you.

Dulce

Package for Dulce & Strange Note from the field

I have to preface this post with a small side subject... I have been holding on to pictures & thank you letters from my kids for a few months now. The reason for this is because I have NO working scanner! Then, I had NO money to get them professionally scanned! Finally, I was able to get some scanned today at CVS for $3.99. However, once I got home, I noticed that some pictures were missing from my scan pile- Jonathan's pics, for example were with my other pics, but they missed being scanned :( I know I have gotten pics of Mwanza, too, but can find them no where (this is what happens when you try to scan in a busy store with two young kids running around). Once I get some more pics & thanks yous gathered up, I will be making even more posts. For now, you will see 5 or 6 posts from the pics that have been in my stack for a while.

Now, on to the strangest comment from the field I have ever received:

In July, I sent a small package to Dulce. She received:

1 box of Crayola markers

1 box of Crayola colored pencils

1 pencil sharpener

1 butterfly bubble watch

1 US Maps coloring & activity book

1 blank notebook

1 princess dress-up sticker book

This is what Dulce wrote:

"Hello, Dear Sponsor Heather,

Thanks for (this is where she lists everything she received)... I am doing well in this new school year. After coming from school, I do my housework, and then, I play outside. I go to church on Sunday. I hope you all are fine and healthy. Hugs, Dulce"

Now, this is what was put as additional comments from the field:

"Dulce was very happy but she hardly spoke. She only answered briefly what she was asked by saying yes or moving her head."

Anyone have any idea what that is supposed to mean? Does anyone know how to read body language? Another interesting note is that Dulce's father is deaf, and while she doesn't live with him... Maybe she had just spent a long time with him and then remained in a silent mode... I hope it is not because she was disappointed in the package. I had requested a special needs breakdown for her for one of our fundraisers, but the response back from the field was for items that were more of "wants" than "needs". I have been debating when/if I will do a fundraiser for her because she requested a t.v. and computer. I have other kids that in NEED of a home to live in and food to eat, so t.v.'s are not my priority. Now I am just hoping that she wasn't upset when she got to the center for a small package instead of the t.v. she wanted.

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!!

Check out this cutie!!! Leydi 2009

Girls don't get any cuter than this one!!! Check out the toothless grin!!! After almost a year of trying to find sponsors for Leydi and Dulce in Santo Domingo, I have decided that it just wasn't meant to be... If the girls were meant to be with someone else, they would be gone by now... And, to be honest, Leydi is Jaden's favorite, so I would hate to break her heart. I had only intended to find sponsors for these children (a total of 5 with special health needs). I am happy to report that all 5 of them now have sponsors!!! 4 of them will officially be mine, and one is with Jim (Mack's Dad). The original 5 were: Diego, Jonathan, Katherine, Dulce, and Leydi. I took Diego immediately since he was in the same area as my other sponsored child Henry, and he was the one with the greatest health needs. Jonathan followed after Diego when I discovered that both of Jonathan's parents had passed away (just as Diego's had). Katherine found a sponsor (as mentioned)... And, now I officially announce that my girls and I have grown too close to these precious girls (Leydi and Dulce) to let them go. What a sweet surprise to see that Leydi is happy about the arrangement, too :0)

Has anyone gotten any letters/photos?

Everyday when I go out to the mail box, I am hoping for a letter/photos from my sponsored children. I have some packages that I sent, so I should be getting photos any day now, and special needs requests that I am waiting on should be here soon. It seems like I don't get enough of them! Maybe I will get a letter & photos from all of them all at one time! I am waiting unpatiently...

Dulce, a whole year older

Wow! I got this picture in my account today. I am so amazed at how grown up Dulce looks! In her last picture, she looked like a little girl. Now,she looks like a teenager! Is she tall, or is it just the way that they took the picture? I love getting surprises like this one (new pictures)!!

Meet Jim's 1st Sponsored Child Katherine!

This is Mack, writing on behalf of my father, Jim Miller:

Although my dad was not feeling well and did not accompany me when I visited Jon and Wilson in Honduras, he is impressed by the CI program and the ways they encourage sponsors to connect with their children overseas. When I told him that Heather was looking for new sponsors for her children with serious health conditions, he offered to take on Katherine, a little girl from Ecuador. Dad is very interested in learning Spanish and sponsoring more children from countries that speak that language. Also, he is a retired RN, so he understands Katherine's illness and is sympathetic toward her and her family.

Dad is grateful to everyone who helped make Katherine's fund raiser a success!

Katherine's Info:
Age: 7

Gender: F

Date of Birth: 10/26/2001

Height: 3 Feet 10 Inches

Weight: 46 Pounds

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

2. Health problems, if any:

3. Attends School: Yes

4. Favorite School Subjects: Art

Favorite Pastimes or Sports: Playing soccer

Chores at Home: Running errands

Talents or Hobbies: Dancing, Singing, Drawing

Languages Spoken: Spanish

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:

5. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $150.00

6. Name of Father: Domingo Age: 34 Occupation: Street Vendor (If not present, why?)

7. Name of Mother: Miriam Age: 38 Occupation: Street Vendor (If not present, why?)

8. Brothers and Sisters: Name María MonserrateAge 19 Gender F

Name María TeresaAge 19 Gender F

Name ShirleyAge 14 Gender F

Name YahairaAge 10 Gender F

9. Child now living with: Parents

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:

10. Description of Home: One multi-use room, One Bedroom, Kitchen

Cooking Facilities: Portable gas stove

Sleeping Accommodations: Wooden beds

Home Construction: Walls Split Cane Roof Corrugated metal Floor Wood

11. Facilities and Services:

Water Source/Storage: Delivered by truck in barrel

Electricity: Available

Sanitary Facility: Septic tank

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!!!!

Jaden gets pictures from the 1st bed she bought!

Dulce was the first to receive a bed in Jaden's special project. She looks so happy in the pictures, and her letter was beautiful, as you can see. She got a mattress, a wood frame, and new shoes. Once I read through the letter, I realized that I never sent a memo with the donation. On the last bed purchase, the one for Jonathan, I sent along a short memo to be included with the bed. I have been straddling the fence about how to approach this fundraiser, so maybe you guys can provide me with opinions. My dilemma is this: Do I tell the kids that my 4 year old daughter raised the money to buy their beds? Or do I send them the money as a gift from the family? With these first two children, I thought it would be best not to mention that Jaden raised the money. My thinking is that it may seem... I don't even know how to explain it... I guess, I think that it may make them feel poor. The fact that a 4 year old gave money for their bed. Do you know what I am saying? Kids know that adults work, and logically, it makes sense that I could come up with the funds for it. But, a four year old? I am so proud of her, and I appreciate any and all feedback. For these first two, I just sent the money, but I can always explain in a future letter that Jaden raised the money. What is proper etiquette?
Now, on to Dulce's SWEET thank you letter:

How are you? I hope you are SUPER well. I am happy because I have already received my bed with the wooden base, mattress, and new school shoes. Thanks! May God bless you and your family with good health. You are a very special person, and you deserve it! I send you all of my love. Big Kiss! Dulce

Ok, isn't she great! It is letters like these that get me through a rough day at work, or stress, or whatever hard time I may be having. This children may have never been in my womb, and I may never have met them, but that doesn't mean that I love them any less. They are truly beautiful souls!