And the Winner for Day 8 is...

(We are still waiting for the results of raffle #8. They will be posted as soon as they are received.)

Barbara writes:

Without a scanner or knowledge to work a complicated computer programme the draw was done old fashioned and done on the honour system. Each person who participated in the raffled was given a raffle ticket for each dollar donated and their names deposited in a bowl. Then, my elderly neighbour, Jack, without looking picked a name out of the bowl and the name drawn was........John. So, many thanks to him and others who also participated in helping Miguel's family to open their own small business. I know they will be delighted. John please let me know what you would prefer either the $20.00 donation to a fund-raiser of your choice or the leather cushion covers.

Many thanks

Cheers

Barbara

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

Today's raffle is for a $20 donation to any fundraiser of your choosing (this could mean that you would be able to put $20 into another raffle for another chance to win as well!).

OR

Two small or one large soft real leather cushion covers from Morocco. The larger one is a light brown colour - about 17 inches across and when stuffed 2 inches high hand tooled with squares and gold stars. The two smaller covers are about eleven inches across and one inch high. One is dark green with similar tooling to the larger one and the other is a cream colour with a central gold tooled star and square and eight extensions ending in a decorative square. These would make an exotic gift for the person who has everything but loves decorating their house with eclectic items.

The raffle will benefit Miguel in Mexico. His family would like to start a business selling milk, soda, and tortillas. Every $1 gets you one raffle ticket. To enter the raffle, click here to donate by December 10th at 10PM CST:

http://www.firstgiving.com/generalstoreigp

Good luck!

Lontia's new business and introducing little Zambian Barbara

A post from Barbara:
With so many successful Mac fundraisers taking place I thought you might like to see the results of one which took place this time last year. It was to provide a second hand clothing business for Lontia, the grandmother of my 7 year old child Nsenzeni. It began in the summer of 2009, during the worst time for fundraising, and took several months before it was finally completed. Finally, during December Lontia received two bales of second hand clothing and a wooden table. At first the business did well but then the demand for clothing ceased as the recession took hold. Consequently, Lontia reverted to selling vegetables, dried fish and beans and charcoal which business is now going well. This was only made possible by the generous donations of many of you so, once again many thanks for your valuable help in helping this poor family make a small living.

About the same time Lontia received her purchases a new grand-daughter was born on 23rd December and you can imagine my delight when the family decided to give the new baby girl my own name. Since this was the first time that anyone in my life had given me that honour I was naturally tickled pink and asked CI if while taking a photo of the new business that they could take one also of little baby Barbara.

Below you will be able to see the proud grandmother, Lontia, a beaming Nsenzeni (it only took five years to get a big smile from her) and little Barbara. If you look closely in the background you can just see her wearing her pink hat with her mother waiting patiently in the courtyard of their home. I just wanted to share with you all the results of a very succesful fundraiser."

Cheers

Barbara

Mario's Fundraiser is Complete!!

Thank you so much for helping Mario and his family!! It happened just in time as he will be able to receive his gifts at the end of August!! That is awesome! Thank you!

Mario's Fundraiser Update

A post from Barbara:
"Yesterday, I finally received word that an emergency DP that I had sent for Mario had finally arrived. As you can see Mario is always very happy when he receives his direct packages. It was sent on 2nd December and did not arrive in Chile until mid June!! As Mario's present fund-raiser outlines the family are in dire straits after having to flee their home due to domestic violence with only a few of their possessions. His mother had sent me a list of things that they needed urgently which I immediately sent only to be frustrated that they took so long to arrive. The family are now living in rented accommodation which only leaves them about $40.00 a month to live on so their need is great. With their winter beginning now and South America suffering from one of their coldest winters on record the need for blankets and other bed-ware is urgent. So, if any of you are able to spare a few dollars for Mario's fund-raiser I and Mario's family would be most grateful. Thanking you in advance. Cheers

Barbara"

Mario's fundraiser only needs $67 to complete it!! To help Mario and his family, you can visit his fundraiser here

Mario's Fundaiser Has Turned a Corner!

We have passed the halfway point for Mario's fundraiser!! $187.50 is all that is needed to complete this fundraiser. Mario's fundraiser is important because his family has suffered through domestic violence. This fundraiser will provide his family with items they need to make a fresh start. To help Mario and his family get a good jump start on their new life, visit his fundraiser here On behalf of Mario and his mother, I thank you!!

Mario's Fundraiser

Joyce's Fundraiser has just completely funded!! Now, we have Mario's fundraiser that needs a little less than $300. Mario and his family has had a very tough time in life. Because the family had to flee their home, they are now starting over completely without furniture or other household necessities. This fundraiser will provide his family with furniture and Mario with shoes and clothing. To help Mario, visit his fundraiser here. Thanks for your help!

Fundraiser #31 has Launched!!

Fundraiser #31 is for Barbara's child Mario in Chile. You can read all about Mario on his fundraising page. This fundraiser will provide him with: This fundraiser will provide the family with:
•1 bookcase: US$48.33
•2 pairs of sneakers for Mario & Javiera: US$27.06
•4 single blankets: US$46.40
•2 set of bed sheets (single bed): US$27.06
•2 single bedspreads: US$58.1
•1 double bedspread US$36.73
•1 double blanket: US$19.33
•1 set of sheets (double bed): US$19.33
•Total: US$282.34
•Plus food items for a Grand Total of $350

To donate to Mario, visit his fundraising page here

Direct Package to Pearl in the Philippines

A post from Barbara:
I recently received this letter from Pearl to thank me for her large box full of a year's supplies of items. Because it is much cheaper to ship a huge box to the Philippines rather than several smaller packages I collect things on sale during the year and then send them altogether. It also enables me to send larger and heavier items such as cans of food, a pillow, collapsible chair, large Teddy Bear, wellington boots, umbrella, etc., These items and many others can be seen in the photos.

Dear Sponsor

Hellow there! I am so happy to write a thank you letter for you! I hope your doing fine like us here.

I wanna say thank you for the direct package you sent for me and to my family. I have now pillow, toys, canned goods, stuffed toys, rice, towel, assorted clothes, books, umbrella, mug, Barbie necklace, book kit, Olympic mascot, accessories and many more.

Thank you very much. I appreciate it very much. My God bless you always.

Love Pearl Daphne

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.

A Letter from Eloina

A Post by Barbara;
"Dear Barbara

Eloina thanks you for the letter you sent her and she is happy to know that even though you are far away you think about hder and she tells you that she has a dog called Estrella and she likes to watch channel 13 and she likes to watch cartoons and Eloina tell you that what she likes the most from school is to draw and to color and she is learning to read and to write because she wants to write letters and Eloina tells you that she already knows the numbers from one to one-hundred and she tells you that she loves her teacher and friends and they share snacks and they play and she says so long with a hug and a kiss. Eloina"

No pictures were included, but they will be added to this post when available.

A Letter from Marelyn

A Post from Barbara:
I recently received the latest letter from 11 year old Marelyn in Guatemala in reply for her Easter package. This time I included a scrapbook which I made for her in which I included many of my favourite photos of her as well as many of my own life. This was to outline our relationship since I began sponsoring her in 2005. You can see that it was well received.

Dear Barbara Rogers

I want to thank you for your nice gifts; I received, 1 pair of pants and 1 pair of panties, 1 dress, 1 blouse, one two piece swimming suit, 1 toy egg, 1 telescope, 1 sticker game, 4 small stuffed toys (for her siblings) 1 Easter box and 1 beautiful album (the scrapbook). I can see that it was handmade by you. Thank you very much for all the photos, the markers, eraser and 1 pair of scissors. All the gifts are so beautiful. Let me tell you that my pants fits me so well as well as the dress and the swimming suit; it is so beautiful too. I hope to use the swimming suit during summer time because I am going to visit some pools soon.

Here in Guatemala we are celebrating Easter time. I attended a service during the Ash Wednesday and during the service a cross was done on my forehead. The weather is so hot here in Guatemala. I am going to try to send you an Easter calendar. [ instead she drew me a clever copy of the beautiful flower carpets which cover the streets in Guatemala at Easter as well as another drawing of the beach with waves and palm trees - she is a very talented artist for her age].

I am sending you some photos of myself. In one of the pictures I am with the uniform that I wear when I play in the school band; and the others are about the wedding of my parents. After visiting the pools I am going to take some pictures and then I will send them to you. [Probably with the digital camera sent to her won during a lottery].

My parents were so happy with the photo album (scrapbook). Take care in your next trip. I love you so much. May God bless you. Your sponsored child Marelyn.

Doesn't she write a wonderful letter for her age?

Cheers

Barbara

A Letter from Mario's Mom

Dear Madrina Barbara Rogers

I am happy to be able to write to you and tell you about Mario. He is in good health and, thanks to God, he is doing very well. Mario wants me to ask you how you are doing, that God blesses you and he is very happy and thankful because you take such good care of him. Well, our Pastor also sends you many blessings that God will help you always prosper.

We thank you for all benefits we have received from you, such as clothes, gifts, medical care for Mario's health. I thank you enormously for your love for Mario.

Ana Delgado, the mother of Mario says goodbye to you.'

A Letter from Marelyn

A post by Barbara:
Here is another duty letter from Marelyn. The bold is the formal letter part.

Esteemed Ms Rogers (she has never been so formal before.)

I am so happy to have such a friend like you because: You are a kind and loving person. I am happy to have someone who cares about me.
Now I will tell you more about myself: I like very much to attend school, to do my homework, have many friends, and help my Mum.[Is this child for real?] I am an active child and I want to be somebody important in my life.
I would like to tell you that on weekends: I visit my family, I attend church, I like to go to the park to eat an ice-cream particularly a cheese and blackberry icecream.
I say goodbye to you hoping that: this letter finds you keeping healthy. May God bless you today and always. With lots of love.

Marelyn

On the back of the form are listed 'my favourite activities' and Marelyn has ticked off all of them except 'playing with toy cars'. She did tick off 'singing, drawing, flying kites, playing with dolls, dancing, playing with jacks, doing chores, doing my homework, visiting my relatives and attending school. So she appears to be a well-rounded young girl.

Summer Reading Package Received~ Crismairy in the Dominican Republic

Aren't these pictures adorable? I do not have the letter to go with them yet, but I will update this post as soon as I get the letter.

Birthday Package for Nsenzeni in Zambia

Barbara's posting. Today, I finally received the photos of Nsenzeni in Zambia showing off her birthday gifts. The DP was sent sea-mail in April 2009 and did not arrive until 22nd March 2010 - talk about a 'slow boat to Zambia'!! However, I was relieved to see it had arrived safely, if somewhat battered, because an earlier Christmas DP still has not arrived.

In an earlier letter, Nsenzeni's grandmother, Lontia, advised that Nsenzenie wanted to be a doctor when she grew up so, for her birthday I bought her a toy doctor's kit with doctor's box, stethoscope and other doctor's tools. Also, I sent a blouse that could be made into a pretend doctor's white coat if it didn't fit Lontia. As you can see from the photo Nsenzeni might not get it until Lontia finishes with it!

Here is the thank you letter that Lontia wrote for Nsenzeni.

Dear Barbara

How are you? Back to us we are all fine. Nsenzeni she is very happy to receive the package that you have sent for her. Thank you Barbara and she has also received some card [Birthday card]. She feel proud with you. She has liked everything that you sent for her. Nsenzeni said I' be a doctor when I' grow up and I'am happy to receive this medical kit and cosmetic pads [sent to use for play] so that I must be able to use them. Greetings to your friends and your family. Yours Lontia and Nsenzeni Tapiwe.

The additional comments from the local CI staff read. "The child was very glad to receive the parcel from her sponsor and the grandmother has sent her thanks."

After years of pleading I was delighted to see that Lontia no longer lists all the articles included in the package - so determination won out this time.

However, just in case anyone is interested the package also included.

Medical kit
Schrek bandaids
Children's tylenol
Ear swabs
toothpaste
shampoo
vaseline
white blouse for doctor's uniform
Purell hand sanitizer
travel wipes.

1 Olympic 2010 T shirt with four mascots.
1 Pink and white T shirt
1 white long sleeved blouse
1 navy pleated skirt

panties and socks and Dora shoe appliques.
plus a small bag of sugar to make a birthday cake - but arrived too late!!
Birthday card, postcards and photos.

I think the photos show how pleased she was with her belated birthday gifts since she rarely smiles in her photos."