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.

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.

Easter Package for Crismairy in the Dominican Republic

A post from Barbara:

"Hello dear Sponsor Barbara

I thank you for the clothes, toys and accessories sent. I am very happy for everything. Receive a kiss and much love from me. Crismairy."

The CI rep added.

"Maria? is very happy for the gifts received and most of all for the teddy bears, bracelet and necklace" -

Thanks to Heather for making the latter items. Here is a more accurate list of the Easter related contents.
- A jean skirt with appliqued flowers and blue shorts plus 4 coloured bangles.
- A white tank top with blue trim and flowered design.
- A pair of silver/grey pants with silver belt.
- A checked pin/white/orange Dora top
- 2 pair of panties
- 1 pair of socks
plus
- 1 Green woven Easter basket with the following contents.
- hanging spring duck key chain
- plush dog with magnetic paws
- pink bendable rabbit
- bobble pink bows for hair
- tiny blue rabbit with parachute
- 1 cream stuffed toy -duck with a green head.
- tiny mug with knitted bunny
- Easter china egg cup
- A large egg containing a blue bouncy ball, 1 rabbit eggmask, tiny blue car, 1 large marble, jax and orange spring.
- An ABC plastic egg container
- A blue egg telescope
- A lavender egg kaleidescope
- Crismairy white/pink/lavender necklace and bracelet


And not a single Teddy bear so I guess that in DR all stuffed toys are called Teddy Bears!

*special note from Heather: It is so sweet to see her wearing the necklace and bracelet I made! What a cutie!

The Child is Without Words- Her Eyes Show Her Happiness

The above photos show Crismairy's pleasure as she opens her DP for St. Valentines Day. Of all the 12 children that I now sponsor Crismairy seems the most appreciative and always wears the clothes that I send to her. Her package contained the following.

- A pink dressing gown with matching P.J.'s and slippers (which she thought was a coat and sandals!!)

- 1 Ariel sun resistant dress

- Fairy mermaid play set

- Brown hoody with pale blue hearts.

- A crawling centrepede singing "Hello my Baby"

- A red dragon with purse inside

- Socks and underwear

- A pink top with hearts and lady bugs.

- A maroon hand towel with light/dark pink hearts.

- A little stuffed toy.

Crismairy is six years old and this was her very first handwritten letter - quite legible despite the lack of spacing.

"Hello dear sponsor Barbara

Thank you for the gifts that I received. They are all very beautiful and I liked them very much particularly the mermaid playset and your so precious photos. The clothes are very beautiful as are the stuffed toys. I hope you can understand my letter. Kisses from Crismairy."

Crismairy's Christmas Package

Crismairy's letter to Barbara:

"Dear B.Rogers.

I am writing to thank you for the gifts sent to Crismairy. She is too young and cannot write well yet. She is very happy for the clothes including a Winter Olympics 2010 T-shirt, bathroom wall plaque, stuffed beluga whale with Santa hat, singinging blushing snowman, toy cooking set, Xmas accessories and purse and Santa hat received from you. She also thanks you for the pictures and card sent. She sends greetings to your entire friends. That all for now. Yacosta (cousin) and Crismairy."

Meet Barbara's 6th sponsored child Crismairy!

Crismairy lives in the Dominican Republic. Here is what Barbara wrote: Crismairy is my sixth sponsored child and chosen for an unusual reason. For the past twenty years I have been doing intensive research on the life and family of Simon Fraser, explorer. During that time I was able to discover his birthdate which had eluded even the most eminant historians. The year 2008 was the bicentary of his amazing exploration of the Fraser River so I decided to sponsor another child to commemorate the occasion with the same birthday of 20th May. Crismairy fit the criteria and so I began sponsoring her about August 2007.

Crismairy lives with her young parents and two older and one younger siblings. Even though both parents work their income is on average only about $150.00 per month. Like many other Dominicans she loves to play baseball and also volley ball. She also likes to dance the 'merengue'. I had planned to visit her on her birthday this year but my plans had to be cancelled due to the financial crisis and low Canadian dollar. Instead I will be making a Special Needs donation to the family so that they can finish their bathroom., Perhaps, I will be able to meet Crismairy in person in the future and to watch her dance the merengue!

And here is her bio:

Age: 5	Gender: F	Date of Birth: 5/20/2003
Height: 3 Feet 9 Inches		Weight: 40 Pounds		Hair Color: Black		Eye Color: Black
2. Health problems, if any: None
3. Attends School: Yes
4. Favorite School Subjects: Art, Writing
Favorite Pastimes or Sports: Playing volleyball, Playing baseball
Chores at Home: Sweeping, Running errands
Talents or Hobbies: Dancing, Singing
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: Francisco			Age: 28	Occupation: Janitor
(If not present, why?)
7. Name of Mother: Juana			Age: 37	Occupation: Factory Worker
(If not present, why?)
8. Brothers and Sisters:
Name Franklin		Age 3	Gender M	Name Jeffrey		Age 11	Gender M
Name Yoselin		Age 13	Gender F
9. Child now living with: Parents
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
10. Description of Home: One multi-use room, One Bedroom
Cooking Facilities: Gas Stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Beds
Home Construction: Walls Concrete block			Roof Corrugated metal		Floor Concrete
11. Facilities and Services:
Water Source/Storage: Community faucets
Electricity: Available
Sanitary Facility: Latrine