Goodbye, Diego!

Diego (in the middle) shown here with his friends has come a long way in the sponsorship program.  He was just a toddler when he entered the sponsorship program, so at 13 years old (he will turn 14 in July), he has been in the program for more than 80% of his lifetime.  You may remember his health issues that led me to ask Aura's House to add him as a project on their site.  His aunt was able to pay off her debts, and Diego was able to get many things that would improve his health. 

The fundraiser through Aura's House was a success, and it raised the family's standard of living.  Of course, that was the point of the fundraiser- we want all of our children to get out of poverty, right?!  I don't know if this is the reason, but I have a strong hunch- Diego's family has left the sponsorship area!  I hope they have moved into their own place, as the place they were staying in was not their own.  In my head (since that is all I have to go by), I imagine that they moved to a better neighborhood that is closer to Diego's school. 

While I am happy for the family, don't child departures just suck (and no, I do not want the other child they have chosen for me- bwah, bwah, bwah)!?!?!?

Diego Update

For those of you who have been following Diego for the past 2 years, can you pick him out in this group of children? If not, he is the one with the sleeve-less white shirt on.

Thanks to most of you, he was able to receive things for his health including a bed & nutritional drinks. He got 6 months of private school tuition paid; a refrigerator for his aunt's business. His aunt's business loan was paid off, and now all of the profit can go to needs for the family. Because of this, his family income just jumped to $300 per month!! How awesome is that?!

Here is his updated family record:

Age: 13 Sex: M Date of Birth: 7/24/1997
Height: 4 Feet 7 Inches Weight: 82 Pounds Hair Color: Black Eye Color: Brown
2. Attends School: Yes
3. Favorite School Subjects: Mathematics, Reading
Favorite Pastimes: Playing soccer, Listening to music
Chores at Home: Running errands
Talents or Hobbies: Sport
Languages Spoken: Spanish

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S FAMILY:
4. Approximate monthly income for the family (in U.S. Dollars): $300.00
5. Name of Father: Manuel Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Deceased
6. Name of Mother: Marilis Occupation:
(If not present, why?) Deceased
7. Brothers and Sisters:
Name: james Age: 30 Sex: M Name: Laura Age: 34 Sex: F
Name: Maria Age: 37 Sex: F
8. Child lives with: Relatives

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S HOME:
9. Description of Home: One Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen
Construction: Walls: Concrete block Roof: Corrugated tile Floor: Tile
Cooking Facilities: Gas Stove
Sleeping Accommodations: Wooden beds
10. Facilities and Services:
Water Source: Running water in home
Electricity: Regulated use
Sanitary Facility: Toilet

Owning a Business Free and Clear

At long last, after years of struggling, Diego's aunt has paid off her small buisness loan thanks to Aura's House. The great news about this is that with the refridgerator and extra funds, she can buy the groceries for her business in bulk (instead of daily). This will give her more time to spend with Diego!

After 10 years of Sponsorship!

This is Diego's best CI annual photo yet!! I am very pleased with the way it turned out. I have only personally been sponsoring him for a little less than 2 years, but I have seen some big changes happen for him and his aunt.

A CD Player for Diego

After I sent Diego a CD, the trick became figuring out a way for him to listen to it. Then, he told me that his favorite music is Daddy Yankee, so Steve brought him a Daddy Yankee CD on his trip last month. This was the way for him to hear the music- a personal CD walkman (yes, they still make them!)

Here is what Diego wrote:

"Hello dear and loved sponsor,

Thank you for what you have sent me, for the CD player. Thanks again, you are the best sponsor I ever had in Children International. How's your family? My aunt says hello to your daughters. She says that she loves them. My grandfather sends many hugs, too. I have been in school these last few days and I have been doing well. I send you and your family lots of hugs.

Ciao!

Diego"

The Last of Diego's Fundraiser

Diego's Aura's House fundraiser is almost complete!
There is still a raffle attached to this fundraiser- a gift card for $125!!! I will be drawing the name once his fundraiser is completed. It is one ticket for every $10 donated. To enter, here is the link There is only an additional $256 needed! That means there are another 25 raffle tickets waiting to be taken!! I am especially anxious to get this one funded so that another child will have their chance at a fundraiser. Thank you for all your help!

A Letter from Diego

I received a letter from Diego. He wrote it before his visit with Steve. Here is what he said:

"Dear and always remember Mrs Heather,

Let me tell you that I am well in health and so is my family. Thank you for sending me the presents and I hope my dream will come true that you come to Colombia and visit me. I will expect the visit of your friend to meet him and he can tell me more about you. I want to thank you for many things. I will tell my aunt to take me to the children international office and she will accept. I say goodbye with much affection and love,

Diego

A kiss for your friend and many hugs for you. Ciao"

Steve's Colombia Visit 2010~ Henry

These are the pictures of Henry and his brother Esneiver in Cartagena. I am guessing that Henry uses a different community center than the one Diego uses, so that is why my two Colombian boys didn't meet. I can't wait to see the videos, but I was surprised at how quickly Steve got the photos out to everyone! I know he is exhausted from his trip, but he sent these pictures to everyone just shortky after he arrived home!! Thank you, Steve!! I love how you can make the kids smile and laugh!

Steve's Colombia Visit 2010~ Diego

Aren't Steve's child visits fun?! I can't wait to see the videos! These are just 3 of the pictures that were taken when Steve visited Diego in Cartagena. I am sure it was a big day for all of the kids, I know it is for me- Just to see Diego's animated smile makes my day! Thank you Steve!

Diego's Aunt gets her Refridgerator!

For those of you who do not know, I will repeat myself a little:

My sponsored child Diego in Colombia has a project on Aura's House right now. Recently, there were enough donations to provide his aunt with the refidgerator she needs for her business. She has a food business that reminds me of "roach mobiles" that we have here in the US. Is anyone familiar with this term? These are the trucks that drive to construction sites and sell sandwiches, candy, etc to construction workers. Diego's aunt provides workers with real home cooked meals! Yummy! (I have asked Diego to send me a recipe when he gets a chance so I can taste some of her delicious food)

She was in need of a way to keep ingredients fresh, so with the refridgerator, she will now be able to buy in bulk!

The next installment to Diego, which should be paid in a month or so, will provide his aunt with $250 worth of food ingredients to put into the fridge :o) He only needs another $57 in donations to provide her with the ingredients!

Here is Diego's letter:

"Dear and appreciated sponsor,

I am grateful for the refridgertor you sent me, and sweatshirt and socks. My aunt sends you and your family thousands of kisses. I am doing fine. I wish I could be there with you and have fun with your daughters. They are so cute. My grandfather sends you thousands of hugs. I am very happy because he got confused and didn't see the refridgerator at first because it was really pretty. But, I have already filled up the page. Diego"

Summer Reading Package Received~ Diego in Colombia

Diego makes me laugh. He has a hard time remember Jaden and Morgan's names, so he just guesses at the names and comes up with something like "Orga" and Jaden's name isn't even close. I have never told him that he isn't saying their names right, but this time in his letter he caught himself. Unfortunately, I think he forgot my name this time! LOL!!

Here is what he wrote:

Dear and appreciated sponsor,

I thank you so much for the gifts that you sent me. I received a table game, box of chocolate, dominoes, a soccer ball, a book, a hooded shirt, and a letter. Thanks. Happy New Year. I had a great time at the end of the year. My aunt and grandfather say hi to you and your precious daughters. Greetings to your family. I forgot to tell you that my aunt doesn't have the food recipe, but I will have one when I write my next letter. I am very proud of what you sent me. Thanks and say hello to your children Jaden and Morgan, now I remember their names.

Diego

Steve's Colombia Itinerary

Steve's Colombia Itinerary has not been posted! Happily, my two children Diego and Henry are meeting on different days. Unfortunately, I already mentioned that I sponsor them both in letters to both of the boys so that it wouldn't be a surprise. Now, I find out that I could have kept it a secret- It must have happened for a reason, I am sure. It will open up dialog between myself and both boys. I explained to Diego that I chose him because of my great experience with Henry. I told him that Henry had shown me how wonderful Colombian boys are, and that I wanted to therefore sponsor another child in Colombia (Diego).

It looks like both of my boys are going to be surrounded by beautiful girls! That should be fun for them :o) I am so anxious to see the live video of my boys that I think I could burst from excitement!!! Thank God for Steve!

Monday, April 26 – Diego, Isaura, Sonia and Karelys in Cartagena

Tuesday, April 27 – Yiseth, Henry and Evelyn in Cartagena

Wednesday, April 28 – Travel day

Thursday, April 29 – Nevis and Yulianis in Barranquilla

Friday, April 30 – Jhojaris, Brayan, Yuselfi, Keyner and Daniela in Barranquilla

Steve's Colombia Visit Confirmed!

For those of us who have been a part of the CI google group for a while, we know how exciting it is when Steve makes a trip to one of the community centers. Steve visited my Guatemalan child Yessica over a year ago, and then, he visited with my Mexican child Brayan last year.

Now, he is headed to Colombia! It is a very exciting time for me because the child that I have been sponsoring the longest (Henry) is in Cartagena. He will, also, be visiting Diego who I have sponsored for a year and a half now! Talk about excitement! I purchased a Colombia national soccer jersey for both Diego and Henry. In Diego's package, I included a "Daddy Yankee" CD, since he is his favorite singer/rapper of all time. In Henry's package I included the mini lite brite shown above.

I can't wait to see the videos that Steve comes back with!!! I have never seen these children in motion before :o) Thank you, Steve, for allowing all of us to enjoy the experience with you and get to know our children better!

"Our field staff in Cartagena have informed me that they have made arrangements for you to meet with the following children:

Diego sponsor: Heather

Henry sponsor: Heather
Sonia sponsor: Shana
Yiseth sponsor: Shana
Isaura sponsor: Chenelle

In Barranquilla, Our field staff have asked the following children to come to Yulianis' community center to meet with you:

Jhojaris sponsor: Lisa
Brayan sponsor: Lisa
Daniela sponsor: Chenelle
Yuselfi sponsor: Inga
Keyner sponsor: Eliana"

Diego's Aura's House Project

I can't believe it is finally here- We are VERY close to the end of Diego's fundraiser on Aura's House! His fundraiser has been up for almost a year, but slowly but surely it is almost complete! He now only needs $266! This money will buy a refrigerator for the family and their business. Thank you to all who have helped him!!! If you would like to help us reach final goal, please visit and donate to Diego's fundraiser here (Plus, I would really like to get his fundraiser off of the Aura's House site so that others can have their turn!)

Questionnaire from Diego in Colombia

I received the filled in questionnaire from Diego. I would like to get ya'll's thoughts on what he wants to be when he grows up. Read it over, and then tell me what you think.

My favorite book: Pure Math

My favorite movie: inpi (anyone know what he could be referring to?)

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite color: yellow

Favorite song: "Que tengo que hacer?" What do I have to do?

Favorite t.v. program: Los bichos (Anyone know the English equivalent of this program called "the bugs"?)

Favorite food: barbecued chicken

Favorite famous person: Daddy Yankee (the singer of the song above)

Favorite sport: soccer

Favorite animal: fish

Favorite pastime: playing soccer

In my free time I like to: play soccer. Ever since I was little, I have loved to play soccer.

My goals for the future: When I grow up, I want to be a soldier.

I will never forget: every time I have a birthday! (big deal when you are sick)

A funny moment: When I was playing soccer and fell.

My school activities: When I go to school, I make sure that I do my homework and all of the activities that my teachers ask me to.

My activities after school: Playing soccer (of course!)

Direct Package to Diego in Colombia

A sent a very small package to Diego around Christmas time. I knew that he wouldn't receive it in time for Christmas, but I wanted to send him a CD that I thought he would like. You know how the flat rate envelopes are, so I put in some other small things: a book, camera, and small soccer ball. He looks happy with the CD (that is the biggest smile I have ever seen him give), but he doesn't look so happy with the book. LOL! Oh well! Here is his letter:

"Dear Heather,

Thanks for the gifts you sent me. I loved them very much. You sent me a small camera, a book, a music CD, a small ball, letter, and 3 batteries. The street where I live is named XXXXX, and it is near the beach and downtown. My aunt cooks chicken and rice, meat, pig meat, fish, and cow bone soup. Right now I don't have the recipes with me, but I will tell you later. How is your family? How are Jaden and Morgan? My grandfather and aunt and I send you many greetings. Ciao! Diego"

I can't wait for the recipes :o)

Diego's Aura's House Fundraiser

I received an update from Diego and his aunt regarding the items that are still needed on their list. We have already provided Diego with all of his essentials (bed, tuition, clothes, nutritional supplements, etc). The only things left on their list are for his aunt's business. Of course, that is important, especially since his aunt is getting older. It would make things easier for her if she wasn't working just to pay off the debt of her loan. The things that are left are:

Debt relief- $600

Refrigerator- $400

Capital to buy food- $250

At any rate, Diego's aunt expressed that the most important thing right now is the refrigerator. She needs it to keep the food from spoiling. $344 has already been raised toward this purchase, and CI will purchase it for her as soon as the additional $56 is raised.

There is still a raffle attached to this fundraiser- a gift card for $125!!! I will be drawing the name once his fundraiser is complete. It is one ticket for every $10 donated. To enter, and help his grandmother get the refrigerator she needs, here is the link TIA!

A Letter from Diego in Colombia

Dear Mrs. McLaughlin,
I am greeting you with lots of affection and hope you are well in union with your family. I am havng a good time and so is my aunt, but I am very worried and am praying to God so you get your job. Let me tell you that I do not have a CD player (I asked if he had one, so that I could send him CDs). I would like to have one someday. Thank for the lyrics you sent. They are very nice. I wish our dreams can come true and we can meet each other in person. I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!
Diego

A Letter from Diego

Diego with his aunt in their kitchen (above)

I received an untranslated letter from Diego yesterday. I am not sure how it skipped the translation crew, but this is what it says:

Hi Mrs. Heather and your family. How are you? My family is well and sends you lots of salutations. My family is happy because I am doing very well in school. I have already passed the grade, and I hope that makes you happy just like I am. I, also, send your husband lots of salutations, and Jaden and Morgan and all of you. I want to tell you I have a dream with your family and I haven't told my aunt. My aunt wants you to feel very well. If it weren't for her, you wouldn't be helping me.
Thanks, Diego
Bye, Mrs. Heather

Summer Package~ Cartagena, Colombia

These are two of the largest priority boxes available. I had to put them together to make one box.

Part 1 of Henry's package (above) & Diego's package (below)

Part 2 of Henry's package (above) and Ana Cecilia (below)

Omar Yesid's package (above) and Dayana Paola's package (below)

Liset's package (below)

I told you the package to Cartagena is big. I am sure we will have any bigger packages coming up. This one weighed 10 pounds 6 ounces (slightly bigger than my first born baby)!!! We are going to have some really happy kids!!! There are 6 children included in this package.

The package is completely packed up, and is going out on 1/8/10 (so take note of the date). It cost $55 to ship.

Total raised for the fundraisers (excess funds from this package): $3.56!