Children International

We’ve Taken a Giant Step!

2009-01-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

After two years of blogging here at blogger.com, it’s time to grow. So 2009 will not only be a new year…it will also mark the beginning of a new phase in our blogging – one we hope you will enjoy.

As of January 1, 2009, we have moved our blog to a new location. From now on, you’ll be able to catch the latest from your favorite bloggers, hear news from the field and leave your comments – all on the new CI blog.

This site will remain active so you can come back and read posts you’ve enjoyed in the past. But we invite you to join us at http://blog.children.org for today’s post.

Thanks…and we’ll see you at our new site!

—The Children International Blog Team

Out with the Old

2008-12-31T13:18:00.000-05:00

…Out with the old memories, that is.

2008 has come and gone – and like every year, it has left its indelible imprint on history. A worldwide financial crisis…a presidential election…the collapse of the stock market…these things will not be soon forgotten.

But the year brought its share of happy events as well. Not least among these, for me, was the opportunity to travel to our agency in Zambia, Africa. There I witnessed how a family of orphaned children received new hope for life through sponsorship and saw the joy and optimism your generosity is creating.

How about you? What was the single greatest, most defining moment in your sponsorship experience this past year? Please – post a comment and let us know about it. We’d love to share the memory with you.

And from all of us here at CI…have a safe and happy 2009!

P.S. Be sure to check back tomorrow…a big surprise is on the way!

A Chat with Victoria

2008-12-29T08:50:00.005-05:00

This is nine year old Victoria from Guatemala City. A member of our field staff caught up with her at one of Children International's community centers and asked her and her mother, Maria, a few questions about sponsorship.

According to Victoria's mother, “When she comes here to get her Christmas gift, she wants everyone to come running here at six in the morning. She tells us 'Hurry, we are going to be last!' Even when we come here for the medicine she feels happy."

Victoria also had a message to share with her sponsor: "I am doing well at school and I like going. I thank my sponsor for supporting me and I appreciate her."

Reporting assistance and photo by Raquel Lacán and Miriam Lemus of Guatemala City.

A Christmas Wish from CI President Jim Cook

2008-12-25T04:01:00.000-05:00

It’s that special time of year…The holidays. Christmas lights, carols and personal thoughts of what it all means to each of us.

At this time of year I’m particularly happy to be part of something that helps so many in so many meaningful ways.

I also particularly enjoy talking to our generous sponsors this time of year. They are all inspiring in their own unique ways.

At the end of this tumultuous year in the world financial markets and the U.S. economy, I’m reminded how relative tough times are…by thinking of those less fortunate that we serve around the world.

This was really emphasized for me recently when I was speaking with my son who was wrapping up the semester at his university. He had been under the weather while trying to write papers and study for exams…he said he was starting to feel sorry for himself when he happened to visit the Children International website and saw some of the children there and read a couple of stories. He remembered the experiences he had when he accompanied me to Honduras and Guatemala in his early teens.

After that, he revised his computer wallpaper to have a sponsored child’s picture on it as a reminder of just how bad he didn’t have it…and to remind him that there are many much more challenged, with far greater difficulties, EVERY day!

That’s a big part of what this season is about, I think.

Merry Christmas!

Jim

Posted on behalf of Jim Cook, president of Children International. Photo by Marelvis Campo.

On the 12th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me…

2008-12-24T05:00:00.000-05:00

…12 Months of Friendship

It seems perfect that our last day of Christmas be about something that is so important during the holiday – the connection we have to one another.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to most of your that your sponsored child thinks of you as a friend, a steady, reassuring presence in what can be a fairly chaotic and uncertain life. That’s why your letters are so meaningful. They provide that special boost when it’s needed most. And when your child knows you’re going to be there all year long, well, it helps them believe that his or her life has possibilities.

More than once I’ve had a sponsored child entrust to me a message that I am to spirit back with haste to his or her special friend. “Tell him I love him,” or “Please tell her that I am thankful for her and pray for her every night.” Often, they’ll make me promise. And, often, with a fair amount of luck anyway, I can play the part of happy messenger and deliver the dispatch.

So, in celebration of the friendship that sponsorship helps foster, on this, the 12th day of Christmas, I’d like to share with you what the season is really all about, as told by sponsor Robin Buckley, who was lucky enough to be with his special friends, Roberto and Bianny, so near the holiday.

From his blog, written shortly after his visit, which was just a couple of days ago:

Today was spent visiting with the two boys – Roberto and Bianny – whom I sponsor through Children International. Unlike my visit in June when I was able to see the boys on separate days, this time it was necessary to see them together because of the busy Christmas season. And so, we decided to spend the day at one of the larger shopping malls in Santiago. I had brought several gifts with me from Canada but wanted to give the boys the chance to pick out what they wanted.

Building a lasting friendship: Robin and Bianny exchange a hug.

Since Roberto lives about an hour away from Santiago, he came with his mother and one of the CI Social Workers and they went directly to the mall. Yaseni, the CI field office worker (and my translator) arrived at my hotel together with Bianny, his father and their Social Worker and then we were off to the mall to meet up with Roberto.

We all got together in the cafeteria at the Mall to figure out our plans for the day. This mall is absolutely huge and would rival anything we have back in Canada. I told the boys that they could go shopping and that they had 2500 pesos each to spend (about $75 US).

By the time the boys had finished with what they considered “necessities”, they had purchased some new shoes, jeans and a t-shirt and had a little left over to buy a toy.

By this time, we were all getting hungry and so we returned to the cafeteria for some lunch. The unanimous choice was for pizza from Dominoes.

When it was originally suggested to me that we would have to combine the visits with both kids, I was a little worried because I didn’t know whether or not they would get along. Roberto is 11 and Bianny is 9 and at first they were a little apprehensive together. But there’s a kid’s play area (similar to what you’ll find at McDonald’s back home) and they both headed there after lunch while the “adults chatted.” I think this was the “icebreaker” because when they returned to the table, they were laughing and joking together. It’s absolutely amazing how kids can get along when you leave them alone!

We left the mall to take Roberto, his mom and their social worker to the bus stop for their hour-long ride home at which time I gave Roberto the gifts I had brought from Canada. These mostly consisted of school supplies – notebooks, pens etc that is so lacking in this country as well as a watch that I had gotten for him. Then Bianny, his dad, their social worker, Yaseni and I headed over to Bianny’s house to spend some time there.

While there, it was time to give the gifts I had brought from Canada for Bianny and his adorable little sister. I felt bad about the fact that there were cousins visiting and I didn’t have anything to give them.

And then unfortunately, it was time for me to leave but I did so with the promise that I would be back again sometime next summer. The family wished me a “feliz navidad” and Bianny wanted to give me a hug.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what Christmas is all about!

Thanks Robin. And thanks to all of you for being that friend year in and year out. It truly matters. The happiest of holidays to each and every one of you, and our gratitude for making it all possible.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for a special post by Children International president Jim Cook.

Posted on behalf of Scott Cotter. Photo courtesy Robin Buckley.

On the 11th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

2008-12-23T07:35:00.002-05:00

Eleven Scholars Hoping

My nephew and his wife had a baby about 2 months ago. This means that for the first time in 25 years, we will have a new little human in the family at Christmastime.

One effect Christmas has on me is introspection…not just on holidays past, but on my life in general. So, seeing the new addition of the Denton clan gathered around the sparkling tree and bundled up close (but not too close!) to the crackling fireplace this weekend, I started thinking back 25 years ago.

In 1983, I was still in high school and was earnestly contemplating what I wanted to do with my life…college was looming in another 2 years and there wasn’t much doubt in my (or my parents’) mind that I would be continuing my education after high school.

The reason everyone assumed this was because my parents had worked hard and saved – and they planned to help supplement my cost of attending college. My father had begun working right out of high school, pumping gas. He worked his way from there into a management position with a large, global company.

My mother postponed her educational goals to raise three boys. Shortly after I was born, she began earning a Master’s degree in education. Her thesis involved developing learning strategies…and I was her guinea pig. As a result, I learned to read at a precociously young age. I credit her with instilling a love of reading and a love of language that has remained with me ever since.

Without the opportunity to go to college, I have no idea where I’d be today…I’m certain I’d not be sitting here writing for Children International.

Looking at my great-nephew this weekend, I pondered the huge responsibility his parents have shouldered. And, knowing I needed to post an entry on the blog about our HOPE fund, my thoughts turned to college.

Like the cost of healthcare in America, the cost of education beyond high school has skyrocketed in the last 25 years. But in most of the places we work, it is still quite affordable, at least by OUR standards. That’s why our HOPE fund (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) is one of my favorite “ancillary” benefits that Children International makes available.

For very little cost, we can send deserving sponsored youth to college or vocational school, where they learn skills that often helps boost them above and beyond the dire poverty they grew up in. Time and again, we hear about former sponsored children who now have steady, good-paying jobs thanks to a combination of their own hard work and being the recipients of HOPE scholarships.

Most of the time, there is virtually no chance that their parents – unlike mine – will be able to help send them to college.

I hope my great-nephew gets that opportunity.

I also wish that every sponsored child who wants to continue their education had the opportunity to do so. Thankfully, the number of HOPE scholarship recipients has continued expanding over the years.

So, if I get the chance to ask the old, bearded, red-suited saint for one thing next year, this is my wish: a HOPE scholarship for every child who wants one in each of the 11 countries where we serve them.

I already know he makes deliveries there…because all of you are already making so many wishes come true.

Thank you…and have a great holiday!

Posted on behalf of Deron Denton.

On the 10th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me…

2008-12-22T07:47:00.002-05:00

Ten Boards for Building

In my last blog post I poked fun at my mom’s compulsion to decorate every last inch of our house for Christmas. Last week, we were all together at my parent’s house and someone brought up the posting. Everybody got a kick out of it – but the one who enjoyed it the most was mom. Of course she tried to say “I’m not as bad as all that,” but it was hard when all around us the house was shedding tinfoil like some great Yuletide dog.

We had gathered to observe our yearly tradition of decorating the tree. When I think back over all those years of Christmas, that day was always one of the highlights. Mom would put on her Sinatra Christmas album, and my dad would call out every few minutes asking us to smile for his camera. As a result, we have hundreds of pictures of me and my siblings hanging decorations, flashing our most cheesy looks of wonder and joy at the camera. We thought it was hilarious. Dad disagreed.

This year, my niece and nephew took our place under the tree. As we sat and watched them, my dad revealed a disturbing family secret. It seems that, late at night after us kids had finished hanging the tree; mom would sneak down and carefully remove all the decorations, re-hanging them in a way that was more aesthetically pleasing. She denied this of course, but even this year, as 6-year old Kaden put a clump of decorations on the same two branches, I saw an uncomfortable twitch in her eye. I wondered how long she would wait after we were gone to make it right.

As much as I enjoy poking fun at my parents’ Christmas idiosyncrasies – I wouldn’t miss it for the world. For years I lived in different states, but I never missed Christmas at home. I remember driving from the airport, recognizing that familiar sickly glow over the distant horizon, and feeling a rush of sublime anticipation. I was going home! If there’s a better feeling, I don’t know what it is.

This year it occurs to me how lucky I was to have a home to return to. A home that protected us from the elements. A home we could decorate for the holidays beyond all bounds of normalcy. What an important part of growing up! When I was young I knew kids who lived in mansions, but as much as I admired their swimming pools and “rumpus rooms”, I wouldn’t have traded our home for a million comic books. It was ours. Some instinctual part of me knew that, and was proud.

When I got older, I had the chance to meet people without homes. It’s always tragic – but the children affected me the most. I can’t imagine what it would be like to grow up never knowing where you were going to sleep at night. To have nowhere to go to escape the world and just be safe.

That’s why I’m so proud that some of our sponsors have helped their children’s families build homes. The impact it has on the child and their family is immeasurable. The home will guard them for generations to come. Everyone in the family will have the physical and psychological advantage of knowing they have a safe haven. Each of them will feel a little extra pride knowing they have a place to call their own.

What a wonderful gift. What wonderful sponsors we have! Maybe it’s something we should all consider doing some day. If that’s not possible, we should all take a few minutes this holiday season to recognize how lucky we are to have homes. Those of us who have never been homeless are truly blessed. May we all stay that way for many years to come. Merry Christmas!

Posted on behalf of Garrett Kenyon.

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

2008-12-19T07:30:00.001-05:00

Nine Sponsor Letters

“Dear Santa…”

How many millions of letters are written with those opening words each year? From Barbies to Xboxes to “I wish my parents were back together,” letters to Santa reveal the deepest longings in the hearts of our children.

I used to adore writing letters to Santa; in fact, they were a tradition in my household. As a budding writer, I’d spend Christmas Eve penning my masterpieces, which were left on the hearth of our big stone fireplace. And Santa always wrote back, with a funny quip or cute rhyme. Here’s one from 1978: “I’m hungry and sleepy and weary and tired, but if I don’t hurry back to Mrs. Claus, I’ll likely be fired!”

Even after I knew the truth about Santa, the letter writing didn’t stop. Each year it became a contest between my father and me to top each other’s letters. I’d try to come up with some clever premise – sort of like a game of “Stump the Santa.” One year I’d write in the voice of a jaded socialite waiting for a manicure and a facial, the next as an immigrant who didn’t understand who this “Scanty Claws” person was.

On Christmas morning, before I even looked in my stocking, I’d hunt for “Santa’s” reply. There it would be, in my father’s neat, all-caps penmanship. That special communication between my father and me remains one of my most treasured Christmas memories.

Sponsored children are just as excited about receiving letters from their sponsors. I can’t tell you how many sponsored families I’ve visited where a child would pull out a stack of carefully preserved letters to proudly show me.

The children yearn to know their sponsors and truly want to enjoy a personal relationship with them. They’ll crowd around me and ask, “Do you know my sponsor? Can you tell him I said hello?” If you’ve ever worried that the children don’t understand the connection between the benefits they receive and the sponsor who is providing them, have no fear. They know…and they care.

So if you’re wanting to do something special for your child without spending any money, the answer is simple: write him or her a letter. You’ll find more information and writing tips here. I guess it will make your child's day (or month...or year!) to hear from you.

Posted on behalf of Gretchen Dellett.

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

2008-12-17T08:08:00.006-05:00

Eight Teachers Teaching

Growing up in Arkansas, where summers were hot and humid and mosquitoes swarmed the streets like a plague, I longed for the cold snap that accompanied Christmas. It was the ’70s, and we could always count on downy seasonal snowfalls.

Every year, my friends and I would pray for snow days, when we could forget about school and go sledding, build igloos and launch all-out snowball wars. We lived to suit up in our overstuffed coats, bib pants and moon boots and wander the snow-packed streets like a roving band of misguided Eskimos. Who needs school, we scoffed, when we could make our homes in snowdrifts and live off snow ice cream?

Even now, as fresh powder blankets Kansas City, I long for those carefree days when school was cancelled. But then, I grew up in middle-class America. I had the luxury of blowing off school to pretend I was an arctic explorer trudging through a desolate landscape.

Now I realize how shortsighted I was. Each day I’m reminded that sponsored children don’t have the “privilege” of brushing off school to indulge in make-believe. Many are truly trapped in inhospitable environments, where they’re lucky to attend school rather than skip it. And education is often their only means of escape.

Even in my home state of Arkansas, where Children International has a sponsorship program in Little Rock, simply getting to – and staying in – school can be an arduous journey for boys and girls from impoverished households. But, thankfully, our education program stands out like a shining star that guides children in the direction of academic progress.

Little Rock is a particularly bright spot because we work in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) and six public schools. That unique relationship connects sponsored children with college students and certified teachers who provide tutoring and other constructive activities during our after-school program, or Kids’ Club. Sponsored kids who would probably be home alone or out on the streets have the opportunity to participate in literacy workshops, computer classes, a chess club, art and dance activities.

“Everybody wants to be in it,” Renee Herd, one of our site coordinators, told me when I had a chance to see the Kids’ Club in action at Little Rock’s Bale Elementary School last year. That was great news considering that I had once heard the chancellor of UALR, Joel Anderson, say that 73 percent of the students in the after-school program showed improved performance in their schoolwork.

There are other highlights, too, like the college prep course we offer to graduating youth, the year-round GED, nutrition and computer classes for the parents of sponsored children, and educational summer camps to name a few.

Sponsorship really does provide so much more than school uniforms, supplies, access to scholarships and library resources…it gives underprivileged kids the perseverance to forge ahead, no matter what obstacles may come, and the power to believe that something more promising, maybe even dreamlike, lies just over the horizon.

Getting an education is the greatest adventure of their lives, and you’re the ones who are making it possible.

Posted on behalf of Damon Guinn.

Just added: Children International hosts a Christmas coat drive for underprivileged families in Little Rock.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

2008-12-15T07:39:00.001-05:00

Seven Doctor Visits

Well, maybe not exactly seven, but sponsored children are fortunate to be able to see the doctor every time they get sick and for their yearly check-ups. From treatment for a sore throat or skin rash to a more serious illness or injuries, medical care is something that all sponsored children can rely on. Mothers of sponsored children count this as among one of the most valuable benefits we offer. An appointment at a private clinic and medicines can cost well over half of their monthly incomes, but at Children International’s clinics, health and peace of mind are free of charge.

“It felt as if we won the jackpot prize in a lottery,” remarked Glena Hular after her sponsored daughter, Gellian, received the heart surgery she needed.

Children enjoy going to our clinics and recognize the value of healthcare as well. Nine-year-old Cazel, from Manila, Philippines tells us about a time when she needed Children International’s help: "Last year, I was not feeling well. My mother brought me to a doctor. He said I was just fine. But when I came to see the doctor at CI she said I had dengue. I was very weak, feeling dizzy and my body ached. I was rushed to the hospital. We always remember that help. I do not know what would have happened to me if the CI doctor was not there."

And Children International will continue to be there for needy children. Medical care is a gift that sponsored children can enjoy year round. So here’s to a joyful and healthy holiday season, to you and your sponsored child.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

2008-12-12T05:31:00.001-05:00

Six Dental Fillings

The dentist. Eek. Just the thought of it instills sheer terror in me. The sound of dental tools scraping the plaque off my teeth is like fingernails running down a chalkboard. It literally sends chills down my spine.

Needless to say, visiting the dentist is one of my least favorite chores. But it’s something I take for granted. I have the luxury of pulling out my insurance card to receive regular dental cleanings and keep my teeth healthy. I don’t think twice about it.

But I should. Because so many others around the world aren’t as fortunate as I am. Some families literally live each and every day uncertain of what the next will bring. Will they be able to find any work for the day? Will they earn enough to buy food to feed their children? Can they afford to take their daughter to the doctor if she gets sick?

Families facing extreme poverty can’t afford to purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste. They might even struggle to access clean running water needed to rinse out their mouths. They often don’t understand the importance of keeping their teeth clean because they’ve never had the luxury of visiting a dentist. Some children have never even been to a doctor.

Something as small as a toothbrush can make a big impact on a child’s health.

Children International recognizes the impact of oral hygiene on health, and we provide dental care to a number of impoverished children in our program. Our community centers with dental clinics are kid-friendly environments, with age-appropriate educational materials. We help make it possible for children to receive hygiene supplies like toothbrushes. And we teach families how to brush their teeth.

Given my own fear of the dentist, I’m always surprised to meet sponsored children who actually look forward to their dental checkups. Even if they need six fillings or extractions, they appreciate the care and attention they receive. They know if it weren’t for Children International and their sponsors, their teeth might go unbrushed and their toothaches untreated.

Visiting the dentist might not be quite as good as opening a gift come Christmas morning. But for impoverished children, it’s definitely more of a treat than a chore. Now if only I could learn to appreciate the dentist as much as they do….

Posted on behalf of Erin Anderson. Photo by Joel Abelinde of our Manila, Philippines, agency.

On the 5th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

2008-12-10T08:07:00.004-05:00

5 Supplemental Meals

A Christmas wish worth writing down.

I remember Christmas as a time of anticipation. After Thanksgiving, mom would go to work with a military efficiency that would make any drill sergeant proud. Soon our house would look like a Christmas grenade had been thrown through the living room window. Fragile porcelain reindeer perched on every surface, creating a minefield for young knees and elbows. Shutting a door would dislodge a plateau of holly or bring a clump of mistletoe down on your head. Passing airplanes could calibrate their instruments by the multi-colored glow of our front lawn. Clark Griswold had nothing on my mom.

The rest of us stalked warily through the house, knowing that a simple “can you help for a minute?” would translate to hours of grueling holiday labor. After the initial onslaught, mom would slow down enough for us to resurface. If she was disappointed that we didn’t share her zeal for decoration – she rarely let on. I would have been too busy to notice anyway. By then I was engaged in the serious endeavor of creating my Christmas wish list.

In few areas of my life did I display the attention to detail that I gave my yearly wish list. It all seemed so important. How was I supposed to pay attention in school when at home my one-armed Spiderman figure was facing down a gang of super-villains without the new Spidey-mobile? How could my army of battered stormtroopers be expected to mount a credible defense against the Rebel Alliance without an Imperial Walker or at least a couple of T-Wing fighters to ride in? Didn’t anybody realize that the fate of the entire universe could hinge upon a single item on that list!

I tried to be reasonable. After all, we were a middle class family. My parents could hardly be expected to take out a second mortgage or forego buying presents for my siblings in order to properly outfit my Batcave. In an attempt to placate Santa, I was forced to limit the list to only my absolute Needs. It was tough, but I soldiered on.

As the big day approached, I prepared to confront reality. It was rarely a match for my imagination. But no matter how many toys were left off my list, when the gifts had all been opened and the living room floor reduced to a paper-strewn battlefield – I always felt something very near contentment.

Looking back on those days, I can’t help being a little embarrassed. Like the majority of us, I went through life with no concept of the difference between a “need” and a “want”. I never had to struggle through the day with an empty stomach or fall asleep wondering where I would find my next meal. Food, shelter and clothing were provided for me with such little fanfare they barely warranted consideration.

I’ve done some growing up since then. I’ve witnessed the devastating effects of poverty and seen the face of true need. Accordingly, my values and priorities have matured. I’ve found that more pleasure can be derived from helping others than from helping myself. That’s what led me to Children International.

It’s comforting to know that once a child is sponsored through CI, they can receive supplemental meals from their community center up to three times a week. I love imagining the weight lifted off the shoulders of a mother or father when they realize their child doesn’t have to face malnourishment and starvation. Knowing that sponsorship keeps these kids from slipping through the cracks warms my heart in ways extravagant gifts never could. And then there are the other ways CI helps these kids – with things like clothing, healthcare and education that benefit them far beyond their next meal.

I still have a lot of growing up to do. It’s impossible to go from taking food and shelter for granted to understanding the plight of the impoverished overnight. But I can take comfort in the knowledge that the day my wants became about fulfilling others’ needs, I came a long way.

Here’s to hoping you get everything on your list this year.

Posted on behalf of Garrett Kenyon.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my sponsor gave to me...

2008-12-08T05:30:00.000-05:00

Four gifts throughout the year

I remember it like it was yesterday...

The Sears catalog would arrive in the mail, and my brothers and I – in an act of unusual solidarity – would spend day after day researching the toy section, dog-earing pages and itemizing must-haves. Lists were drawn up, meticulously revised and then narrowed down by the process of elimination.

Our excitement could hardly be contained when we finally reached the wee hours of Christmas morning. The record player would start to skip through its fourth rotation of “Silent Night,” and we would lie wide-eyed in bed listening to the sound of scissors slicing through wrapping paper, trying to visualize how large our gifts were.

A few unbearable hours later, we’d throw back the sheets, go rouse our parents from a brief night’s slumber, and beg our dad to go downstairs and make sure Santa had remembered to stop by. Finally, we’d hear the words we’d waited for all year long…“Okay, it’s all clear!”

Tumbling down the stairs and into the living room, we’d discover a picture-perfect Christmas setting full of shiny new toys and packages glimmering in the golden haze of Christmas lights. It was every child’s dream come true.

Seeing sponsored children receive gifts during our four annual gift distributions is like being a child at Christmas all over again. I see the same excitement and sense of wonder that I myself experienced as a child.

Blessings Changwe couldn’t stop smiling when she received her Christmas gift last year. “I want to tell my sponsor thank you very much and that I hope she had a happy Christmas,” Blessings said. “This gift means that I now have something to keep me warm at night.”

Weeks before a gift distribution takes place – no matter if it’s Christmas, Easter, Birthdays or Special Hug Day – sponsored children start begging their parents to tell them what they’re going to receive. That’s because their parents, like Secret Santas, help us choose what gifts their children need and want most.

And boys and girls are usually so excited they can barely sleep the night before. They even wake up earlier than normal so they can be first in line. Running to the center, their eyes light up the moment they see their friends and neighbors clutching packages that contain gifts like colorful new clothes or shoes, backpacks, books and art kits.

The gifts children receive may not be as lavish as what I was fortunate to find waiting for me on Christmas morning, but they are just as excited about what they receive – and far more grateful.

On those special days when we host gift distributions, sponsored children are the center of attention – and unlike so many other days filled with poverty and hardship – everything seems right with the world.

Posted on behalf of Damon Guinn

On the Third Day of Christmas, Children International gave to me...

2008-12-05T07:30:00.001-05:00

Three sponsor visits (and maybe more)

I can recall more than once hearing my mother’s tired words during the holidays.

Worn from working six days a week, taking care of three boys and making sure my dad rose every morning at four so he could make it to work on time, she’d slump down in a rickety kitchen chair at the end of a long day and caution us about our Christmas expectations.

By then the cat was out of the bag on Mr. Claus so she’d shoot it to us straight. “It’s been a tough year,” she’d start. “Your father and I want you boys to have a wonderful Christmas but we don’t have a lot of money. There just won’t be many gifts under the tree this year.”

The thing is, I don’t recall ever being disappointed. There were always gifts to enjoy but, more importantly, I was thrilled to have special visitors whom we would see only during the holidays. People like my uncle Richard, who always had a tan, drove a big shiny car and laughed so loudly the windows would rattle. Or my cousin Lori, who sounded like an alien with her sweet Georgia drawl and East Coast staccato mixed together.

What they brought to our rural Missouri lives was a view of the world we never got to experience, which made the holidays all the more wonderful.

Of course, that’s also what a visit from you brings to your sponsored child. Not only do they get to meet a special friend they cherish, they get a glimpse of the world outside the walls of poverty that surround them. And it truly doesn’t matter what time of year it is. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that with you there, it’ll feel like Christmas whether it’s December or July.

So, in honor of the holiday, and all those people (you!), who bring joy, support and a different view of the world to sponsored kids all year long, I hope you’ll share with us your own thoughts on a visit you paid to your child.

Since this is the third day of Christmas, we’re shooting for three. But we’d be overjoyed to have many, many more.

Posted on behalf of Scott Cotter.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

2008-12-03T07:15:00.000-05:00

Two Leather Shoes

I love shoes, and I have a closet full of them to prove it. I bet if I really wanted to I could wear a different pair each day for a month. Winter boots, tennis shoes, leather Mary Jane heels, pointy-toed stilettos, Grecian-style sandals. My choices are endless.

Sponsored children love shoes too. But they usually only have a pair or two. And if it weren’t for their sponsors and Children International, they might not own any at all.

When we drive through impoverished neighborhoods, we often spot children running around barefoot, exposed to the rocky, dirt terrain of their neighborhoods. When you think about the fact that it’s not unusual to find raw sewage in these areas, it’s enough to make you cringe. It’s easy to understand how children can pick up parasites, which can lead to a host of health problems.

Then we visit Children International’s community centers and watch children being fitted for new shoes – a gift for their birthday, Christmas or Easter. These shoes are often sturdy leather footwear or athletic shoes that can be worn for school activities or at home. They are designed to stand up against wear and tear and offer their feet vital protection.

Luz Fandiño from Barranquilla, Colombia tries on her new shoes.

I’m the first to admit that I take basic necessities like shoes for granted. But since I started sponsoring a child a few years ago, I’ve learned to appreciate everything I have, including my dozens of shoes.

Each morning as I select my pair of shoes for the day, I think of my sponsored child and am grateful he has shoes from Children International. Sponsorship benefits give him – and all the other children in our program – a foot up in the fight against poverty.

Posted on behalf of Erin Anderson.

On the first day of Christmas, Children International gave to me…

2008-12-01T07:28:00.001-05:00

A Sponsor Who Really Cares for Me

Like you, I remember being a child at Christmastime…the excitement and anticipation that would start to build after Thanksgiving until it reached a crescendo on Christmas Eve and I would toss and fidget most of the night. (I even remember trying to stay up all night to “catch” Santa, but I never did succeed!)

For the poor children we help, becoming sponsored is a lot like those childhood Christmas mornings.

It’s not uncommon for children (or their mothers) to weep with joy when told they have officially become a part of the Children International family. For the child, it can be one of the most thrilling moments of his or her young life.

They know what it means to become sponsored because they usually have friends or even siblings who’ve been in the program for years. And they have watched as others received new clothes and gifts on holidays and other special occasions. They have seen others who are able to visit a dentist when their tooth hurts…a doctor when they are ill.

And often, they have seen other children happily pouring out of the community center; clutching letters from someone they haven’t met…someone who makes all these benefits possible.

When children learn that they have been enrolled in the sponsorship program and that they have a sponsor – a real-life Santa – they are filled with hope and joy.

They know there is someone else in the world that cares for them.

Posted on behalf of Deron Denton. Please be sure to watch for an upcoming article Deron wrote for the next issue of Journeys, arriving in mailboxes around Christmastime, titled, “A Year of Firsts.” It’s about a boy named John Darren, recounting his first year of sponsorship.

John Darren’s mother, Eden, wept with joy when she learned of her boy’s sponsorship.

What Matters Most

2008-11-28T07:30:00.004-05:00

Posted on behalf of Gretchen Dellett, writer for Children International.

The day was uncomfortably hot and my eyeballs felt like they were coated in dust. I wiped the sweat from my forehead and wondered, “What have I gotten myself into?”

It was 1993. Employed at Children International for barely two months, I was trekking down a smelly, trash-strewn path in Cartagena, Colombia, on my way to conduct my very first interview on behalf of the organization. I was terrified. Suddenly my former job as an insurance copywriter didn’t sound so bad.

I was ushered into a tiny shack with a dirt floor. The air was thick with humidity. Bugs crawled on the makeshift walls. I perched on a cracked plastic chair as I got to know Marlene, a mother of three who had learned to read and write with the help of the program. She had also learned to make handicrafts, which she sold to supplement the family’s income. The more I learned, the more I was humbled by Marlene’s gentle spirit and the way, despite her horrible circumstances, she still had hope for her children’s future.

As I turned to leave, she took one of her handicraft pictures off the wall and thrust it toward me, an eager smile on her face. “Oh no, I couldn’t,” I told her through the translator, knowing she could sell the item.

“I want you to have it,” Marlene replied. “Today is my 29th birthday, and because you were here, it was the best day of my entire life.”

Wow. I didn’t understand how I could make such an impact on someone’s life by my mere presence. But upon reflection, I realized that by simply being there and listening to her story, I made Marlene feel – perhaps for the first time in her life – like she mattered.

That’s exactly what sponsorship is all about. One person…making an impact…letting someone know that they matter. What more can we ask for as human beings?

Now here I am, 15 years later, and still dedicated to my work at Children International. I’ve been many places and met many memorable people since that first trip to Colombia – but I’ve never forgotten Marlene. To me, she’ll always represent the spirit of the sponsorship program. And yes, I still have that picture she took off her wall to give to me.

Sponsors Give Thanks

2008-11-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

At Children International we love to hear from grateful sponsored children and youth about how sponsorship is helping to create positive change their lives. We also recognize that sponsorship is an experience that offers so much to the sponsor as well. In honor of Thanksgiving in the United States, I asked some of our sponsors around the world to help me express the joys of sponsorship by completing the sentences below. Their answers are heartfelt and personal and make me feel even more thankful for the work that I do. It’s wonderful to help needy children, but it is also great to have something in common with great people like our sponsors.

I am thankful for sponsorship because...

-it gives me the chance to love and care for children, even though I don't have children of my own. – Efrain

-it completely changed my life and the way I look at it. Sponsorship made me a better person. - Susana

-it has given me a chance to help someone who needs it (there is no way I could stretch a dollar as far as CI can!) and has taught me to appreciate what I have instead of crying about what I don't. I am thankful for sponsorship because it has given me a chance to show unconditional love for my girls and show them that someone does care in this oftentimes harsh world. - Katie

-it has brought peace into my heart. – Stephanie

-[it makes] me realize how we worry about insignificant things, when there are so many that can benefit from our help. – Guasponsor

I am thankful for my sponsored child/children because...

-they keep me humble, and thankful for all the benefits and opportunities I am so lucky to have in my life! – Amalia

-they remind me how fortunate I am to live a life free from poverty. By giving some of
what I've earned to those in need, they give back with their kind thoughts and warm wishes. Their gratitude is more valuable than the few dollars I send their way. It's a win-win relationship! – Steve

-they continually help me to put my own life into perspective. – Dana

To see more of these great responses or to contribute your own, please visit our Children International Google Groups page. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Children International!

Thanksgiving Grins

2008-11-24T07:28:00.001-05:00

David Nebel brings us yet another cartoon - this time from the point of view of a Thanksgiving turkey.

Talk About Changing Lives...

2008-11-21T08:41:00.000-05:00

I wish I could see his face.

When René hears what’s getting ready to happen, there’s no telling how he and his family will react.

A couple of days ago, Sarah posted about the tragic loss of René’s dad, and how the family has struggled since they lost him. What is just amazing is what has happened in these two short days.

Less than an hour after Sarah posted his story, René had a sponsor! But the story doesn’t end there. Several of you began to contact us, asking how you could help. Within a few hours enough had been donated to pay off the family’s property – a debt they really had no hope of catching up with because of the interest.

Others donated as well. I’m excited to report that we are only about $200 away from being able to place René and his family in a new house with a concrete floor!

We’re not talking anything fancy – it will be a simple structure with tin walls and roof…but if you saw the photo of what they’re living in now, you’ll understand that anything is a drastic improvement for them!

So a great big thanks to all of you for your generosity. And if you’d like to help us reach our goal of $200 dollars more, any amount you can contribute will be greatly appreciated. Just drop us a note at blog@children.org and we’ll put you in touch with someone who can help you with your donation.

And of course we’ll be posting some photos of René and his family when they get the news!

Update on René

2008-11-19T13:43:00.001-05:00

Thanks to our great readers, we are excited to report that René now has a sponsor! We’ve also received several donations that are sure to be well-received. However, the family still needs a lot of help. If you would like to help René and his family through this difficult time in their lives, our field staff in Guatemala has suggested some items that the family needs:

Clothing and groceries for the entire family: $300
A gas stove, cabinet for clothing, table and chairs: $300
Tin walls, a new roof and concrete flooring: $500

We know times are tough and any small amount you can donate will add up to huge relief for this family. Your help is sincerely appreciated.

Please email us at blog@children.org or call 1-800-888-3089 to donate.

René needs a hug

2008-11-19T07:39:00.003-05:00

Lea la versión en español abajo.

A couple of weeks ago Javier Cárcamo, our Communications Coordinator in Rural Guatemala, visited a family that left a lasting impression on his heart. This is the sad story that he shared with us in hopes of making a difference.

René Corvera is a seven-year-old boy whose childhood was following its normal course in a humble home made of wood and laminate sheets in rural Guatemala. He was surrounded by his siblings and under the care of his parents, Doña Emiliana and Don Manuel, a hard-working man who earned a living buying and selling scrap metal.

This tough work consisted of going from house to house asking for old tin, batteries, cans or containers to sell by the pound at the recycling plants, an exhausting job at which he could make around $5.00 a day.

Sometimes his work meant making long journeys to other areas. When he had to travel, their father would lovingly leave what food that he could, money for unforeseen expenses, and kind goodbyes for his children and wife. Distance was no obstacle for Don Manuel, who constantly called his wife on a neighbor’s phone to tell her that he was fine and to send his best wishes to his children, especially to René, the child he was closest to. René would run to the neighbor’s house to just hear his father’s voice on the phone.

An irresistible opportunity to get a better price for the scrap metal he had accumulated motivated Don Manuel to leave one morning before dawn. He packed a hat and his favorite shirt, and before leaving his house, he hugged and kissed his children, except for René, who was fast asleep. It was perhaps four a.m., and the sun had not yet begun to light up the corn stalks they lived among. Don Manuel set off with an unknown course as his tired figure disappeared into the cornfields on the horizon.

The first day came and went, and there was no call. The children waited in vain for a message from the neighbor.

By the second day, Doña Emiliana was tormented with worry. René was sad because his brothers and sister thought that their father had abandoned them.

The third day destiny had its sights on René. Somehow the day’s newspaper found its way into René’s little hands. Not knowing how to read, and curious about the pictures, he began looking through the paper, page by page until a picture of a piece of clothing caught his eye. In his innocence, René was filled with happiness and he went running to find his mother excitedly shouting “My daddy! My daddy!” but when Doña Emilia saw the photo, she collapsed in an attack of nerves. There was Don Manuel on the page of the newspaper with a headline that read “Man Found Dead.”

Doña Emiliana’s painful cry was all the explanation that René received, and he took off running into the cornfield crying and screaming “Daddy! Daddy!” René’s sister ran after him until she caught up with him by the side of the road. René was suffering from a torrent of sadness.

How can I explain in words the sad cry of a child when it only comes out as a painful moan? René wasn’t able to tell me much. His smiling face changes when he talks about his father. “I loved him so much,” he tells me and he bursts into tears that he dries with his dirty sleeves.

Things have become very difficult for this family since that day. Three months have passed. Doña Emiliana’s work as a tortilla maker doesn’t bring in enough money to support their precarious home. They only owed just a little more to have the land that they live on paid off; slightly more than $100 which they still haven’t been able to scrape together as the interest on the loan keeps building.

Sadness, uncertainty, hunger and grief are destroying the family. The two sponsored children dropped out of school. The house is falling down, and the money that they make from selling their hens isn’t enough to pay for water or to put food on the table.

My eyes are about to spill over with tears as Doña Emiliana tells me her story and I look at that house. The heartfelt cry of the little boy is tearing at my head. As I put myself in René’s place, I feel undecipherable pain. The pain of losing the one you love the most, without having had the chance to say goodbye...And tomorrow? What will become of this little boy tomorrow? When I asked little René what he wished for the most, sobbing, he told me, “I want my daddy to come and give me a hug, like I dreamed last night.”

Rene needs a hug and the love of a caring sponsor. Javier tells us that the youth group and local university have been providing a few supplies and items of clothing when possible, but the family’s situation is extremely bleak. If you cannot commit to sponsorship, even a small donation could make such a difference in his life. Thank you for reading Rene’s story.

Email us at blog@children.org or call 1-800-888-3089 to contribute.
********************************************************************************** René necesita un abrazo

Hace un par de semanas Javier Cárcamo, nuestro coordinador de comunicaciones en Guatemala rural, visitó a una familia que dejó una impresión duradera en su corazón. Ésta es la triste historia que compartió con nosotros con la esperanza de hacer una diferencia.

René Corvera es un niño de 7 años cuya infancia transcurría normal, en una humilde vivienda de madera y lámina, rodeado de sus hermanos y al cuidado de sus padres, Doña Emiliana y Don Manuel, un hombre muy trabajador que se dedicaba a la compra y venta de chatarra.

Ese duro trabajo consistía en caminar de casa en casa pidiendo restos de hojalata, baterías, láminas, latas o botes, para luego venderlo por libra en las plantas recicladoras, agotadora labor con la podía reunir unos $5.00 diarios.

Esta labor implicaba en ocasiones realizar largos viajes a otros departamentos, ocasiones en las que el padre amorosamente dejaba los alimentos que podía, dinero para imprevistos y afectuosos gestos para sus hijos y esposa. La distancia no era obstáculo para que don Manuel llamara constantemente a su esposa, al teléfono de un vecino, avisando que se encontraba bien y enviando saludos para los niños, en especial para René, el más cercano de sus hijos, quien corría a la casa del vecino para escuchar la voz de su padre.

La irresistible oportunidad de obtener un mejor precio por la chatarra acumulada, motivó a don Manuel a salir una mañana de madrugada. Empacó una gorra y su camisa preferida, y sin más que dejar en su casa, dejó un beso y un abrazo para cada niño, menos para René, quien dormía profundamente. Eran quizá las 4 de la mañana, y el sol aún no alumbraba los sembradíos de maíz entre los que viven. Don Manuel partió con rumbo desconocido, hasta que su figura cansada se confundió con las milpas del horizonte.

Pasó el primer día y no hubo llamada. Los niños esperaron en vano un aviso del vecino. El segundo día, y ya la angustia atormentaba a doña Emiliana. René estaba triste porque sus hermanos pensaban que su padre los había abandonado.

Al tercer día, el destino quiso marcar la vida de René. De alguna forma llegó a sus manos el periódico del día. Sin saber leer, y curioso por las ilustraciones empezó a pasar hoja por hoja hasta que una vestimenta conocida lo detuvo. En su inocencia, René se llenó de alegría y fue corriendo en busca de su madre gritando –Mi papá, mi papá, pero cuando doña Emiliana vio la foto un ataque de nervios la desplomó. En la hoja del periódico estaba Don Manuel y el titular de la noticia era “Hombre aparece muerto”.

El amargo llanto de doña Emiliana fue toda la explicación que recibió René, quien salió corriendo entre la milpa llorando y gritando –¡papá!, ¡papá! La hermana mayor de René corrió tras él hasta alcanzarlo a orilla de la carretera. René estaba sufriendo una tomentosa tristeza.

¿Cómo puedo explicar con palabras el triste llanto de un niño, cuando es un doloroso quejido? René no alcanza a decirme mucho. Su sonriente carita cambia cuando habla de su papá. –Yo lo quería mucho, me dice y estallan en llanto que seca con sus bracitos sucios.

La situación se ha tornado muy difícil para esta familia desde ese suceso, del cual han pasado ya dos meses. El trabajo como tortillera que realiza doña Emiliana, no genera los suficientes ingresos para sostener su precaria vivienda. Una cuota apenas hacía falta para terminar de pagar el terreno en el que vivían. Una cuota de poco más de $100 que aún no ha logrado reunir y cuyos intereses siguen creciendo.

La tristeza, la incertidumbre, el hambre y el desconsuelo están destruyendo esta familia, los dos hermanos apadrinados dejaron de ir a la escuela; la casa se está cayendo también, y la venta de sus gallinas no es suficiente para pagar el agua ni para dejar alimentos en la mesa.

Yo, tengo los ojos a punto de explotar mientras doña Emiliana me cuenta su historia y veo esa casa. El sentimental llanto del niño me está desgarrando la cabeza porque al ponerme en el lugar de René siento su indescifrable dolor. El dolor de perder a su ser más querido sin haberle dicho adiós ¿Y mañana? ¿Qué será de este niño mañana? Cuando le pregunté qué es lo que más quisiera, y me dijo sollozante: -Que venga mi papá a darme mi abrazo, como lo soñé ayer...

Operation YPENCIL

2008-11-17T07:29:00.000-05:00

Posted on behalf of Joel Abelinde, Communications Coordinator in Children International's Manila, Philippines agency.

Ever thought of children helping other children to communicate better with their sponsors? This is what YPENCIL (Young People Enhancing Children to Improve their Letters), a group of youth volunteers, is doing.

Junalyn Ban-eg, a Field Officer in Manila, Philippines noticed that while many children write very good letters to their sponsors, some children still have difficulty. She thought that the older sponsored children who write well could help others to improve their writing skills.

Wasting no time to set her idea into motion, Junalyn found three youths from each area with a knack for writing. She conducted a training on letter writing, highlighting ideas for what children may write about in their letters, the format of the letter and what kinds of paper to use, among other things. “They were very willing to learn and to assist other children,” Junalyn noted. “We encourage children to write about themselves more to their sponsors,” she added.

“The initiative has had some noticeable results,” Junalyn observes. “There was a noticeable improvement in content and neatness in the letters younger children write. They are also able to share more personal information about themselves. Because there is not much difference in age, the younger children are more comfortable in their company,” Junalyn happily states. The initiative also helped Junalyn to achieve her goal of getting 100% of the children who were due to write letters to complete them each month.

Sponsored youth, Cheryl Ann Barcelon studies hotel and restaurant management at a nearby college. She is among the 19 members of the group. Two days a week, she comes to the field office to help younger children write to their sponsors. “I initially thought that it is difficult to help children write their letters. I am very happy that I am a part of this group. I am happy helping children write to their sponsors. I am also learning and improving my English,” she said.

Seizing the Moment: Meet Jacob Randol

2008-11-14T08:41:00.004-05:00

Jacob Randol is the epitome of carpe diem.

As Children International’s audiovisual technician, Jacob spends his time seizing the moment…and sharing it with thousands of sponsors.

Jacob joined CI over nine years ago; since then, he’s produced between two and three hundred videos. If you’ve ever visited our homepage, www.children.org, and watched a video in our feature window or browsed the videos in our archive, you’ve seen Jacob’s handiwork.

Jacob is one b-a-a-a-a-a-d dude with a video camera!

Like the rest of us who work here, Jacob feels Children International is no ordinary job. As he commented to me just yesterday, “Seriously…the atmosphere is wonderful here. The people, they’re great! CI is just an awesome place to work.”

Although Jacob is right – CI is a fun place to work – his travels have also taken him to places where the grim realities of life are starkly evident. He’s visited Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic…but it was a community in the latter called La Mosca (“The Fly”) that made the greatest impact on him.

“It’s actually a garbage dump in the Dominican Republic. Talk about a horrible place….And people really work there (or should I say scrounge) to make a living. I had watched video from other trips, but even that didn’t prepare me for the smells and slop we’d have to walk through. Visiting this place really made me appreciative of what I have,” reflects Jacob. (Check out the video Jacob shot by visiting our video archive and selecting Life in the Dump.)

By helping bring to life the stories of the children and families we help around the world, Jacob plays a vital role in helping raise awareness and encourage people to get involved.

“Our writers do a great job of writing the scripts and I really enjoy putting the visuals to their thoughts,” shares Jacob. “I hope our viewers enjoy watching them. Write and let me know what you think of our videos. You might even give us a suggestion of a video or two that you would like to see. I can’t guarantee it will be produced, but your ideas would be great.”

Have some ideas for Jacob? Send them to blog@children.org.

An Unconditional Friendship

2008-11-12T07:38:00.001-05:00

If you’re a pet lover like I am, then you know that pets just make life a little nicer. It’s a shared human experience to care for other animals, and whether you live in a large comfortable home or one made out of discarded materials like many of the families we help, pets offer loyal companionship that can’t be bought. A stray dog or cat, a fish or even a turtle can be the perfect thing to bring a little bit of happiness to a poor child; a friend and playmate who loves them for who they are, regardless of the poverty they live in. Their situation doesn’t diminish their ability to love and care for a pet in the least. Just take a look at these children and the pets they adore.

Fausto in Quito, Ecuador carries his puppies everywhere.

Antony, Juan and Julieth in Barranquilla, Colombia play with turtles in their neighborhood.

Brothers Vincent and Charlie show off boy’s best friend in Tabaco, Philippines.

Wilmer in Rural Guatemala takes great care of his cat - even if the cat will never admit it. (Wilmer is also waiting for a sponsor to care for him. Hint. Hint.)

A big thanks to our Communications Coordinators for capturing these playful moments. Photos from top to bottom by Andrés Barreno, Patricia Calderón, Sarah Jane Velasco and Javier Cárcamo.

A Salute to Our Veterans

2008-11-11T09:10:00.017-05:00

Images courtesy of Wikipedia.

Meet Karla, from Legazpi, Philippines

2008-11-07T09:25:00.001-05:00

Karla, 8, had these thoughts to share:

About her dreams…
“I dream to be a successful teacher in the future because I want to teach kids in school. I have a great interest in sharing my knowledge to others.”

About being sponsored…
“My friends think that I am a lucky girl to be a sponsored child of Children International because it helps thousands of families in poor communities. My sponsored friends like receiving gifts on special days like Birthday and Christmas.”

About the benefits of sponsorship…
“I love so much going to the center for a regular medical check up. I also enjoy writing a letter to my sponsor. My favorite gift is my pair of shoes.”

About the Children International community center…
“I love to walk around in the community center because it’s very beautiful and so spacious. I just love the good environment and I feel safe visiting to the center.”

About her sponsor…
“You are a blessing to our family and I will cherish forever the many good things that you have shared with us. I just want you to know that I’m doing well in school and that’s because of you.”

Photos and reporting assistance by Anthony Lorcha, from our agency in Legazpi, Philippines.

Meet Yet Another Blogger...

2008-11-05T07:43:00.000-05:00

The tension at the intersection was palpable. All traffic had come to a halt in the sweltering heat of early November summer as stern-faced policemen prepared the way for the president and his motorcade to pass.

The year was 1970, the location was Lima, Peru, and urgency seemed to emanate from a gold-colored International Harvester Travelall station wagon that sat marooned in the traffic jam. Inside the car sat an American couple, and the tension seemed to elevate with each gasp from the woman…who was in the advanced stages of labor.

It’s a good thing the Americans were missionaries, because the situation certainly called for someone who knew how to pray. And pray they did…until finally the motorcade was gone, the road opened up, and they set new speed records to the Anglo-American Clinic in the San Isidro neighborhood of the city. The American lady was rushed to the delivery room, where moments later I arrived on the scene – blissfully unaware of the drama I had helped cause.

That was 38 years ago today. Since that time, I’ve lived in Peru, Costa Rica, the United States, Brazil and the United States all over again. Having grown up as the son of missionaries and later served as a missionary myself, I feel a real connection to people in developing countries who struggle daily against overwhelming poverty. After all, they were my playmates when I was growing up.

Today I’m blessed with four healthy children (two teenagers, a “tween” and a right handsome young man who just turned 9). I’m constantly reminded of just how privileged we are to live in a comfortable home where our worst weather-related fear is whether or not the cars will get dings from the hail traditionally dropped by our famous Midwest storms – so unlike the fear that grips poor families’ hearts when it rains…a fear born from the knowledge that, when the rains are over, their houses and belongings may not be there any more.

I’ve worked for Children International for the past five years. What we do with the help of our sponsors is truly incredible. In an era when few employees stay with a company more than five years, I’m looking forward to many more fruitful years of working with CI – and with you – as we continue to bring real change to people’s lives around the world.

Helping families can sometimes lead you to be in unusual places at unusual times. This photo was taken while visiting a sponsored family in Santiago, Dominican Republic, during Tropical Storm Noel. The hillside was steep and the rain had turned the ground to slick, soupy mud. One misstep and I would have had a long, fast trip down the hill!

Building Health through Proper Nutrition

2008-11-03T06:02:00.001-05:00

Posted on Behalf of Kathryn Osborn

While the classic picture of a bony, too-thin child or adult comes to mind when many think of malnutrition, the condition actually has three very different faces: those of the under-nourished, the over-nourished, and the micronutrient deficient.

Under-nutrition, affecting 25% of children world-wide under the age of 5, is related to under consumption of adequate calories. Conversely, over-nutrition is often related to over consumption of daily calories, which can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer. Today, 155 million school age children around the world are severely overweight.

The third and final “face” of malnutrition is that of the micronutrient deficient – a condition related to inadequate intake (or absorption) of the right vitamins and minerals needed by the body’s organs to work properly. Such deficiencies are the cause of goiter, scurvy, and some forms of blindness.

Frequently, under-nutrition stems from a lack of money to purchase food of adequate quantity or quality, frequent illnesses (especially HIV and TB) and poor nutritional practices (menu planning).

Poor nutrition of any type is the catalyst for many different health problems. It reduces an individual’s ability to fight diseases and support proper organ function. Unfortunately, each of these also further reduces the ability to absorb essential nutrients – leading to poor nutritional status.

Children International focuses primarily on the issue of under-nutrition within our population. Our agencies address short- and long-term needs of families through 1) supplementary feeding of undernourished children, helping them to gain adequate weight and 2) nutrition education for parents of sponsored children, sharing local recipes which are low cost and highly nutritious.

Kathy Osborn is a Health Officer who works in nutrition and health programs for Children International. She holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from George Washington University, with a concentration in global health, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Marine Science from the University of Miami. Prior to joining Children International, Kathy worked in major sustainable livelihood, nutrition, health and education initiatives in Uganda and in Washington, D.C.

The Hoarse Drum

2008-10-31T09:16:00.002-05:00

This is the fourth and final legend from the field in our series of Halloween stories. Andrés Barreno, Communications Coordinator brings us a tale from Quito, Ecuador.

In the dark of night the drum produces a hoarse, distant sound, usually accompanied by the melancholic sound of a small flute. It announces the beginning and the end of the procession of doomed souls and demons who travel south through small Andean towns to the highlands of Ecuador. Two ghosts dressed in red play the drum as a coffin and packs of howling dogs follow.

Sounds of the drum can be heard from far away, warning those who wander the night to beware and return to their homes as quickly as possible. If they fail to heed the warning, they could be taken by the souls of those who have risen from their graves. Some people even say that the devil himself plays the hoarse drum...

Let this be a warning to all those sponsors who wish to visit their sponsored children in Ecuador. Enjoy your time with your child in the daylight, but when darkness falls and the faint sound of drumming can be heard in the distance, make haste back to your hotel room and lock the door behind you. The hoarse drum is calling, and the doomed souls have come out to play.

Have a safe and happy Halloween from all of us at Children International!

The picture (courtesy of Nicolás Herrera at nicolasherrera.com) depicts the funeral procession of the hoarse drum.

An Unexpected Visitor

2008-10-30T10:05:00.006-05:00

You may know by now that in preparation for Halloween, we asked all of our Communications Coordinators to send us scary tales from their countries. Our Communications Coordinator in Quezon City, Philippines, Margaret Tadeja-Cruz didn’t have a story to share, but she did send us two very interesting photos.

Margaret tells us that a couple of months ago she went to one of Children International's community centers in Quezon City to take photos of Rovelyn, a young sponsored girl who dances. It was about 7 o’clock at night and there was no one around except the guard and two other people who were sitting down outside. The community center was closed, and the children you see inside the community center in the second picture are actually statues. She began snapping pictures of Rovelyn standing in front of the door of the center, and she ended up capturing something she cannot explain...

Who’s the girl standing behind Rovelyn in the first picture? (Click the photos to enlarge.) Was it just someone walking by that Margaret didn’t notice or is the community center haunted? You be the judge.

The Veiled Lady

2008-10-29T07:34:00.002-05:00

A legend submitted by Communications Coordinator, Patricia Huerta.

Circa 1700, Guayaquil, Ecuador: She is never seen before midnight. Where did she come from? Nobody knows, but any man wandering around at night is sure to see her walking just six feet ahead of him, close, but unattainable. Although her face is always wrapped in a veil or shawl, anyone can tell she is beautiful, and as she walks, the soft scent of flowers follows.

Every Casanova, old or young, feels irresistibly attracted to her and inspired to tell her some flattering words. Yet she walks ahead, as he follows her footsteps… walking and walking, she never changes her pace, walking in a steady rhythm. No matter how fast he walks, he can never reach her. Under the influence of her charm, he pursues her. Expertly traversing alleyways and crossing streets, the starched fabric of her skirt swooshes in the darkness. She invites him to follow her by simply nodding her lovely head.

A vision only for her pursuer, no one else sees her. He follows her, hypnotized, not knowing where they are going. Then suddenly, the veiled lady stops, and with military precision, she turns around and uncovers her face. The beautiful face with its porcelain complexion and sparkling eyes stare back at the man. But in an instant the magnificent features melt into a cadaverous skull and her flowery perfume is replaced with the smell of decay. “Now that you can see what I am, follow me if you will,” she tells him.

She quickly turns around and vanishes into an old abandoned house. Paralyzed and trembling, her pursuer stands in the darkness, terrified and confused.

Legend has it that this lost soul was once a beautiful woman who gave into the sins of the flesh. In her death she walks the streets at night searching for an eligible suitor.

Portrait by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, courtesy of ibiblio.com.

More Scary Legends from the Field

2008-10-27T08:55:00.002-05:00

In honor of Halloween, we’ve asked our Communications Coordinators to send us spooky legends from their countries that have been scaring generation after generation. Javier Cárcamo, Communications Coordinator in Rural Guatemala, brings you the first in a series of frightening and mysterious tales:

Manuelita

Hundreds of years ago in colonial times, a beautiful woman came to the quiet streets of Antigua Guatemala. Her long black hair and big eyes caught the attention of all the neighbors, but nobody knew her or why she was living alone in that old house.

Shortly thereafter she introduced herself as Manuelita, and her reputation as a witch and healer grew. Her remedies were very effective and the people would see her gathering herbs and colored candles to carry out her rituals.

Despite her success as a healer, one of her clients went to the Governor and accused her of witchcraft and casting curses. Because of this accusation, she was put on trial in the Court of the Holy Inquisition, and sentenced to burn alive in the town’s central square. She was taken to the jail as she waited for her punishment, but as Christmas was nearing, her execution was postponed until the first week of January.

Despite her imprisonment the beautiful woman did not show any signs of anxiety, and on the night of December 24, Manuelita humbly begged the prison guard for one last favor. She asked for a piece of coal. Touched by the sadness in the woman’s eyes, the prison guard could not refuse her request, and he handed her a small lump of coal.

As legend goes, Manuelita took the coal and, murmuring secret conjurations, she drew a ship on the wall. Mysteriously, she boarded the ship and sailed between the bars of her cell, leaving nothing behind except the drawing of the ship on the wall...

Hope for Wilmer

2008-10-24T07:27:00.002-04:00

You may remember reading about Wilmer in the blog post “Sixteen to Life.” While his mother was in jail, Wilmer was forced to quit school and struggled to take care of his younger sisters.

I remember interviewing this family in Honduras. In a small, resigned voice Wilmer told us about the days they went hungry and how alone they felt while their mother was away. As the interview came to an end, I urged Wilmer to go to the Children International community center just five minutes away from his home and enroll for sponsorship. He took that to mean that his sisters could be sponsored. When I explained that he could be sponsored too and might have the possibility of returning to school, his sad eyes lit up a little. But then he said something that broke my heart. “I’ll have to ask my mother.” I knew what those words meant. My eyes welled with tears and I had to excuse myself for a moment. I was losing hope for him or his sisters ever enjoying the benefits of sponsorship that could ease some of their hardships. We thanked them for their time, and I slowly walked away from their home feeling sad and defeated.

I still think about Wilmer and his sisters. A story like theirs is not easily forgotten. I looked up his record the other day just to see if he’d taken that one crucial step, and there it was, staring at me on the computer screen. At the urging of our field staff, Wilmer finally made his way to the community center and enrolled himself for sponsorship.

It may have taken Wilmer a while to go to the community center and enroll, but it didn’t take long for Wilmer and his little sisters to find sponsors. In fact, when I told our new writer, Garrett Kenyon, about Wilmer's story, he immediately decided to make Wilmer his very first sponsored child. I’m sure things will still be difficult for Wilmer and his siblings, but knowing that they are sponsored renews my hope that their lives might just be a little bit better.

Second Chances

2008-10-22T07:30:00.002-04:00

Posted on behalf of Vong Hamilton, proofreader for Children International.

I don’t remember much of anything of that time or place as I was only 3. However, one scene stays in my mind and I recall it often – not sure if it is a real memory or a byproduct of storytelling.

But I am leaving a village through a thick cloud of dust…I drag along behind my parents and brothers as part of a large migration out of a refugee camp. Lining the road are grass huts with people everywhere; some clothed, others naked – exiled by the Vietnam War.

Despite the excitement of those hustling to leave, melancholy saturates the air and settles heavily on the shoulders of those left behind. I look back and see an elderly man sitting on the ground with a haunting look on his face, sadness and hopelessness emanating from the black beads of his eyes. And I suddenly feel overwhelmed with sorrow because I know his life will probably end in the loneliness of the camp...his joy taken from him to accept, in his last days, grief that only a refugee can experience.

And I think about where I am today and how fortunate I am for my parents’ love, sacrifice and courage. Not yet 30 with four kids (and my mother pregnant!), they were stripped of the only home they’d known and ushered into a foreign land with a different culture and a mammoth language barrier.

But they lived one day at a time, looking to the future, yet also honoring the past, and slowly acquired new dreams. They were lucky enough to get a second chance. And today, it is because of that second chance, for which I am appreciative every day, that I could give something back to the world by playing a part, albeit minor, in bringing someone else hope.

The children and their families from our sponsorship program epitomize the strength, determination and hopefulness exhibited by my parents and other survivors (from any war in history) who try to make each day count.

I believe in the work of Children International and the hope it brings to the children and families around the world who didn’t choose to live a life of poverty but are all holding out for that second chance. And with the continuous help of our devoted supporters, we all can contribute to helping give someone a second chance at life.

Blog Action Day: The Results

2008-10-20T08:25:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in Blog Action Day whether by simply viewing our blog and slideshow, sharing our message with friends or sponsoring a child. Five fortunate special needs children found sponsors, and with the support of their sponsors, these children will receive the care they need.

Kelly and I would like to extend a special thanks to Cathy, Brandye, Heather and Alice who generously requested to sponsor a special needs child. Your sponsorship and kindness will help to make a difference in their lives.

GET ’EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT!!!

2008-10-16T10:00:00.001-04:00

All right…listen up, everybody!!! :)

We still need to find sponsors for 13 of the special needs kids featured in our slideshow, “Don’t Look Away.”

And once we find sponsors for all of them, there are still several thousand other special needs children we can help.

SO…………

We’ve decided to extend Blog Action Day. And, we’ve also decided to up the stakes a bit!

Anyone who sponsors a special needs child through Children International between now and the end-of-day on Friday (tomorrow), October 17, will receive a FREE Children International t-shirt! Sponsor several special needs children, get one t-shirt for each one you sponsor!

To qualify, you must email us at blog@children.org once the new sponsorship has been set up. Let us know you’ve sponsored, and be sure and include your t-shirt size. We’ll take it from there.

Since a number of people may call about the same child, we can’t guarantee the availability of any particular child until you call. So don’t wait – call 1-800-888-3089 now!

Ready…set…GO!!!!!!!!!

Blog Action Day: October 15!

2008-10-14T16:22:00.000-04:00

[Lea este artículo en español]

Thank you for joining Children International for Blog Action Day! On this day, thousands of bloggers around the world are coming together to take action against poverty. Please read CI writer Garrett Kenyon's urgent message below...and then take action.

Write this number down: 1-800-888-3089.

Now, Picture This...

AIDS, epilepsy, sickle-cell, Down syndrome: these are just a few of the afflictions that haunt the slums and villages where Children International works. As a newcomer to CI, it’s nearly impossible for me to fully comprehend what it means to live in abject poverty. Without experiencing it firsthand, I’ll never truly know what it’s like to struggle for my life every single day. But in order to help these children, it’s necessary first to understand the obstacles that stand in their way.

It’s not easy. Close your eyes and try to imagine what it’s like for a child with a debilitating disease to live in devastating poverty. To exist in the middle of a desperate struggle for survival in which you cannot participate. Seeing your family members (if you’re lucky) forgo their own needs to fulfill yours. That’s the reality thousands of kids face every morning when they open their eyes. For them, there is no escape, no choice in the matter.

Fortunately, we do have a choice. We can come together to right this wrong.

Click here to view our featured slideshow.

Join the Fight

Here are two ways we can take action today:

1. Make a donation – donations help pay for doctor’s visits, medicine, emergency food and other provisions these kids urgently need.

2. Sponsor a child – become a hero to one of these children by sponsoring them for just $22 a month.

Call 1-800-888-3089 now to let us know how you would like to help. Be sure to mention Blog Action Day to the Sponsor Services representative who assists you; and if you'd like to sponsor one of the children featured in the slideshow, please mention this as well.

Whether you decide to make a one-time donation or sponsor one of these special needs children, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. Our Sponsor Services staff is standing by to take your call!

If you are calling from outside the U.S., please call 816-942-2000.

¡El 15 de octubre es el Día de Acción Contra la Pobreza -- El Día de Acción Blog 2008!

2008-10-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

[See this post in English]

¡Gracias por unirse a Children International para el Día de Acción Blog! En este día, miles de blogueros alrededor del mundo se unen para tomar acción contra la pobreza. Por favor lea el mensaje urgente de abajo, de parte del escritor Garrett Kenyon, de Children International...y luego entre en acción.

Apunte este número: 1-800-888-3089.

Ahora, imagine esto...

El SIDA, la epilepsia, la anemia falciforme, el síndrome de Down: éstas son solamente algunas de las muchas aflicciones que abundan en los barrios marginados y las aldeas donde trabaja Children International. Como empleado nuevo de CI, para mí es casi imposible comprender plenamente lo que significa vivir en una pobreza extrema. Sin presenciarla en persona, nunca sabré cómo se siente luchar por mi vida cada día. Pero para ayudar a estos niños, primero es necesario entender los obstáculos que impiden su progreso.

No es fácil. Cierre sus ojos y trate de imaginar lo que siente un niño con una enfermedad debilitante al vivir en una pobreza devastadora. Cómo se siente existir en medio de una desesperada lucha por sobrevivir en la cual usted no puede participar. El ver a sus familiares (si tiene la dicha) hacer enormes sacrificios para satisfacer las necesidades de usted. Ésta es la realidad que miles de niños enfrentan cada mañana al abrir sus ojos. Para ellos, no hay escape ni opciones.

Afortunadamente, nosotros sí tenemos una opción. Podemos unirnos para corregir este mal.

Pulse aquí para ver nuestro ensayo fotográfico especial.

Únase a la lucha

A continuación, dos maneras en las que podemos actuar hoy:

1. Haciendo una donación – Las donaciones ayudan a pagar las visitas médicas, los medicamentos, los alimentos de emergencia y otras provisiones que estos niños necesitan con urgencia.

2. Apadrinando un niño – conviértase en el héroe de uno de estos niños al apadrinarlo por sólo $22 al mes.

Llame al 1-800-888-3089 ahora (816-942-2000 fuera de los EE.UU.) para hacernos saber cómo usted desea ayudar. Asegúrese de mencionar al representante de Servicios a Padrinos que le atiende que usted está llamando respecto al Día de Acción Blog; y si usted desea apadrinar a uno de los niños destacados en el ensayo fotográfico, por favor mencione esto también.

Ya sea haciendo una donación, apadrinando a un niño con necesidades especiales, o ambas cosas...su donación será muy apreciada. ¡Nuestro personal de Servicios a Padrinos está esperando para atender a su llamada!

Countdown to Action

2008-10-13T08:10:00.002-04:00

In just two short days we will ask our Children International blog readers to join us for Blog Action Day. United with over 8,000 other bloggers around the world, this day is our opportunity to do something to make a difference in the global fight against poverty.

Wednesday you will be able to view a blog and slideshow with just a few of the many children who face not only the hardships that poverty places upon them, but must also deal with physical and or mental disabilities and diseases.

If you haven’t already shared our commitment to helping poor children with your friends and family, now is the perfect time. Please join us on Wednesday as we take action to help these special children.

Just for Grins, Part 3

2008-10-10T08:41:00.006-04:00

Nebel's Notes

"You know, Sarah....There's an easier way to do these blog posts!"

* * *

Meet Nebel:

Hi, blog readers. I hope you’ve enjoyed my sketches.

Although I work as a translator for CI, I find myself doodling every now and then in my spare time. Sarah and Kelly somehow found this out and graciously asked me to create and share some illustrations with you.

I’ve been wearing down pencils and drying up pens since I was about 3 years old. That being said, I don’t consider myself artist; from my point of view, I merely possess an inherent affinity towards illustration, one that I’m happy to use now as it relates to CI and child sponsorship.

Comments and/or suggestions are always welcome!

Just for Grins, Part 2

2008-10-08T08:18:00.000-04:00

Nebel's Notes

Just for Grins

2008-10-06T07:29:00.001-04:00

Nebel's Notes

“Great, Honey. Time to start packing again.”

David Nebel has worked as a translator for Children International since 2005. Raised in Honduras and the United States, David holds a degree in Art History from Tulane University and is a talented artist and illustrator. We’ll be featuring sponsorship-related cartoons from David all week, so keep checking back…and feel free to comment. David will be thrilled to “meet” you here on the blog.

Your Chance to Help

2008-10-03T08:14:00.000-04:00

October 15 is a big day…a day known as “Blog Action Day.”

In recent years the world has come to recognize the power of the blog. And this year, bloggers from around the world are joining forces to combat world poverty.

We know we aren’t going to fix the poverty problem in a single day, with a single event – nevertheless, we’re convinced we can make a real difference for quite a few needy children.

Children International has been invited to participate in Blog Action Day, and we’re excited about it. As our contribution to the event, we’ve decided to focus on one of the neediest of all sectors of the world’s impoverished population: children with special needs.

If you’ve been one of our readers for very long, you know we have a great big soft spot in our hearts for children with special needs. We’ve identified several thousand of these kids in the communities where we work – children with disabilities ranging from Down syndrome to critical heart problems, sickle-cell anemia or even AIDS.

We’ll be asking specifically for our readers to consider either making a donation to help these children or sponsoring a special-needs child – or both. And we’ll be standing by to help you do it.

Please join our effort. Between now and October 15, please make your friends and coworkers aware of what Children International plans to do. Let them know CI is a reliable organization with a track record of helping children around the world for over 70 years. Let them know we work with over 300,000 children…and ask them to get involved.

Our new writer, Garrett Kenyon, is passionate about this project. Beginning October 14 and continuing through October 16, he will be issuing a special call to action…so stay tuned.

On October 15 we’re going to help change somebody’s world.

Making Memories at the Community Center

2008-10-01T07:50:00.006-04:00

Q: Tell me your favorite memory about coming to the community center.

A: When I came here the first time they were delivering school supplies. It was incredible to see that all the notebooks, pencils, erasers and other things we need for school were just handed to us by Children International. And when I received my schoolbag, I couldn’t believe it. It was very nice.

Photo and reporting assistance by Jesús Almendárez, Communications Coordinator in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Overcoming Disaster

2008-09-29T07:31:00.001-04:00

Opening a new community center is always a special occasion for Children International, and our new center in Patulul, in rural Guatemala, was no exception.

This center was particularly interesting to me, though, because it will serve the needs of my own sponsored child, Jessica.

Patulul was hit hard by Hurricane Stan in October of 2005. You may recall footage in our video archives showing families who lost their homes and livestock – and in the more tragic cases, even loved ones.

Now the Children International community center stands in Patulul as a beacon of hope – a daily reminder that, just as we were there for them after the storm, we’ll be there to help the community’s children reach for a better life.

Here are some pictures from the inauguration event. Enjoy!

The new Children International community center in Patulul, Guatemala.

Sponsored youth sported traditional garb...

...And sponsored children honored the occasion with a song.

Agency Director Héctor Rivera and sponsored children cut the ribbon while Children International CFO David Houchen looks on.

A Time for Action

2008-09-26T07:15:00.004-04:00

Blog Action Day is coming soon, and this year’s topic is poverty. We have joined forces with bloggers all over the world to bring attention to poverty and do our own small part to combat it. In the days leading up to October 15th we’ll introduce you to some very special children living in poverty and show you how you can help through Children International’s blog.

Keep checking back for more information as the day approaches. Together we can do great things to alleviate the burden poverty places on children throughout the world.

Joining the Team

2008-09-24T07:30:00.004-04:00

Posted on behalf of Garrett Kenyon, Children International's newest writer.

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you can probably imagine how I felt when I was asked to join the team at Children International. The job would combine the two things I’m most passionate about in life - writing and helping others. I had volunteered before: fingerprinted children for the Child Protection Agency, canvassed for the Sierra Club, campaigned for politicians I believed in. I even joined an effort to save an old movie theatre in San Francisco and stood out on the sidewalk for weeks, battered by rain and wind, to get a petition signed. But nothing I had done could prepare me for the level of pure dedication and commitment that I would encounter at Children International.

The chance to touch so many young lives; the opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of children lift themselves out of poverty – it’s not something the people here take lightly. I don’t think I’ve met a single person who doesn’t have their office or cubicle lined with pictures of the children they have helped. Out of 250-some employees, it would be hard to find one who doesn’t sponsor at least one child (most, it seems, sponsor 2 or 3), and from every corner of the office photos of sponsored children and framed letters and drawings constantly remind us why we’re here.

One thing that has surprised me thus far is how many of my notions and suspicions have already been put to rest. Like many people, I used to see the commercials on TV and think about sponsoring a child. However, as a registered cynic, a barrage of questions would keep me from taking the final step. For example, I thought, if they show this adorable child on the ad, won’t a lot of people call to sponsor this specific child? Are they all going to be told they’re sponsoring the same kid? How would I know that I’m helping one specific child? They say I’ll receive letters and pictures from my sponsored child – but is this even possible with so many children? How do I know thousands of other people aren’t getting the same picture and letter, with just the name at the top changed? Perhaps most importantly, how much of my money will actually go to help these children? These questions dampened my resolve and kept me from taking the final step towards sponsorship.

Before the end of my first week, all these concerns were put to rest. As I learned more about the way CI operates, I found that sponsored children are served by community centers in their neighborhoods that organize the photographing and letter writing of each child. My research showed that out of each $10 given to Children International, $8 goes to programs that help the children, with the remaining $2 being spent on administration costs. This became particularly impressive when I witnessed the sheer size of the operation. A tour of the premises on my third day left me speechless – the requirements necessary to run an organization like this are immense.

So here I am, ecstatic to be joining an organization that’s making a real impact on world poverty. Soon, I’ll be going into the field, and I’ll take you guys with me, relaying details of my trip through the eyes of a newcomer. I hope you’ll join me. Thanks.

George's Story

2008-09-22T07:59:00.000-04:00

My name is George, and I have been a member of Children International for six years now. It has truly been a great experience.

Two years ago I had the opportunity to meet my sponsored child, Jordana, in Chile. We had a great time spending the day together. But what made it even more special was that it was her birthday, and not just any birthday, but her sweet 15 – a very important milestone in Latin America. I took her shopping, and we shared many stories.

I am so happy that I had the chance to meet the person that I have been helping for so very long face-to-face. I loved every moment I had with Jordana. Of course, the hardest thing of the trip was when I had to say good-bye. I gave her a big hug and said my good-byes to a special girl that will always be close to my heart. It was a wonderful trip.

Because I had such a great experience with Jordana, I decided to sponsor another child – Lesly, in Guatemala. I am looking forward to meeting her and spending the day with her as well. Hopefully I can surprise her on her birthday too!

I would like to thank Children International for reaching out to children in the world who need help. I am happy to be a part of this great organization. My sponsored children have opened my eyes to so much, and I thank them both for letting me be a part of their lives. I am so very grateful. I would encourage anyone to sponsor just one child. You will not regret it.

Posted on behalf of sponsor, George Petri.

Kidding Around

2008-09-19T07:20:00.004-04:00

Whether rich or poor, urban or rural, kids know how to have a good time. Take a look at some of the fun moments caught on camera by our Communications Coordinators.

Alejandro in Barranquilla, Colombia enjoys an afternoon of kite-flying.

Look out below! Children in Legazpi, Philippines take a little break from school to play on the slide.

Drumming up some fun in Lusaka, Zambia.

One blue bucket makes one cool hat for this boy in Rural Guatemala.

What better way to spend the day than with your friends at the beach in the Dominican Republic?

Photos from top to bottom by Patricia Calderón, Anthony Lorcha, Clementina Chapusha, Javier Cárcamo and Erenia Mesa.

Handing Out Hugs

2008-09-17T06:01:00.001-04:00

Today is Special Hug Day, the day we set aside each year to honor the families of our sponsored children. Each family receives practical items to make their daily lives easier and more comfortable.

Take a moment to view this slideshow of last year’s Special Hug celebration. And please accept our heartfelt thanks for helping us send our sponsored children and their families a useful token of our appreciation for them.

It's Official!

2008-09-15T09:42:00.000-04:00

After some really great ‘lifting,’ we’ve drawn the winner for the Lift One Project Sweepstakes. Head to our homepage to watch a video of the drawing. Our CI staff members had a great time and we hope you did too.

Thanks to everyone who participated in helping lift more children out of poverty.

Gaining Independence, Again

2008-09-12T07:35:00.001-04:00

September in Honduras…

March would’ve made a more appropriate ninth month, if you ask me, for during its first two weeks marching up and down is all I can remember doing. Surrounded by rows of classmates, there I was, stomping in unison the hot ground. We might as well been snuffing out hordes of invisible ants.

Why were we taken out of class to march around for an hour or so a day? The answer is simple: Independence Day. All over the country, students – from elementary to high school – hone their marching skills several weeks prior so that on September 15th they can flood the streets in civic celebration. Diverse school uniforms and banners add color to the slowly advancing wall of youngsters, who sway rhythmically to the sound of drums and trumpets. One, two, one, two…like a giant caterpillar they push on through the city.

Giant caterpillars? Drums and trumpets? Are these connected to sponsorship?

Not really.

But the occasion reminds me of how – thanks to the generosity and effort of our sponsors and donors – our sponsored children are also celebrating a second independence, and this celebration is not limited to any day of any month of the year. As far as I know, these kids could very well be marching up and down their homes everyday of the year from the mere joy of knowing that sponsorship has granted each of them an opportunity to gain independence from the virtually inescapable shackles of extreme poverty.

Posted on behalf of David Nebel. Photos courtesy of bandasdemarcha.com and marrder.com/htw.

Special Delivery: eNews

2008-09-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

Running low on reading material? Don’t despair! eNews is rolling off our virtual presses as I write. Here’s a sneak preview at what you’ll find in the September edition:

• Learn how sponsorship helped a young teen rise above a dysfunctional home life and receive the counseling she needed to get back on track in “Coming Out of a Tailspin.”
• Only 106 shopping days until Christmas! But why wait? Read “Shopping for Charity” to find out how you can shop smart to get the deals you want…and help Children International keep helping children.
• Ever wonder what makes other sponsors tick? Meet an outstanding Children International sponsor and discover why she does what she does in “Mack’s Story.”

If you’re a subscriber to Children International’s eNews, check your inbox later today for these great stories and more. And if you haven’t yet subscribed, it’s as easy as visiting our website and signing up. Enjoy the read!

Meet a Blogger: Sarah

2008-09-08T07:35:00.001-04:00

I’ve been blogging for Children International for a while now, but I’ve never really introduced myself. While a little mystery is always nice, I’d like to share a bit about the name behind some of the blogs you read.

I got my first taste of real poverty when I spent a summer studying in Mexico. When I wasn’t in class, I volunteered at an elementary school for inner-city kids and at a federal orphanage. Those little faces stuck with me. After I graduated from college, I moved back to Mexico and taught English to pre-school children - a challenge to say the least. I taught them English; they taught me patience and humility. Although the school was somewhat prestigious, poverty was still all around me: in the poor neighborhood surrounding the school, on the street corners where children sold gum to help their families, in the zócalo or plaza where mothers begged for money with their children at their feet. It’s amazing how easily one becomes accustomed to seeing it.

When I moved back to the States I knew I wanted to continue working with children and above all, use my Spanish to help people. I took a job as a translator for immigrant families at a public school, and I even taught a bilingual 2nd grade class in Dallas for a while. When I was ready to go back home to Kansas City, I stumbled across Children International. Serendipitously they were looking for someone with my skills. You know the rest of the story - I got the job.

It is a job that I kind of just fell into, but it is also a job seemingly tailor-made for me. While I spent most of my time in the main office proofreading and translating, I do occasionally get to travel to our agencies as a staff interpreter. Meeting the needy families that we help and chatting with their children are certainly the highlights of what I do. Whenever someone asks, I feel proud to tell people I work for Children International. If I have to spend my time working, knowing that in my own small way I’m helping children feels like a pretty great option to me.

Sarah and writer Damon Guinn interview a sponsored boy in Honduras.

Photo by Jennifer Spaw.

It Doesn’t Take Much

2008-09-05T07:30:00.009-04:00

Posted on behalf of Erin Fitzgerald.

Some of the happiest people I've met have next to nothing. They live in tiny cramped shacks, some sleeping on mats covering the bare dirt floor. They cook over an open fire and have to walk down the street just to obtain running water. They have few possessions – some clothing, a few kitchen items, and perhaps a few chairs. They get by on so little.

Despite all the obstacles they face, impoverished families manage to find the most indescribable joy in the smallest everyday occurrences, from their child’s smiles or flowers planted in a rusty old tin to a handwritten letter from their child’s sponsor.

Beauty can be found in the most unexpected places in impoverished communities, and neighborhoods in Chile are no exception.

While some parents living in poverty can barely read or write, the wisdom they possess transcends books and diplomas. They understand what’s truly important in life, and that’s appreciating what they do have – their children.

When it comes down to it, it doesn’t take much to be happy. And it really doesn’t take much to make life easier for an impoverished child. Some school supplies….cold medicine…a new pair of shoes. I’m proud to work for an organization like Children International that makes each day just a little easier – and happier – for people who are among the poorest in the world. And it’s exciting to know we have so many dedicated sponsors who are always willing to pitch in and help.

Sponsorship gifts like a warm new blanket give impoverished children a reason to hope.

Every time I find myself upset over something insignificant, I recall the families in our program. Thinking of them keeps me grounded and reminds me each and every day how fortunate I am and how to find happiness in the smallest things.

Photos by David Nebel and Clementina Chapusha.

Evelyn from Quito

2008-09-03T07:30:00.003-04:00

Sponsored child Evelyn is a girl who knows exactly what she likes and what she wants to be:

"I have fun doing my homework, especially when I have to do drawings. I like school. I would like to be a teacher. I could be a good teacher, because I used to help my friends with their homework. School is very important."

Photo and reporting assistance by Andrés Barreno, Communications Coordinator in Quito, Ecuador.

Through Hard Work and Hope

2008-09-01T07:38:00.001-04:00

He started his working life in a bakery.

Up at 3 A.M. to have the bread made on time. What little money he made went mostly to feed his siblings and keep them clothed and healthy. It was the best an uneducated young man could hope for at the time.

Tired, dusted head to toe in flour, I envision him dragging his body home every day, willingly handing over his day’s earnings with a loaf of bread.

Soon, another opportunity happened along and he was quick to take it. It meant more money, better hours and there was a little room for growth. To start, all it required was pumping gas, checking tires and oil, and scrubbing a lot of windows. It was called full service – and that’s exactly what it was too.

It was a good opportunity for an uneducated rural Missouri boy still dealing with the difficult and not-too-distant memories of WWII. People would come by the gas station and shout to Little Oz, a handle he earned early on because of his father, Oswald.

But I knew him simply as Dad.

While working at the gas station, Dad got an opportunity to apply at the Chevy plant in Kansas City. It meant a 50-plus mile trip by bus every day but the pay was decent and there was real potential for him there. With that kind of job, he must have thought, he could start building a foundation that would allow him to eventually support a family. And there he stayed…for the next 45 years.

While I’m not quite sure what my father ever thought about his job, his hard work and dedication gave my brothers and me opportunities he never had.

The thing is, as hard as Dad worked on that factory line, he was no more dedicated than a good deal of the fathers – or mothers for that matter – who toil day in and day out in slums around the world in hopes that their children will someday have opportunities they never did.

I’ve met them myself in the villages of India, the shanty towns of Honduras and slums of Colombia. Some work in banana plantations for 12 hours a day, six days a week. Others ferry passengers on beaten and broken bicycle taxis. They work cutting sugar cane, hauling bricks, selling fruits and vegetables on street corners in the searing heat; most are willing to do whatever it takes so their families survive.

A decent wage is hard to come by for most of them. Like my father, many of them have never completed a basic education, yet they face circumstances where hard work and dedication don’t often amount to much.

It’s good to know that some do get ahead. Sheer force of will or ingenuity does it sometimes. Others take advantage of small loans and business training provided by Children International. They learn a skill, are trained to run a business and then given the opportunity to make something of it. Not surprisingly, many of them do.

Today, Labor Day, is for all the parents, here and elsewhere, who work themselves to the bone in the hopes that their children can eat, stay healthy and maybe, just maybe, have it just a little better than they did.

My hat is off to them. And to Dad…thanks.

Posted on behalf of Scott Cotter.

Getting Ahead on the Mean Streets

2008-08-29T07:31:00.003-04:00

Before he attended a life skills workshop offered by Children International, Harold Osorio, 10, followed a precarious path that was full of potential for disaster.

“Harold lives in one of the most dangerous zones of the city,” reports Patricia Calderón, Communications Coordinator for Children International’s agency in Barranquilla, Colombia. “Often, he witnessed armed robberies and saw his neighbors and relatives taking drugs. He was always out on the streets, and that exposed him to the danger of picking up vices.”

The workshop changed Harold’s entire perspective. Now he understands the dangers of his environment and realizes that the wrong kind of behavior could put his life at risk. Harold is now convinced that there is a better way to live, in spite of the pressure from his friends.

In fact, Harold has decided he wants to be a businessman and become someone in life. Now that’s what you call “street-smart”!

Photo and reporting assistance by Patricia Calderón.

Q&A with a Boy Named Gift

2008-08-27T07:30:00.010-04:00

What is your favorite part of sponsorship?

My favorite part of sponsorship is when I receive things. My favorite was a set of pots I recently got. My mum was very excited and happy to have new pots.

What is your best memory about coming to the community center?

I was happy the first day I was allowed to read the the nice books on the shelves in the library.

What would you like to tell your sponsor?

I would like my sponsor to see my books and also visit my school and see how well I am performing - all because of her help.

Photo and reporting by Clementina Chapusha, Communications Coordinator in Lusaka, Zambia.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...about Sponsorship

2008-08-25T07:30:00.003-04:00

I have fond childhood memories of sitting down with my family, the Trapp family, and watching the The Sound of Music together. Listening to Julie Andrews happily singing “My Favorite Things,” we couldn’t help but join in too. “Silver-white winters that melt into spring, these are few of my favorite things...” It’s a catchy tune.

Sponsorship is no doubt one of my favorite things too. Now, I know I’m a little biased since I work for Children International, but I’m also a sponsor. I sponsor a little boy in Mexico, and a group of my coworkers and I sponsor a young lady in Rural Guatemala. While I’m not going to sing about it, I thought I would take a moment today to share just a few of my favorite things about sponsorship:

-Letters from my sponsored child. I love getting mail, and if it comes from my sponsored kiddos, all the better.

- The pictures of course. I always get a kick out of their toothy grins (or seeing how many teeth they’ve lost since the last photo.)

-Knowing that I’m helping a needy child.

If you’d like to share your favorite things about sponsorship, we’d love to hear from you. Open a thread on our Google Groups page and tell us your story.

Joy and Fulfillment through Volunteering

2008-08-22T07:30:00.003-04:00

Posted on behalf of Sarah Jane Velasco, Communications Coordinator in Tabaco, Philippines.

Ermilinda Bigol has been a volunteer mother for almost five years now. She is also a widow single-handedly raising five children.

Considering that her hands are already full with family responsibilities, how Ate Emmy (Sister Emmy), as she is fondly called in the community, manages to devote time to volunteer in the sponsorship program is indeed a wonder. But for her, it’s just a matter of time management and setting priorities: “Family comes first and volunteering follows closely.”

Since her husband died in a vehicular accident years ago, she had to learn to accept the fact that she must raise five children on her own. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she had to step up to it. The family gets by with the monthly pension she receives after the death of her husband. But for a family of seven, including Ate Emmy’s mother, a Php 3000 monthly budget is not enough, especially if all of her five children are in school. Because of this, she decided to go into rope-making. If done alone, it would take some time before a person could weave one bundle of rope. That is why the whole family shares this task, taking turns weaving bundle after bundle.

At 4:30 in the morning, Ate Emmy gets up to prepare breakfast for the family and begins weaving rope. By 5, two of her children are already up to help. After three hours, they already have 70 bundles of rope. Also by this time, the kids are all set to go to school. After going through her domestic routine, Ate Emmy transforms from being the super mom to being a tireless volunteer.

In her five years of serving as a CI volunteer, she’s already gone through some ups and downs. According to her, handling an area with almost a thousand sponsored children is not an easy feat. She has to deal with the parents, regular requirements, CI staff and fellow volunteers. “I think the key is proper communication and leading by example. I try to be honest with them, give them the facts, and tell them what we have to do. They know I’m not doing it for myself, so we help each other out,” she added.

Despite her seemingly tireless efforts, Ate Emmy admits that being a mother and a volunteer can be exhausting at times but “the satisfaction I get makes the hard work worthwhile.” This plus her acknowledgement of the help the sponsorship program extends to her two children is what keeps her going. “As a widow, having two of my children sponsored is really a blessing. The assistance we get is already a big help.”

“As a mother, seeing my children grow up to be good individuals is more than enough reward; as a volunteer, knowing that I’m able to help even in a small way and getting personal affirmations tells me that I’m doing the job right, and that keeps me motivated,” said Ate Emmy.

Have You Hugged Your (Sponsored) Child Today?

2008-08-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

Chances are, you’ve heard from us by mail, email or both in the last few days about something we call “Special Hug.”

And you may be asking yourself, “What in the world is Special Hug?”

Most of our activities center specifically around our sponsored children. However, once a year -- September 17 -- we give them a gift that is designed to help their whole family.

For most of us, it’s hard to imagine a plastic chair, a laundry bucket or a set of dishes being a major investment. But that’s exactly what it would be for most of our sponsored children’s families.

By giving them items similar to these each year, we let the moms and dads of sponsored children know we think about them as well…and we want to make their lives just a little bit easier.

I hope you’ll take a moment if you haven’t already – either through our website, www.children.org, or by filling in the form you receive in the mail – to send a small gift for the children and their families.

It may be a small gift – but it’s a big deal for them.

Mission Accomplished!

2008-08-18T10:37:00.001-04:00

Thanks to sponsor Alice...Liliam is no longer waiting! We trust Alice and Liliam will have a long and rewarding friendship.

Liliam Still Needs Our Help!

2008-08-18T09:19:00.001-04:00

I hope everybody had a fantastic weekend! Despite dire forecasts of heavy rains, Kansas City stayed dry and sunshiny…with unseasonably cool temperatures. Lovely!

It promises to be a busy week, but top on my list is reminding our readers about Liliam Lissette, our featured child from August 4.

As you may recall, Liliam is 12 years old and lives with her parents and her brother in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She has been waiting for a sponsor for over three years.

Liliam’s dad works as a street vendor, and the family struggles to survive on the barely $100 a month he’s able to earn. But in spite of her family’s difficult situation, Liliam loves to sing and dance and works hard on her studies.

We’ve yet to find a sponsor for Liliam, so once again I’d like to appeal to our readers to help us get the word out. Some of you have even printed out pictures of children we’ve featured before and pinned them to your bulletin boards at work. Whatever you’re able to do will be greatly appreciated…and as always, Sarah and I are standing by to personally help Liliam’s new sponsor get started.

Thanks for your help…we – and Liliam – appreciate it.

A Sweet Bite of the Big Apple

2008-08-15T07:46:00.003-04:00

Sponsored Youth Lara Villanueva reflects on her visit to New York for International Youth Day.

People would say that dreams are too far from reality and are only achieved within one's illusion. But for me, if dreams are mixed up with faith, patience, and hard work, it can break the limits of imagination and definitely become real.

This UN trip is beyond the boundaries of my dreams. This is such an unforgettable experience of mine that will never fade in my memory until the time comes to say "adios" to this world. I had a lot of happy moments even from getting my US visa, the security in the international airports, the experience inside the airplanes, the foods and beverages, gigantic buildings and precious scenery, walking in the sleepless streets of New York, the time adjustments, the United Nations Building, staff and comprehensive activities, the Youth Achievement Awardees, and the special luncheon wherein the youth awardees had their blue-plate lunch with Kathy Ireland and top officials from the United Nations.

Amidst some trials and hindrances on getting along with the schedules, my smile remains for I had a chance to meet Rocío, Charday and Jiyaul. Indeed, they became my Empire State Building on viewing and exploring the incomparable city of New York.

Children International Youth Delegates, Jiyaul, Lara, Charday and Rocío.

Straight to Your Inbox from Children International

2008-08-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

Got a minute? We’re bursting with news!

Any time now this month’s edition of eNews should appear in your inbox. Take a second to check it out! You’ll find…

...How a visit to their sponsored child caused a sponsor and his wife to discover the power of working together for a cause – and how their child and her family are better for it today.

...What can happen through a single donation! See how one sponsor’s generosity has enabled at least 50 people to achieve a higher standard of living by virtue of hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit.

...How the power of collaboration is embodied in the “Six Degrees of Sponsorship.”

...That hard work and determination are still an unstoppable combination! Travel along with four outstanding young people who have made their mark in their communities…and now are leaving their mark on New York City.

We hope you find these stories enjoyable and thought-provoking. If you do, leave us a comment and let us hear from you!

If you do not currently subscribe to eNews, visit our website. Signing up is a snap!

Rocío's Defining Moment: A New York City Experience

2008-08-12T08:05:00.005-04:00

Posted on behalf of Rafael Mejía, Agency Director, Dominican Republic.

It was early Sunday morning. After a lot of excitement, nervousness, the hustle and bustle, trying to get Rocío's tourist visa, preparations and anxiety for the upcoming trip, since she first heard of her selection, the day had finally arrived. Sunday, August 10, 2008. Rocío's mom, little brother, and grandfather met me at the airport filled with mixed emotions.

Pride, happiness, worries and, most of all, gratitude that because of Children International and generous sponsors, their dream had come true.

I felt honored to have escorted Rocío throughout the entire process of the airport protocol and experience many firsts. First airplane ride. First immigration process. Rocío seemed very poised throughout the plane ride trying to absorb every detail – every millimeter of everything that was going on. But, deep inside, she was shaking with excitement, shocked, numbed almost like walking through a dream – literally. She could not believe this was happening to her!

Upon arriving to JFK International airport in New York City and answering some questions from the U.S. Immigration Officer, we finally got out, grabbed our suitcases and met a nice driver who took our luggage and escorted us to the parking lot and told us to wait for him while he got the car. Smiling and shocked, throughout the entire ride towards the hotel, she was in awe looking at all the tall buildings of the Manhattan skyline and trying to figure out which one was the Empire State Building.

She took pictures and said to me that this trip was a true inspiration and a high point in her life. Now more than ever, she will strive even harder, study and graduate from college so that this trip wouldn't be the first and last one.

Nighttime arrived and we had dinner with friends and colleagues from India and Kansas City. After dinner, I offered to take them for a walk downtown to Times Square!

Lights, signs, hot dog vendors, typical yellow cabs and with people all over the place, Rocío stayed poised, but could not take enough pictures. At every corner, she took pictures. Her face was bright as all the New York night lights.

Rocío was trying to capture and freeze in time every image and piece of NYC in order to take back home and share with her family and friends this wonderful experience – a very, very defining and enriching moment!

Learn more about Rocío and the other delegates on our International Youth Day page.

Youth Day in Zambia

2008-08-11T08:10:00.001-04:00

On March 12th Zambia celebrated its youth day, a day that reminded all Zambians that youths are important. The theme of the day was “Promoting partnerships between youths and stakeholders for national development.” The celebrations were held at the Chibolya center and graced with the presence of Mary Emmett, widow of the late David Emmett (in whose honor the center is named), and her sister Judy Durr. Our Communications Coordinator in Zambia, Clementina Chapusha explains the significance of Youth Day in Zambia:

The theme Partnership between the youth and other stakeholders for national development does not simply end at youths being incorporated into adult decision making processes but must be institutionalized in issues, settings and practices that are very much part of the young people’s lives.

The partnership is about doing things together and also listening to everyone’s voice, regardless of their status in society, and embracing divergent ideas. The principle was embraced because it makes adults accountable to young people for their decisions and actions, as accountability is an integral aspect.

The children performed various dances and presented poems. Most of the poems were about how much they are affected by poverty and how HIV/AIDS has left them orphaned and at the mercy of the extended family.

Mrs Emmett was so touched by what she saw and heard from the children that she could not help shedding tears. She said her husband, who made the centre possible, was a very wonderful person who had a heart for others.

Mrs. Mary Emmett took time to dance with the youths.

Agency Director John Mufumbi thanked Mrs Emmett for her visit to Zambia and for making Youth Day a memorable day for the sponsored children.

“The help that we receive goes a long way in making significant difference in the lives of our sponsored children. Most of these are disadvantaged as they lack the basic needs such as education, health care and opportunities for promoting self esteem. With the support of our wonderful contributors we are able to make life worth living for the children.”

Photo by Clementina Chapusha.

It's All about Youth!

2008-08-10T10:40:00.003-04:00

That’s right. In honor of International Youth Day on August 12th, all this week we will be blogging about our fantastic sponsored youth. Our youths are doing great things, including making their own videos to explain what sponsorship means to them. Check out the "Lights, Camera, Action" section of our International Youth Day page to see the top three youth videos. Looks like we have some budding directors, actors and screenwriters among us!

And don’t forget to stop back by throughout the week to read about the four lucky Children International youths who have been selected to attend the 5th Annual Youth Assembly, a three day conference in New York. We will be bringing you blogs from an Agency Director, Children International staff and of course, the youths themselves.

Photo by Javier Cárcamo, Communications Coordinator in Rural Guatemala.

Meet Angel, from Manila, Philippines

2008-08-08T08:45:00.000-04:00

We recently asked Angel what makes her happy. Here's what she shared:

"My parents make me happy. They tell me stories. They take care of me. The gifts I receive from my sponsor make me happy too. My sponsor cares for me like my parents. And I am very happy because I have many people who love me."

Before and After: Feels like Home

2008-08-06T07:30:00.004-04:00

You may remember reading about Jim Cook’s trip to India in his March blogs. Visiting sponsored child Shuva Khanra and his family was just one of several important stops along the way.

Strong storms during the monsoon season had damaged many homes, including Shuva’s. Knowing the instability of their home, Nilima, Shuva’s mother, kept her guard up and instructed her children to sleep under their bed on one particularly stormy night. Rain poured in and the very wall that the children slept next to collapsed. Thanks to their mother’s foresight the children were unharmed, but their home was a wreck. The family was forced to construct a temporary shelter to live in.

Not long after, they received wonderful news - Children International would build them a new home thanks to a donation from Gastinger Walker Harden Architects- and best of all, Nilima would no longer have to worry about her children’s safety.

Jim Cook visited the happy family halfway through the construction.

In April this family’s dreams came true when they were finally able to move into their new stable home thanks to the caring donors.

Photos and reporting assistance by Nivedita Moitra, Communications Coordinator in India.

Bloggers on a Mission: Meet Liliam Lissette

2008-08-04T08:01:00.000-04:00

Liliam is 12 years old and lives with her parents and her brother in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She has been waiting for a sponsor for over three years.

Liliam’s dad works as a street vendor, and the family struggles to survive on the barely $100 a month he’s able to earn. But in spite of her family’s difficult situation, Liliam loves to sing and dance and works hard on her studies.

We’re calling on our family of blog readers to help us get the word out about Liliam. Take a look at her picture and think of a friend, relative or coworker who might like to be her sponsor…and then have them contact us at blog@children.org. We’ll take care of the rest!

Thanks….

Faces of Joy

2008-08-01T07:15:00.003-04:00

While sponsored children may be in dire need and condition with very limited choices in life, faces of joy are seen in every visit to the community center: whether it be in receiving gifts such as shoes below…

Waiting for a vaccine…

Receiving a birthday gift from a sponsor…

Writing letters of gratitude to sponsors…

Braving the needle during vaccination…

Or simply enjoying meals during the Feeding Program…

Posted on behalf of Margaret Cruz from Children International’s Quezon City Agency. Photos by Margaret Cruz.

A Little Pilot in Training

2008-07-28T07:15:00.001-04:00

This is Sergio from Quito, Ecuador. One look at that sweet little face and you’ll know why his sponsor picked him. Makes you want to pinch his little cheeks and give him a big hug, doesn’t he?

He may be small, but Sergio’s got big plans. “I would like to be a pilot to fly a plane. I play with my toy plane toy, and I am the pilot.”

Until then, Sergio is lucky to have a loving sponsor to continue giving him the benefits he needs to reach for the sky.

Photos and reporting assistance by Andrés Barreno, Children International Communications Coordinator in Quito, Ecuador.

Using What She Learned in Her “Foam-ative” Years

2008-07-25T07:52:00.000-04:00

Poverty has a long list of trophies hanging on its wall…and Laura was determined not to be one of them.

Despite being born into impoverished conditions, Laura, 17, made up her mind to be a winner. It was obvious that education was the key to a better life; the question was, how do you get an education when your family can barely afford to eat?

Laura’s answer came in an unlikely manner.

Because Laura is sponsored through Children International, her mother had the opportunity to attend vocational training offered by the sponsorship program to mothers of sponsored children, teaching them to use “foamy” (foam rubber craft material) to create various forms of art. Laura tagged along to the classes – and there she discovered the key to her dream.

Instead of hanging around in boredom, waiting for her mom to be done so they could go home, Laura listened attentively to the training. In fact, she was so attentive that she mastered the lessons herself.

Now Laura gives classes to other people, decorates for parties and makes other decorations – all out of “foamy.” Her earnings are about $100 per month…a very respectable figure, considering that the average monthly income for sponsored families in her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, is less than $114.

Using the money she earns with “foamy” art, Laura is studying to be a medical and aesthetical cosmetologist. Though her parents pay her tuition, she is able to afford raw materials for her art and textbooks for her school. Her earnings also cover her transportation to and from her classes.

Laura is just one of many outstanding youth who are determined to make it in life. Thanks to the dedicated sponsors of Children International, they’ve got a fighting chance.

Photos and reporting assistance by Patricia Calderón, from our agency in Barranquilla, Colombia.

A Reality Check

2008-07-23T07:25:00.003-04:00

Posted on behalf of Deron Denton.

The recent heat wave here has been keeping people from getting outdoors as much as they had been earlier this summer. Therefore I hadn’t seen a neighbor for awhile until we touched base this weekend.

I asked him how he’d been.
“We are really hurting,” he said. He can’t afford to keep making payments on his truck because the grocery and electricity bills are starting to really eat into their budget. And they have home repair work that needs to be done but the cost of materials, he said, has gone up considerably.

I had just returned from filling up my car, so I could relate…but only a little. It does seem, though, like we are all tightening our belts and carefully watching the way we spend money. That conversation has reverberated in my mind, causing a bit of (irrational?) panic to set in regarding finances.

For a couple of years now, one of the first thoughts I have when I feel the pangs of financial insecurity is about a friend of mine named Aaron. He began sponsoring a child while going through his own financial woes. Yes, you read that correctly: he BEGAN sponsoring when he was feeling financially insecure. Granted (and he won’t mind me saying this), Aaron is a little different from many – still, that counter-intuitive reaction has stuck with me. Though I don’t want to tout the specific ways it has impacted my actions, his example has – occasionally – guided me.

I decided to send Aaron an email, asking if he’d explain this unusual philosophy. He opened up his reply with a description of something he calls “baglady” syndrome:

“It is that irrational fear probably based upon all the pressures of modern life to keep up our lifestyles with computers, iPods, TV's, cars, gas, mortgage, food, clothes and everything else whereby we fear we will lose our jobs, become homeless, trade aluminum cans for food money and hold up signs on the side of the road hoping for spare change knowing we will never actually ‘work for food.’
“I was having just such fears when I decided to sponsor a child at Children International. I have spent a lot of time in foreign countries where there is real poverty, even volunteering for years at an orphanage in rural Mexico.

“I have a soft spot for children in these countries and have ever since my first visit to Mexico with my Spanish class in 7th grade. My father gave me $100 for souvenirs but I quickly gave it all away to the beggars in Mexico City before we even got to Tasco or Acapulco. My heart ached for them. It was a sight I had never seen in the States and it tore me up then as it does still today.”

Aaron concluded his answer with this:

“So in my heart and head I knew in this land of plenty I would never be homeless unless I chose to be. And part of overcoming this fear for me was to sponsor a child through Children International. Last year, I called the field officer to see what her family most needed and was able to provide them with a monetary gift to buy these items.

“The letter I received after that tore me up. Genesis relayed to me that at 14-years old, it was the first time in her life she had a bed of her own. They sent me photos of all the new items they were able to buy and told me how much it changed their lives.

“I am still unsure about my future and my job and what life may bring my way, but I do know that as long as I help others I always seem to be provided for myself.”

I probably wouldn’t make such a suggestion to my neighbor who is feeling financially squeezed. But it is good to be reminded of my reality: I have everything I need – I lack nothing essential.
As our blog audience knows, that places me in a very fortunate position, indeed.

The Lighter Side of Sponsorship

2008-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Each month our hard-working Communication Coordinators choose three sponsored children and interview them to see what’s on their minds. Their answers remind us that no matter where a child lives or what their economic situation may be, they are sweet, funny…or just plain silly. And, thankfully, sponsorship is allowing them to hold on to their innocence.

Abegail Bonalos, Manila, Philippines
What are you afraid of?
I am afraid of the pink dinosaur peeking in our windows. It is fat, and it looked at me and then I went to my parents and slept on their bed, because I was afraid of it!

Yamileth Galarza from Guayaquil, Ecuador
What do you want to be when you grow up and why?
I still don’t know, but I don’t want to be a doctor or a model.

Kelly Hernandez, Barranquilla, Colombia
What would you give your sponsor if you could give him/her anything?
Something pretty that would make him happy - like a picture of me.

John Torres, Valparaíso, Chile
What would you like to say to your sponsor?
I would tell her I am a mischievous and loved boy. I get a little cranky sometimes.

Jonathan Aguierre, Guatemala City, Guatemala
What do you like to do for fun? What makes you happy?
Play with friends. I feel happy when I play with them and we tickle our tummies, because we laugh.

Teddy Nyirongo, Lusaka, Zambia
What would you like to say to your sponsor?
I want to give you a big hug.

Another boy who is waiting for his chance to just be a kid is Richard. If you know someone who would like to help out, please email us at blog@children.org.

Adding to a Youth’s Potential

2008-07-18T07:13:00.004-04:00

Posted on behalf of Sarah Jane Velasco, Communications Coordinator in Tabaco, Philippines.

Julie Panganiban may have come from a poor family in Tabaco, but she doesn’t let poverty get in the way of her dreams.

At the age of 13, Julie is already in her third year of high school. As a child she skipped pre-school and was accelerated to first grade. An all-around whiz kid, she excels both in the arts and sciences, but she is particularly gifted in mathematics. She is proudest of being part of the Mathematics Trainers Guild where selected students across the country undergo advanced math clinics and take qualifying exams for international math competitions. She also represents her school during division science meets and press conferences.

Julie (in red) with her sponsored friends during a youth workshop.
But even though she is excelling academically, Julie admits that she is quite shy when it comes to dealing with her peers. “It was difficult for me to adjust especially during my first year in high school. I was really very shy then,” she shares. But through the exposure she gets from Children International’s different activities, she was able to overcome her shyness. “The leadership trainings helped me to become more confident in sharing my ideas with others. Mingling with other sponsored kids in various activities helped me develop my social skills more,” she adds.

But all of that progress almost came to an end when her family suffered a serious financial crisis during her first year of high school. Julie almost had to quit school. But instead of giving in to the problem, she took it as a challenge and even got the highest grades in her class that academic year. According to Julie, “More opportunities are open to those who are educated. That’s why I’m fortunate to have a sponsor who helps me to continue with my studies.”

With the support of her sponsor, this bright young lady is well on her way to breaking through the barriers of poverty.

Bloggers on a Mission: Richard Needs Your Help

2008-07-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

Last week we introduced you to Richard, a young man from Tabaco, Philippines (read the original post here).

As you may recall, Richard’s situation is desperate. His family generates only about $30 of income each month, causing them to live under unimaginable circumstances.

Richard still needs a sponsor…and we’re looking for a champion. Will you be the one to help us find him a sponsor?

Let your family…your coworkers…your friends know that the situation is urgent. Tell them how simple and gratifying sponsorship is – and how great a difference it can really make in the life of a poor child and his or her family.

And if you have a Lift One Project, once you find someone to sponsor Richard, drop us a line at blog@children.org. We’ll not only set up the sponsorship personally, but we’ll also make sure Richard’s new sponsor gets credited to your Lift One Project.

We’re standing by to hear from you!

Peter from Zambia

2008-07-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Peter loves being a sponsored child. He's especially happy about the opportunity to have an education. "I like the library because I have learned a lot of things, and I am doing better at school. I was very excited the day I received things for school. I was given everything I needed for school."

When asked what he would like to share with his sponsor, he knew just what to say. "I would like my sponsor to see how happy I am because of the things I received from him through Children International." Just looking at that smile, there is no doubt in my mind that he means it.

Photo by Clementina Chapusha.

Chat with Jim Cook

2008-07-10T10:15:00.000-04:00

July 15 is just around the corner! We still have a few seats remaining in our online live chat with Jim Cook, president of Children International.

If you'd like a chance to visit with Jim online, just drop us a line at blog@children.org. We'll let you know if there are still seats available.

The chat will be held July 15 at 11:00 a.m. CST. So don't delay! Email us now for your reservation.

Have you had your eNews today?

2008-07-09T07:45:00.001-04:00

Right on schedule, another edition of eNews is making its way to your email inbox. If you can’t wait until then, here’s a little taste of what July eNews has to offer:

- If you’ve ever wondered just what happens when a child goes to the community center to pick up a sponsorship gift, then The Boy of Eternal Smiles has a video (and a smile) to share with you.

-Mayra’s Life after Sponsorship is looking bright thanks to the support she received from her sponsor. Be sure to read what she said about her favorite sponsorship memory - it truly shows how important even the most common item can be to a needy child. (To read more about youth like Mayra, take a look at our Youth Report Card.)

-A powerful story from Mexico about one mother’s struggle with drugs and alcohol and how Children International helped her to sober up so she could be the mother her children always needed.

-In keeping with the Fourth-of-July spirit, Freedom from Poverty is a photo feature about a Guatemalan field officer who worked in a fireworks factory as a child to support himself and his family.

Did this pique your interest? If so, then read on!

Bloggers On A Mission: Meet Richard

2008-07-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

Our featured child this week is Richard, from Tabaco, Philippines, who has been waiting for a sponsor for two years. Richard is 11 years old, and lives with his mom, dad and three of his five siblings (the other two are grown) in a single room. His bed is a woven mat on the floor.

Richard’s dad works hard as a laborer, and his mom works just as hard doing laundry – but between the two of them they are barely able to bring home about $30 each month. His older brother is sponsored.

You can imagine what an incredible relief it will be for the family when Richard is sponsored and gains the security of reliable medical and dental care, as well as help with his education.

Richard’s favorite pastime is playing basketball. How about we get some teamwork going and try to score a 3-pointer for this young man? You know the drill…print out this story…share it with your coworkers, friends and family…let them know that helping Richard’s future can be as inexpensive as a cheap cup of coffee (less than 75 cents a day!)…and before you know it, he will be connected to a caring sponsor.

If you or someone you know would like to become Richard’s sponsor, just write us at blog@children.org. We’ll handle your request personally.

P.S. Do you know someone who would like to sponsor but can’t quite afford it on their own? Why not suggest they share their sponsorship with a friend or relative?

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T07:10:00.000-04:00

The Blog Team and all of Children International wish you a safe and happy Independence Day weekend!

Meet CI President Jim Cook

2008-07-03T07:58:00.002-04:00

You’ve read about his travels on the blog, and now you have the opportunity to chat with him live. At 11:00 a.m. CST on July 15th Mr. Cook will take to the web in an instant-messenger-style chat to answer sponsors’ questions.

Is there something you’ve always wondered about? Want a behind the scenes perspective on sponsorship? Or would you just like to meet the man in charge? If so, this is your chance. The first 15 people to post a comment on the “Meet President Jim Cook” discussion thread on our Google Group’s page will be invited to join our live chat. Once you have posted your chat request to the thread, please email us at blog@children.org with your email address and contact information so we can send you all of the chat details.

Why only 15 people? We use free technology, and, well, there are limitations. So hurry to our Google Group and claim your “seat” in the chat! We apologize to those who are not among the first 15, but don’t despair. There certainly will be more chances to participate in live chats of this nature.

Still going strong

2008-07-02T07:15:00.000-04:00

- Our Google Group, that is. Children International’s Google Group is a great place for sponsors to mingle with other sponsors and chat about their experiences. Group members are asking questions about special donations and visits, making suggestions on how to better improve the sponsorship experience, sharing personal stories and giving tips on fun items to include in letters to their sponsored children. Proud sponsors are even sharing their children’s pictures.

It’s your own little space on the web dedicated specifically to what interests you - helping children through Children International. And the best thing is you run the show. (We just chime in occasionally to answer your questions.) If you’d like to see what the buzz is all about and become a group member, just click on “Join this group” on the right column of our Google Groups homepage. If you need help, drop us a line at blog@children.org. Until then, happy browsing!

A Fighting Chance

2008-07-01T12:52:00.003-04:00

Does the name “Marcia Brady” ring a bell in your mind? You might be interested to know that the woman millions of people remember as Marcia Brady of “The Brady Bunch” fame traveled to Africa recently on behalf of Children International.

CI team members Gretchen Dellett, Scott Cotter and I were in Africa with “Marcia” (Maureen McCormick) and her husband, Michael. They were gracious traveling companions who truly connected with the needy children of Lusaka, Zambia. In this piece, Gretchen reflects on Maureen’s visit.

***

A Fighting Chance
Posted on behalf of Gretchen Dellett

“I think about that hug every day.”

You can hear the emotion in Maureen McCormick’s voice as she recalls an emotional embrace with Mary, a 14-year-old orphan she met on her recent trip to Zambia, Africa. It’s evident as you speak to her that the journey – and the people she met – profoundly impacted her life.

The well-known actress and television personality spent ten days in Zambia on behalf of the nonprofit humanitarian organization Children International.

Maureen visits with Mary (left) and her sister, Manase.

Maureen met many children during her visit, but Mary, in particular, touched her heart. Although Mary is only 14, she has known a lifetime’s worth of pain and loss. Three years ago, Mary’s parents died of AIDS, leaving her in charge of her four younger siblings.

Each day, Mary wanders the nearby neighborhoods, looking for household work that may bring a little money for food. Her siblings also seek work. When that fails, as it often does, they beg on the streets. There are days when they eat nothing.

As Maureen took a tour of Mary’s barren home, she could hardly believe what she was seeing. The five children live in a cramped room with only a tattered, foam mattress and dirty blankets to sleep on. “Wow,” she said. “They could really, really benefit from Children International.”

Through an interpreter, Mary told Maureen of the difficulties they face. “I feel more like a mother than a sister,” she admits. “It’s been really difficult. I can’t afford food for them, or to send them to school.”

As she listened, Maureen shook her head in disbelief. “I have a daughter, and I just can’t even imagine her, you know, at this age, doing what Mary’s doing,” she said. Impulsively, she reached out to Mary and hugged her. Mary’s eyes filled with tears as she felt what had been missing in her life for three long years: a mother’s touch. “It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Maureen said.

When Maureen departed Zambia, she left Mary with far more than just a warm embrace: she and her husband, Michael, gave Mary the gift of their sponsorship.

Sponsors have also been found for Mary’s siblings. Now, as sponsored children, all five have access to Children International’s nearby community center, where they can receive medical and dental care, educational assistance, emergency food, vocational assistance and perhaps most importantly for these young orphans… attention and support from caring adults.

Maureen and Michael have already helped put new beds in Mary’s household, and they look forward to being a part of her life – and giving her a fighting chance to rise above the poverty and sorrow that has marked her young, difficult life.

If you’d like to discuss this post with other Children International sponsors, why not join the Children International Google Group?

Read more about Maureen McCormick and Children International.

Bloggers on a mission: Meet Jayson

2008-06-30T07:16:00.001-04:00

Jayson lives in Tabaco, Philippines and has been waiting for a sponsor for over three years. At thirteen years of age, life is already tough enough, but Jayson has the odds stacked against him. His father passed away, leaving Jayson, his mother and his siblings to live on just $27 a month. Sponsorship would offer Jayson medical and dental care, educational support, clothing and even nutritional aid if necessary.

As a sponsored teen Jayson would also have the opportunity to join Children International’s Youth Program and meet other youth his age who are striving to make a difference in their communities. The Youth Health Corps could also help him to learn valuable information on personal hygiene, sexual education and general wellness that perhaps life without a father has not been able to offer him.

If you know someone who would be interested in sponsoring Jayson, please have them contact us at blog@children.org. It could be as simple as putting his story and picture up on a bulletin board at work. Thank you so much.

Angela, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…Part 2

2008-06-27T07:25:00.002-04:00

Posted on behalf of Bailey Armstrong.

After visiting our operations in San Pedro Sula we made the three-hour drive to Copán, a beautiful little colonial town in the mountains.
We started early to tour all that Children International does for families in Copán. First, we wound our way into the mountains on a scary dirt road up to an impressive school that was constructed by a generous donor. They had five large classrooms, and a separate building for restrooms. In America, we take public restrooms for granted, but in Honduras this is often not the case. Having a bathroom for the teachers and the students goes a long way in preventing diseases caused by poor sanitation. While there, I also learned that most of the children don’t achieve higher than a sixth-grade education, a requirement by the government. It was hard for me to believe that many won’t be able to pursue their educations further, since all of the children in the classrooms seemed so enthusiastic about their studies.

Next, we visited some families in the neighborhood. We climbed up the mountainside on steep dirt roads, and I couldn’t help but wonder how the children did this every day just to get to and from school – I was exhausted from the climb and the heat halfway through the walk! It showed just how much they value their education and don’t take it for granted. I was able to meet with a couple of nice families. One family showed me their collection of jewelry made from beads and semillas, local seeds. They explained to me that they had partnered with about ten other families in the neighborhood to make the jewelry and then sell it in Copán to make a living for their families.

After making our way back down the mountain, we toured the Copán Community Center. I met some adorable children there! Initially they were rather shy, but soon warmed up to me when I gave them granola bars after I took their pictures and talked with them a bit on the playground. I was also introduced to the sewing program they have there. I was told by a woman in the program that she and her friends hope to get jobs in a maquiladora (clothing factory) once they finish the program.

Students in the sewing class trace clothing patterns.

After our busy and exciting visit to Copán we made the long drive back to San Pedro Sula where we (reluctantly) left Honduras and began our journey back home to Kansas City. I had such a great time in Honduras. This trip was such an eye-opener for me.

Of course, from all of my coworkers I’ve learned about many aspects of the services that Children International offers needy families in the world. However, I don’t think I ever really grasped all that we do until I actually experienced it. It was very hard seeing how those families live and get by, but the children were still so happy and playful; I can’t comprehend how they stay so positive. It must be because they have no other choice, and because they know nothing better, but I think a lot of it has to do with the innocence and happiness that is innate in every child – and of course, the hope they draw from the sponsorship program. I’ll never forget all of their smiling faces!

Lift One Project Question of the Month

2008-06-26T20:05:00.003-04:00

You're probably acquainted by now with Children International's advocacy initiative, the Lift One Project. If you're not, why not take a moment to learn more about it?

Here's our question of the month for you. Enjoy!

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Angela, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore…

2008-06-25T07:49:00.003-04:00

Posted on behalf of Bailey Armstrong.

What a whirlwind of a first day…

My first glimpse of San Pedro Sula, Honduras was from the plane. At first glance from above, it looked surprisingly like Kansas’ landscape, with its patchwork fields and thick stands of trees. But once we landed I quickly learned that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. Spanish Spanish Spanish everywhere! Even with six years of Spanish under my belt, I still felt a little uneasy trying to navigate through the busy airport, trying to communicate with people for instructions.

I found it humorous and almost comforting that the airport officials in Honduras are also agitated when you forget to fill out the proper immigration forms in customs – just like back home.

Once we finally made it through customs, Angela (CI Program Information Officer) and I were immediately whisked from the airport and taken to Children International’s Community Center in El Milagro. On the way, I saw a great deal of the city and surrounding countryside. I was surprised by how green the area was – especially since I had been constantly warned about how hot it would be there (and it was warm).

At El Milagro, I got to see a school full of children with smiling faces, having a great time on the playground. Unfortunately, I did not get to play with them on the see-saw….

We also visited the Community Center in Asentamientos Humanos. After that we drove to a neighborhood where sponsored children live. There I met this absolutely adorable boy named Kevin whose family has greatly benefited from his sponsor’s generosity. With the sponsor’s support, they were able to buy multiple fans for their cement home, as well as a fridge and other household supplies, including the plastic chairs that they pulled outside for us to sit on while we were visiting.

This family lived comparatively well. Earlier that day, I met a family that lived in a house made of scraps of metal and wood pieced together. Upon asking, I found out that they somehow fit 10 people into a home that is smaller than my kitchen, and they have only two beds to accommodate all of these family members. Behind their home was a river that they used for bathing, and that the children sometimes play in. During the recent hurricane, this river destroyed much of the neighborhood when it flooded. Now it’s full of pollutants from the city.

Despite all of this difficulty, the families were incredibly gracious toward me. It was a very eye-opening welcome to the country and to the daily lives of the children who are touched by Children International.

Bailey and Angela are employees of Children International’s Program Services Department. This was Bailey’s first visit to Honduras. Check back on Friday for part two of her Honduras travelogue.

Bloggers On A Mission: Meet Daniel

2008-06-23T07:40:00.002-04:00

This week we’re featuring a young scrapper from Chile. Daniel is 6 years old and suffers from spastic diparesis. He’s currently receiving physical therapy through Teletón, a national fundraiser in Chile to help children with disabilities. The good news is that there is a very good chance Daniel will be able to walk some day!

Daniel has been waiting for a sponsor for two years. A caring sponsor just might be the friend Daniel needs to give him inspiration and courage to keep fighting! While Daniel is receiving physical therapy through the efforts of Teletón, he still faces all the normal challenges any other sponsored child faces: school supplies, routine health and dental care, etc. Sponsorship can be vital in helping meet these needs.

Know someone who’d make a great sponsor? Share Daniel’s story with them and help him take a giant step toward success.

Contact us at blog@children.org and we'll be happy to set up sponsorship for Daniel.

Filthy and Sad...Like Dolls in the Darkness

2008-06-20T07:35:00.002-04:00

I’ve spent a lot of time in desperately poor neighborhoods, and I’ve witnessed scenes very similar to this one. You never quite get used to it. In this post, Javier Cárcamo, our Communications Coordinator in Rural Guatemala, shares the stark, ugly reality of poverty. In cases like these, sponsorship just might be the only frail thread that keeps families from total devastation:

I almost turned on my heel, as though I had been halted abruptly by an invisible barrier; it was the penetrating smell of human feces and the buzzing of the flies – more like an enormous beehive. There, inside that tiny house, were volcanoes of diapers and piles of dirty clothes strewn around the floor, emitting a terrible stench and steaming from the suffocating heat under the tin roof.

On the floor, sitting on old, dirty clothes and on the few areas of concrete that could be seen, were two girls and a baby – seated like plastic dolls, the girls with their fingers in their mouths and the baby with a bottle covered in dirt and ants and filled with murky water.

The walls, blackened by filth and damp, are little hiding places for spiders and cockroach eggs. The overpowering smell makes it hard for me to breathe; I can’t even open my mouth. The heat mingles with my desperation at not being able to find a space to step to get close to the children, who remain motionless in the darkness, seated in front of a tiny window that was only opened for my visit.

The oldest girl’s eyes are averted; her dirty face and tangled hair speak of neglect. The white spots on her skin are from poor nutrition. And the children have little sores from their environment – the rocks, bushes and barbed wire that surround the river that gives them the water they need to survive.

Childhood stress has taken on a new meaning for me. Lidia, the oldest child at just 10, is responsible for the younger children, but she has to do the household chores so she won’t be scolded. The time it takes for me to visit worries her, because she’s afraid her parents will come home.

The baby looks like an inanimate object, while the flies and ants celebrate the conquest of the tip of the baby bottle – the same spot where he’s trying to put his mouth. I don’t even want to imagine what experience has motivated him to try to coordinate the hand movement he needs to clean it off, but his little hand is dirty because he’s left on the floor with no care whatsoever. His clothes smell terrible, and from what I can tell he doesn’t have another change of clothes.

Lidia, who is the other children's aunt but is more like a sister to them, shows me the old mattress where she sleeps. It’s covered in unidentifiable stains, and when she tosses it to the floor it releases a cloud of dust and a heavy smell of urine. Volatile…truly indescribable.

I can’t stay inside any longer. I can’t find any space, any angle. All mobility is reduced and the atmosphere inside is dense. Outside the weather is fresh and bright, but the children have to stay inside so they won’t get lost or be robbed.

As I leave I keep trying to explain to myself why there are so many families that can’t overcome poverty even with the help of the organization. Immediately, the answer comes to my head like a chilling sentence. Simply this: without the organization, they’d be even worse off….

The Lift One Project Sweepstakes: Pass it on

2008-06-18T08:45:00.002-04:00

If you’ve already received your letter or email announcement, you know what the Lift One Sweepstakes is all about. But for those of you who are still waiting, here’s a hint: Create a Lift One webpage or get a child sponsored through your site, and you’re entered into a drawing to win a free trip for two to visit your sponsored child, plus a $200 shopping spree for your sponsored child. (If you already have a Lift One site, you’re automatically entered!) Click here for all the exciting details.

The Sweepstakes is a way of doing something nice for one lucky sponsor, but most importantly, we’re doing it for the children. Our goal with the Sweepstakes is to generate 300 more sponsorships – 300 children who have been desperately waiting for a sponsor – in some cases; they’ve been on our waiting list for up to two years.

Of course, we would love to far surpass that goal. So how about it? Are you ready to start lifting? Go to www.liftoneproject.org to create your account and begin sharing your sponsorship experience with your friends and family. Your personal story on your very own website just might inspire others to help a needy child. And if you’re lucky, soon you could be on a plane to meet your sponsored child in person!

Photo by Vong Hamilton. Thermometer courtesy of Ana Camere.

Bloggers On A Mission: Meet Allison

2008-06-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

I’m excited to report that all the children we’ve featured so far who have been waiting for some time for a sponsor have now been sponsored! Last week Lizeth was the lucky girl.

Today I’d like you to meet Allison, from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Allison is eleven years old. Her parents are separated, and she lives with her mom. Their monthly income is only $60.

Allison has been waiting for a sponsor since 2005. Are you the one? Or maybe you know someone who would enjoy the satisfaction of helping Allison have a shot at a better future. Please feel free to click on the little white envelope at the bottom of this post to forward it on to your friends and family.

A quick email to blog@children.org is all it takes. Thanks!

Power Outage

2008-06-13T07:21:00.001-04:00

Good morning all!

As much as we bloggers like to keep our readers in the know, we have to admit that today we're kind of in the dark ourselves -- literally.

Due to an unfortunate accident that damaged power lines near Children International's offices in Kansas City, our entire building is without power. Crews from the electric company are working to restore service, but it appears it will be several hours before everything is working normally.

So if you try to reach our office today and can't, we promise we're not ignoring you! Thanks for your understanding, and I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

It’s that time again...

2008-06-11T07:35:00.002-04:00

Another edition of eNews will be arriving in your inbox today. Take a peek inside. You won’t be disappointed. Here are just a few of the articles and photo pieces in the June edition:

- A one-of-a-kind comic strip about our anti-parasite program. Our translator David Nebel has a way with words ...and artistic talent.

-A timely Father’s Day story and slideshow detailing an outstanding dad, Eliseo, in Mexico.

-A look at Stephanie Wahl’s “On the Needles” blog where she shares her love of sponsorship and knitting.

Intrigued? Check your email, and let us know what you think. Happy reading.

Bloggers On A Mission

2008-06-09T09:25:00.005-04:00

Good morning, all!

I hope you had a great weekend. Here in Kansas City we’re pretty much waterlogged!

As you may have noticed, the CI bloggers are on a personal crusade to help find sponsors for some of our children who have been waiting the longest. That’s why you’ll be reading about these children on a regular basis.

We understand that many of our blog readers already sponsor several children and may not be personally able to take on another sponsorship; however, we’re hoping you can take this information to friends, family and coworkers and ask them to help. And of course, if you’re registered for the Lift One Project, each new sponsor you find through your project adds to your chances of winning a trip to visit one of your own sponsored children!

Today we’re featuring Lizeth, who is 12 years old and lives in Manila. Lizeth has been waiting for a sponsor since May of 2005…three long years. She lives with her mom and dad, three brothers and one sister in a one-room house. Just like many children in her circumstances (her family’s income is only $133 a month), Lizeth has no bed and sleeps on a mat on the floor.

If you have the answer to Lizeth’s dreams of finding a sponsor, please drop us a line at blog@children.org. We’ll set the sponsorship up personally.

And…thanks.

Children International

We’ve Taken a Giant Step!

Out with the Old

A Chat with Victoria

A Christmas Wish from CI President Jim Cook

On the 12th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me…

On the 11th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

On the 10th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me…

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

On the Seventh Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

On the 6th Day of Christmas, My Sponsor Gave to Me…

On the 5th Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

On the fourth day of Christmas, my sponsor gave to me...

On the Third Day of Christmas, Children International gave to me...

On the 2nd Day of Christmas My Sponsor Gave to Me...

On the first day of Christmas, Children International gave to me…

What Matters Most

Sponsors Give Thanks

Thanksgiving Grins

Talk About Changing Lives...

Update on René

René needs a hug

Operation YPENCIL

Seizing the Moment: Meet Jacob Randol

An Unconditional Friendship

A Salute to Our Veterans

Sponsored Children Express their Dreams through Art

Meet Karla, from Legazpi, Philippines

Meet Yet Another Blogger...

Building Health through Proper Nutrition

The Hoarse Drum

An Unexpected Visitor

The Veiled Lady

More Scary Legends from the Field

Hope for Wilmer

Second Chances

Blog Action Day: The Results

GET ’EM WHILE THEY’RE HOT!!!

Blog Action Day: October 15!

¡El 15 de octubre es el Día de Acción Contra la Pobreza -- El Día de Acción Blog 2008!

Countdown to Action

Just for Grins, Part 3

Just for Grins, Part 2

Just for Grins

Your Chance to Help

Making Memories at the Community Center

Overcoming Disaster

A Time for Action

Joining the Team

George's Story

Kidding Around

Handing Out Hugs

It's Official!

Gaining Independence, Again

Special Delivery: eNews

Meet a Blogger: Sarah

It Doesn’t Take Much

Evelyn from Quito

Through Hard Work and Hope

Getting Ahead on the Mean Streets

Q&A with a Boy Named Gift

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...about Sponsorship

Joy and Fulfillment through Volunteering

Have You Hugged Your (Sponsored) Child Today?

Mission Accomplished!

Liliam Still Needs Our Help!

A Sweet Bite of the Big Apple

Straight to Your Inbox from Children International

Rocío's Defining Moment: A New York City Experience

Youth Day in Zambia

It's All about Youth!

Meet Angel, from Manila, Philippines

Before and After: Feels like Home

Bloggers on a Mission: Meet Liliam Lissette

Faces of Joy

A Little Pilot in Training

Using What She Learned in Her “Foam-ative” Years

A Reality Check

The Lighter Side of Sponsorship