Monday, March 31, 2014

Letter from Henrique

At age 7, Luis Henrique is a man of few words.  This is a form he filled out which lets me know that:

He had vacations in January and June
They last 30 days.
He likes to visit his relatives
His favorite relative is his cousin
He likes to play with his friends in vacation
He likes to go to the beach
He suggests I read Genesis 1:3 (the "in the beginning" part)

His personal message is:

Thanks for everything. I loved your last letter.

And he includes a drawing


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

New Faces

Compassion recently published a blog entry about the numbers of kids who went without ever hearing from their sponsors and how sad it made them, so I wrote and said that I could take on another two correspondence children, so I now have two more to add to the family.

Annie Rose (don't you love that name?) is 10 years old and is from the Philippines.

She is in Grade 2 and performs below level.

She lives with both of her parents.  Her father is a farmer and her mother runs a variety store.

She likes to play house, to play jacks, swim, read, draw and listening to music.

Her duties at home include:
  • Washing clothes
  • Running errands
  • Making beds
  • Cleaning
  • Animal care
  • Carries water
  • Child care
  • Gathers firewood
  • Kitchen help
It doesn't say if she has siblings, but since she includes "child care," I assume that she does.

I look forward to getting to know her.

 Israel is 17 years old and is from Bolivia. (He sure doesn't look 17, does it?)

He is in the 11th grade and his performance is "average."

He lives with his father.  His mother has died, but it does not say when she died.

He plays the guitar, and likes singing and listening to music.  He likes group games, soccer, volleyball and other ball games.

His home duties include:
  • Washing clothes
  • Running errands
  • Making beds
  • Cleaning
  • Animal care
  • Child care
  • Gathers firewood
  • Kitchen help
I notice that he, too, lists child care, though no siblings are listed in his information.

I had one child from Bolivia before and never heard from him once, and his parents pulled him from the program so he was only with me for a year or less.  I hope I have better luck with Israel and will do my best to make him feel as part of the family.



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

New Photo of Josphat

There is a new photo of Josphat.  Another one of the "solemn ones" but I am always happy to get new photos and see how the kids grow from year to year.

Josphat is an orphan, so doesn't have much to smile about.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Letter from Shallon

My mother Beverly Sykes,

Let me thank God who has given me this golden chance to say how are you?  I thank you very much for loving me and sending me letters.  How are your family members?

Back to us, we have no problem because we are protected with the holy spirit and thinking that you are also fine like us.

I want to send you a verse in the Bible.  It is in Jeremiah 30:11 [this is the verse:  For I am with you to save you, declares the Lord; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.  I wonder what THAT means!!!]

I send my warmly greetings to your family members.  And my guardians are greeting you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As you know that we are in Christmas time.  I wish you good and happiness in this time.  My mother, how many years will you have when I am celebrating my birthday in February [we share the same birthday].  I want to communicate with you face to face when I am celebrating my birthday.

I need your prayers such that the holy spirit come down and help me to continue schooling next term and finish my 4th year.

My sister recovered from sickness last month.  She is now fine. For me, I have a verse which gives me power.  It is Jeremiah 20:11.  It says I know the plans I have for you.

What weather do you have over there?  We are harvesting millet.

On your letter the children who put costumes and dresses they look funny at first.  I thought they were not human beings.

I have never heard of bathroom wall so I was wondering what is it? But, my friend, I have read you had fun and after reading it, I laughed.

My guardians and I we are always thankful at your support because you chose me out of many.  May God richly bless you.  I wish you merry Christmas and happy new year.

Love from your child.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Letter from Miché

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Today is a great pleasure for me in my heart to write to you this letter.  How are your activities?  My activities are going well, by the Grace of God.  How is your family?  Do you happy to receive my letter?  If yes, my family is happy to receive your letters and your photo.  It is a special thing because I am the only one in the world who is Miché.  My studies are going well.  What is funny in my area are Christmas party and theater, dance and share gifts with friends too.  Thanks for the nice story in the pictures.  I wish that God Bless You!

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Letter and New Photo from Theresa

I received a form from Theresa, dated 1/18/14 along with a new photo.  It hurts my heart every time I get a photo from her.  Each time she has such a terribly sad look on her face.  This year I notice that her eyes also have a "dead" look in them.  the day I receive a smiling picture--even a hint of a smile--on the face of this little girl, I will be very happy indeed.

The form this month is about her hobbies and pets.  Her hobbies are cooking in cans and tins, singing and watching television along with visiting her friends.  She does not have a pet.  She says the hobby she would like to learn is reading (she is only 6).

She also tells me that her parents raise sheep, but they are not her pets.

Her coordinator writes for her, answering questions that I asked in a couple of my letters.

Theresa is very fine and has never in her life heard about having a big party for a bathroom wall.  Moreover, she is yet to come across any thing silly or fun about where she lives that makes her happy.  Yes, some families over here share their homes with pets, but there is no celebration like your Thanksgiving in this country.  She prays for good health for Ned.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Letter from Josphat

Josephat sent a form letter, followed by a message.  He also sends me several drawings.

1/18/14

Dear Bevery Sykes,

During free time I like to play soccer.  My favorite activity is visiting friends.  When I am outside I like to play.  When I am inside, I like to help doing domestic chores.  One sport I like to play is soccer.  I usually play with friends and siblings.   When I am bored, I like to read a story book.  One fun thing I like to do is dancing.

Message to my sponsor:  Receive many greetings from your sponsored child, Josephat.  He says he is doing okay and that they have just opened school.  He says he wants to wish you all the best in life this year and he says  you are in his prayers always.  He says he is requesting you to remember him in prayers so as to excel academically.