And Cristal Makes 30

I realized that I had 29 kids, a combination of sponsored and correspondence kids and thought it should be an even number, so I asked for one more correspondence child.  Today, I was assigned Cristal from Guatemala, who is the same age as Brianna.

She lives in the coastal community of San José El Idolo, home to approximately 8,000 residents. Typical houses are constructed of dirt floors, wood walls and corrugated tin roofs. The primary ethnic group and language is Cakchiquel.

She lives with both of her parents, who are both employed as church workers.

Her hobbies include

• Dolls
• Group games
• Play house
• Jacks
• Running
• Other ball games

I look forward to getting to know her.

New Kids

I've added 4 new kids over the past month or so.

When the call went out for sponsorship for "older kids" who are more difficult to place, I thought I'd just take a look.

I just checked on this photo of a girl in Tanzania.  She was 14 and one of the oldest in the group.  I had NO intention to sponsor another child because I just could not afford it.

But her name was Eunice.  Eunice Gilbert.  That was like a message from the grave.  How could I turn my back on a child named Gilbert?  So I agreed to sponsor her.  I don't know how, but somehow I'll do it.

Then there are three new correspondence sponsored kids.

 Rifaldi from Indonesia

 Joham from Colombia

and Woodsen from Haiti

Got my work cut out for me with all these new kids to get to know, but I know it will be worth it.

A wonderful letter from Anjali

Anjali was my first sponsored child in 2009 and now has become one of my best letter writers.  She is 12 now.

 09/03/15

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Ireceived your letters.  I am very happy that.  How are you?  How is your family members?

Thank you for you send your friends photo.  But I am very sad about this news.  I pray for your friend Mike's soul and also I pray for Char's health and her five children's health.  God has given you all needs for your friend Mike and Char's family.

I am very happy are you seen the world leaders' photos.  I am very happy because your sons adults have a own children.  God has chosen what is the best for your adults own children  I pray for your cousin's health.

We celebrated Christmas very happily.  I am very happy because are you celebrate the Christmas very enjoyful.  Thank you for you send Walt's sister photo.  My favourite Christmas song is "Jingle Bells."  Please send my Christmas greetings to your mother sadly and Walt's sister.  [not sure what the "sadly" refers to!]

How is your daughter and her husband?  I am very happy because are you seen the many beautiful places.  Thank you for your send that photos Bernese Mountain Dog was very nice.  I like it very much.  How is Jeri and Phil?

I am so happy are you write the Malala Yousafsi girl story.  I am so happy are you send this photo.

I am studying very well.  I write FA4 (Formative Assessment) exams very well.  My family members are all pray for your famiy members in our daily prayers.

Now we are enter the summer season.  We got so many fruits like mango, watermelon, musk melon, etc.  Every Saturday evening my community project children gathered one house and pray for their problems.  God has chosen my group name is "Moses."

My school conduct one programme that is (CF) Christmas friend.  CF means exchanging of gifts.  My CF name is B.Victor paul.  My name was come by Charan Raj.  He is studying 10th class.  Please pray for exams.

My project conduct every month Bible quiz and children in prayers.  I participated that Bible quiz.  Please pray for my project.

thank you for your gracious love andsupport.

Your loving child,
M. Anjali

Letter from Miché

 Miché is good about answering all sorts of questions.  I should give him more questions that need more than a "yes" or "no" answer!

27/03/15

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Today, I am so pleased to be writing you this letter.  How are you doing and family?  I am doing very well, thanks to God.  How are doing your activities?  It is always with joy that I am writing you.  I was glad to gt your letter and the beautiful picture.  No, I don't hear about this game called "bowling"  Yes, it is me who use to take it  (him) in the Project.  Yes, there are vets here to take care of  the animals.  Yes, there are people to gather the trash.  There are several people that help people in the community as nurses. Yes,  have people who help me in the community.  No, I did not hear about the snow storm.  I am asking you to pray for my school and my church.  Thank you.

I wish that God blessed you.

Letter from Fred

March 30, 2015

Dear Auntie Sykes,

Christian Greetings!

Once again I would like to say hello to all of you.  About me, I'm OK, by God's grace. I saw the snows that is very t hick.  Yes, we also have community helpers. 

By the way, what is the name of Brianna's friend?  Who teaches them how to cook?  I'm so very proud of her.

Thank you also for the letter that you send for me and also the pictures. Please pray for my family's health and my schooling.  Thank  you and God bless you!

Love,
Fred

Letter from Briana

3/14/15

Dear Beverly Sykes,

It is a real pleasure for me to write you this letter. How are you and your activities going?  How is your family doingG?  Are they all alright?  To me, everything is going step by step.

I am ansering the questions you asked.  In Haiti all the things are going step by step.  Yes, it is always the midwife who helps in the giving birth in Haiti.

How do you celebrate the Easter by your side?

How is Brianna doing?  Does she still go to school?  What about your mommy?  I prayed for you and your family.  I hope you are very well.

Help me pray as I help you to pray too so I obtain my average for promoting to grade 9, if God's willing.  I encourage you to read Psalm 1.  It is by that verse I leave you.

Letter from Emmanuella

2/28/15

Dear Beverly Sykes,

God bless you for your letters and prayers.

(in answer to a question I asked her)  No, I pick letters from the post office.  We have people who help in cleaning the community and also pick up garbages.  There are veterinarians who care for sick animals.

I now read a chapter of the Bible every day.

How did you celebrate Christmas?

I pray that God will heal Walt from the cancer.  (she obviously confused Walt with my cousin)

Pray that God will grant me wisdom and understanding.

Luke 2:52 - And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and have favour with God and men.  Amen.