Letter from Anjali

Dear Beverly Sykes,

I send greetings to you in the Almighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fine. I hope same with you there. I received your letters and pictures. Dandehi (not sure what that means) is very nice and beautiful. How is your grand daughter? I am very happy. How felt your son and son-in-law? Your grand daughter is very cute.

I celebrated Children's Day on the 10th of November very well. We celebrated suppose Christmas. Also I am praying for you and your family members. Thank you for your loving sponsorship.

Your loving child,
M. Anjali

Finally, a new letter from Fred

Maybe it just SEEMS like it has been an extra long time since I heard from Fred. In today's letter, he is answering my letters of August 5 and August 11.

Dear Auntie Sykes,

Greetings from the Philippines!!! We hope that you have a blessed day. All is well here. Fred is enjoying his second grade. He just took a Division Achievement test today. Please pray that his grades would increase. His highest subject was English.

God is so gracious to your husband with the strength he had given. (I'm not sure what this is about, but on 8/5, I did answer a question about what Walt did for a job).

Fred is playing soccer but he likes basketball more. He is not fond of parlor games.

Thank you for the dog stickers and the paper money. We are sure that no one can get it because they can't spend it. (I sent a pad of tiny dollar bills--and I DID explain that it was play money). They had lots of programs last Vacation Bible School.

Fred's new teacher is Mrs. Ortega. Can you remember your favorite teacher's name? Fred is so thankful for his teachers.

Thank you for all of your concerns.

God bless you. Until here.

Love,
(Fred's Mother)

A New Kiva Loan

Lucy Kosimbei from Kenya is my 39th Kiva loan.


Lucy has been in active mixed farming for over 18 years in her home area of Litein, South Rift, Kenya. Her farm currently produces milk, tea and poultry for the local market with the help of one farmhand. She reiterates that farming is her only source of income.

Lucy has requested a loan of 28,000 KES from Juhudi Kilimo to help build a zero grazing unit for the animals. She is optimistic the business will be better with the loan and hopes to be able to improve her family's living standards. She is, however, apprehensive with the poor market for the produce.

Letter from Anjali

It seems like forever since I've had a Compassion letter, but one finally arrived from Anjali today. After being nearly mute for so long, she's become a real chatterbox!

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. I am fine. I hope same with you there. I received written letter in your letters. Teluguin my note book (not quite sure what that means!) My teacher translate the letter, then I written in the letter. My new teacher name is Siromarii. I am studying new subjects in my new class very well. I received book marks. Thank you for your bookmarks. I also love music. How is your family members? I am praying for you and your family members, that all you will be well.

I thank you for your loving sponsorship.

Fresh Water - See Your Impact

Having come to understand the need for fresh water in so many different places, this "see your impact" story brings tears to my eyes.

Kavin and her family have access to clean water!

Dear Sterling and Melinda, Dennis, Dean and Julie, Beverly, Lisa, Tom, and Ken and Sharon,

Speaking to Divine Waters Uganda staff in the village of Aloborom in Northern Uganda, 20 year old Kavin said that she used to hear people talking a lot about Divine Waters Uganda and how they were helping provide clean water in nearby communities.

Meanwhile, her community continued to drink dirty water that was white in color and often full of sand. With no other option, Kavin and her family collected this water anyway.

Thank to your combined generosity, Divine Waters Uganda was able to provide a well for this community. Families are now able to wash clothes and bathe whenever they like, and are no longer suffering from water related diseases.

Loan made through See Your Impact.

2 Letters from Anjali

There were two letters from Anjali, in India, today. the first was a thank you letter, which came with a photo attached:

I bought Mixi with the birthday gift that I received in the month of September 2011. In my house we have essential the mixi. It is use for many pastes to made. My family members are very thankful to you.

I remember you in my prayers. Once again thank you for your love and help.

Your loving child

M. Anjali

The second was a regular letter.

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Greetings to you in the sweet name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fine. I hope same with you there. How is your health? I received your letter. When it gets very hot I spend before the air cooler.

Cappy and Polly are very nice to see. They are very cute. I too like dogs.

Thank you for your appreciation. And also thank you for you, because you are showing my pictures to your friends and relatives.

I am studying well. I am praying for you.

You are my lucky sponsor I am loving so much. I thank you for your wonderful sponsorship. I am sending my regards to your family members. I am sending my kisses to you.

Your loving child,

M. Anjali

2 More Letters from Esther

I received two letters from Esther today, along with the Christmas greeting at the side--a beautifully folded envelope.

September 3, 2011

This month is the month of September. I'm now in grade 11 in high school. I'll soon do the 1st semester mid test.

I hope Beverly is able to pray for me that I can do it well.

At school I take Teens' Red Cross activity and soon I'll be inaugurated. It's going to be great for sure. What's the extra activity you once took at school, Beverly? I laugh a lot, indeed, usually because of funny things.

Around Christmas now, I have no plan yet, and maybe this letter reaches you there when it's already Christmas. My family and I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. God bless.

And there was another letter, dated a month later.

October 3, 2011

I like to laugh too, maybe if there's funny stuffs. Friends support it too. I can read English magazine but don't master it well. In Indonesia there are so many kinds of magazines and I usually read the magazines at school.

On the Eid holiday yesterday I just went around the family to greet the relative's place, help auntie to make foods. Oh, the dragon in Indonesia, we have one, but rarely find it. Do you have many dragons there? Do you like dragons, Beverly?

That is all from me. Next time I continue again.

God bless you.

Letter from Esther

Hi, Beverly Sykes

How are you? Here, my family and I are fine. I'm glad to receive the birthday gift which amounted to dp. 127.500. I spent it on clothes. Please also pass my thanks to [her financial sponsor] for the birthday gift.

I'm going to do the mid-exams soon. Please pray for me, Beverly. Please pray that I'll do the exams well.

Love regards from me to you and your family, Beverly Sykes.

Compassion was very upset that she had included the account number of her financial sponsor--I am her correspondence sponsor. They say it was a violation of the other sponsor's privacy, but I wouldn't even begin to know how to find out who this person was from a 7-digit number!

Najesh

I have received a report on my second "See your Impact" donation.

No longer lonely, Najesh is loved!

Dear Kanwar, Beverly, Laura, Katherine, Peggy, and Jim,

Najesh was a destitute child, who was left to fend for himself in the harsh city of Mumbai, till Sahaara Charitable Society found out about him, and admitted him into Mahima Home, a home for orphaned boys.

At Mahima Home, Najesh receives English medium schooling in one of the top schools in the locality, quality accommodation and wholesome nutrition within a loving family environment afforded by dedicated houseparents.

Najesh is an energetic , physically fit and active eight year old boy today. He loves computer games and loves the outdoors as well. He is a good student in school and overall, Najesh is blossoming into a secure child, not fearing, but looking forward to his future!

Your generous donations, Kanwar, Beverly, Laura, Katherine, Peggy, and Jim, will enable Sahaara to provide three fresh and nutritious meals to Najesh for, thereby ensuring that he remains healthy and continues doing well in his studies.

Thank you all so much, for coming together in support of Najesh!

Loan made through See Your Impact.

Letter from Anjai

I had a very nice letter from Anjali today. Things seem to have done a 180 since she started writing her own letters. It's like I have found a brand new child!

Dear Beverly Sykes:

Greetings to you in the sweet name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fine here. I hope you same with you there. I am studying well. How are you? How is your health?

We are going enter int winter season. This season is very beautiful to us. I like the winter seasn. At morning time we have see the fog, on the open place. It is looking very nice. In this season we have many fruits like jujubi, custard apple, apple, pomogranate, etc. How is your weather?

We will be celebrating All Saints Day on November 1st and next day we will be celebrating All Souls Day on November 2nd. That day we decorated our elders' tomb with flowers and candles.

I am praying for you and your family in my daily prayers. You also pray for me. Once again, thank you for your sponsorship.

Your loving child,
Anjali

New Kiva Loan

I found a way to help someone in THIS country this time around. Of course I'd be more enthusiastic if there were a few GIANTS hats mixed in among those Yankee caps! Ibrahima lives in the Bronx.


Ibrahima is originally from West Africa. He has been is the United States since 1997, and when he first arrived he became a truck driver. After a few years on the road, Ibrahima knew he wanted to become more independent and start his own business. Six years ago, he opened a store selling sports apparel and urban style clothing. He says starting a business is all about taking chances, and that’s exactly what he did. With the store, Ibrahima is helping support his wife and three children.

In view of the upcoming cold season, Ibrahima needs to stock the store with warm clothing. He will use this loan to buy inventory such as coats, sweaters, and boots.

Letter from Theresa

I had another letter from Theresa today. It took about 3 weeks to get here, which is pretty good. She's only 4, so she doesn't write letters, but I liked her hand print. The person who wrote the letter for her says that she has a cat but hasn't named her yet because she didn't know if she could name her.

"Theresa can now pray before eating her food. She also assists in house chores She can now socialize with her age mates. She now interacts well with her friends"

I sent her back a tracing of my hand, which should make her laugh, it's so big!

Letter from Murugi

Murugi is a correspondence child, which means I don't sponsor her financially, but I write to her, since her financial sponsor doesn't. She is 19 and her letter today had exciting news.

Dear Beverly Sykes,

It is my hope and prayer that you are fine under God's Care. Back at home we are fine, experiencing the cold August weather. How is the weather back there?

We are now harvesting our crops from the shamba (a garden, in Kenya) at our place. We are happy and thankful to God because we are able to harvest a lot of maize and beans.

I'm happy that I did my secondary examination well and I've joined college. (I'm so happy for her!) My grandmother is very proud of me for that.

How are you doing back there? Do you take part in church activities like I do? I usually attend the church every Sunday. I'm also a member of youth choir in our church. When I'm not in school other youth members and I take part in cleaning the church and its compound and also visit the sick in hospitals and in their homes. What do you usually do?

• This is where I get uncomfortable. These children want so desperately to know what you do in church, what prayers you say, what Bible verses you like to read. It's difficult for someone who does not attend church and doesn't read the Bible to know how to respond!)

Receive greetings from my family member. I'm grateful for you and your support and I pray that God blesses you so much. I will continue praying for you and thank God for giving me a good friend like you. Thank you for your support and may God bless the work of your hands.

Bye.
Yours,
Murugi

A two letter day

Today I received letters from both Eric Wainaina in Kenya and Fred in the Philippines. I will make each a separate entry.

Letter from Fred

Dear Auntie Sykes,

Christian greeting!

Thank you for the star (I sent a big star sticker on one of the letters, congratulating him on his good work in school). Fred was so happy for your appreciation.

We know that you are lonely when Walt and Jeri are not at home. We filipinos have that strong feeling also. We don't like that anybody is away. Thank you for your prayers for our sorrow. (Fred younger sister died last year)

Have you experienced a storm lately? We are experiencing it this week. Please pray for Fred's safety every time he goes to school.

He is learning multiplication and we know the difficulty. He is growing taller and he is becoming more responsible in doing his assignments.

Thank you for your love and support. God bless you!!!

Love,
Mrs Lyra C.
(Fred's mother)

Letter from Wainaina

I don't know whether to call him Eric or Wainaina. I've been calling him the latter, but this letter, the first really long, personal letter I've received from him, is signed "Eric."

Beverly Sykes,

First of all, is much greetings for a long time I haven't written for you a letter. I am happy for your support. God has protected me and our family. My family usually pray for you. I thank God for your prayers.

For now I'm happy for God has answered my prayers of becoming top ten in our exams. How areyou doing? Are you studying like me? I am doing well in home and school. For me, I like participating in many activities, even those that I'm not talented in. But I thank God for what I like doing in my leisure time. He has blessed me with the gift of playing soccer.

I love you for your help and guidance. Here in Kenya there is a lot of drought. animals in Northern Kenya are dying because of hunger. May our prayers be answered because of Kenyans for Kenya initiative to help those who are hungry.

I would like you to read from the book of Psalms 125:1 It says "those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which can never be shaken and can never be moved."

Letter from Anjali

I was very excited to receive this letter from Anjali. Not only is it the longest letter I have ever received from any of my Compassion children, but she wrote it by herself, for the very first time.

Dear Beverly Sykes,

Greetings to you in the Almighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am fine here. I hope same with you there. How is your health?

I received your letter. I feel very happy when I am reading your letter. My favorite subject is English. My favorite game is KhoKho I received your photos also. Photos are very beautiful. Badaling Great Wall is very nice to see. I like paper dolls very much. We have quarterly exams in this month. Pray for me. After examinations we have Pasara (?) holiday to schools.

But we have no holidays for Project. Project will conducting retreats in holidays. Our staff teach new songs. I like action songs. We written 1st and 2nd unit examinations. I got good marks in examinations.

We celebrated teachers day on September 5th. I given fruits and given flowers to my teachers. Teachers blessings us on that day. We celebrate teachers day because our great teacher's birthday on that day. He is our formal president also. His name is Dr. Sarre Palli Raolho Krishna.

I am praying for you and again thank you for your sponsorship.

Your loving child,
M. Anjali

Best of all, this letter did not include the same pictures she has been drawing for two years!

Letter from Emmanuella

This is my first letter from Emmanuellal in Ghana. It follows a series of categories to which she writes comments:

Response to sponsor's questions
I am with much joy to have your letter. We do not have a dog. My best subject is science. My siblings are Rosemary 17 year and Felix 2 years.

Questions from Child to Sponsor
What are the names of your children?

New Personal Information about Child.
I am the house leader of my house that is the house of righteousness.

I would like to know more about
Your new grandchild.

Child's prayer for sponsor:
I pray that God should give you strength and let your work go on.

Child's prayer request
Pray for me that God should give me wisdom and understanding so that I can learn.

2 New Kiva Loans

I chose this woman in memory of dear Nora, who died recently...and also because she is in the Philippines, where my Correspondence child, Fred lives.


Nora is 56 years old. She is married with 1 child. Nora has a piece of land cultivated with vegetables and fruit trees, which in time can be harvested with the intention to sell. She has had this business for 10 years. She requested a loan of PHP 15,000 to buy insect sprays and fertilizers. She has been a member of HSPFI since 2010. In the future, Nora hopes to improve her business.

I chose Ivone because a widow with six children needs all the help she can get.

Ivone was born in the district of Boane, province of Maputo, southern Mozambique. She is a widow and the mother of six children, of which only one still attends school. She never had the opportunity to study for lack of financial conditions. She lives with her family in a house she owns and doesn't support anyone else.

She has been a businesswoman for over 35 years and earns an income of about 6.000mt a month. She uses it to pay for home expenses and saves part of it in her bank account.
She has had loans in other banks (PROCREDIT) and has been able to pay them back without any difficulties. She first heard of Hluvuku through friends who are also clients of this institution. This is her first loan with Hluvuku. It is for 10.000mt, which she intends to use to purchase goods (oil, sugar, beans, etc.) in order to increase the volume of her merchandise.

Satyavathi now lives in dignity

Dear Beverly,

Killadi Satyavathi is a 66 year old widow who lives in the village of Brahmadevam in coastal Andhra Pradesh. She has one son and three daughters, who are are married and living with their families. Satyavathi's husband passed away 2 years ago. She works as a daily laborer earning 2$ a day whenever she finds work. Until recently, she was able to successfully manage the household chores and work as a laborer. But her vision began to drop gradually, making it virtually impossible to carry on independently. She was depressed.

Satyavathi developed cataracts in both eyes, which were operated upon by Sankurathri Foundation. However, even after the surgery, she found that she needed corrective glasses in order to see well. Satyavathi, however, had no money to pay for the glasses, and thought she would continue without glasses.

Your donation, Beverly, enabled Sankurathri Foundation to provide a free pair of glasses to her. She can now perform her household chores and work as a laborer without depending on anyone.

Thank you, Beverly, for restoring Satyavathi's eyesight and restoring her dignity.

Loan made through See Your Impact.