Compassion seems to finally be getting letters out. It is so good to start hearing from the children again, today from Fred (my favorite) in the Phiippines, and from Murugi in Kenya
Friday, February 24, 2012
Letter from Fred
I haven't heard from Fred in almost 2 months, which is VERY unusual for him, so I was pleased to get such a positive letter from his mother today.
Dear Auntie Sykes,
Christian Greeting!!! We are so happy to receive your letters. Fred is having his school vacation now. We just had a good service during our anniversary and we had a good dinner. How about your church, how do you celebrate your anniversary? Thank you also for the pictures and the toy that you sent.Please pray that his cough will get well soon. He is improving in mathematics. Our family is okay also. We are always in our house and we will spend our new year celebrating here.
His siblings are okay. He is obedient to us especially in running errands. He love teaching his siblings. Thank you for your prayers. They had a good party in school.
God bless you all until here.
Love,
Fred's mother
Dear Auntie Sykes,
Christian Greeting!!! We are so happy to receive your letters. Fred is having his school vacation now. We just had a good service during our anniversary and we had a good dinner. How about your church, how do you celebrate your anniversary? Thank you also for the pictures and the toy that you sent.Please pray that his cough will get well soon. He is improving in mathematics. Our family is okay also. We are always in our house and we will spend our new year celebrating here.
His siblings are okay. He is obedient to us especially in running errands. He love teaching his siblings. Thank you for your prayers. They had a good party in school.
God bless you all until here.
Love,
Fred's mother
Letter from Murugi
This letter is dated December 19. Murugi is 19 years old and writes letters in English herself.
Dear Beverly Sykes,
I salute you in the name of Jesus Christ. Hope you are fine together with your family and friends. Here I am fine and our family is well. I am thanking you for the letters and photos that you have sent for me and I'm saying sorry for losing your beloved cousin. May find comfort, you and her family members.
I wish you a marvelous Christmas. May God continue to bless you and grant you a long life. Have a happy new year and it is my hope that God will continue doing wonderful things. May God bless you with your family.
Your loving friend
Dorvin Murugi
Dear Beverly Sykes,
I salute you in the name of Jesus Christ. Hope you are fine together with your family and friends. Here I am fine and our family is well. I am thanking you for the letters and photos that you have sent for me and I'm saying sorry for losing your beloved cousin. May find comfort, you and her family members.
I wish you a marvelous Christmas. May God continue to bless you and grant you a long life. Have a happy new year and it is my hope that God will continue doing wonderful things. May God bless you with your family.
Your loving friend
Dorvin Murugi
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Another Letter from Theresa
Maybe this explains why there have been so few mail deliveries--the letters are being written, but not sent. The letter I received from Theresa in Ghana yesterday was dated January 10 and the one I received today was dated January 25.
For Child's prayer request it is written:
Theresa says God should give her long life and strength.
I would like you to know more about my house
Theresa would like to tell you they have mango, banana, plaintain and flowers around their home.
Child's response to sponsor's question(s)
Theresa plays ampe, which is played with two or more people and also sings and drums with friends. She becomes happy on that day.
For Child's prayer request it is written:
Theresa says God should give her long life and strength.
I would like you to know more about my house
Theresa would like to tell you they have mango, banana, plaintain and flowers around their home.
Child's response to sponsor's question(s)
Theresa plays ampe, which is played with two or more people and also sings and drums with friends. She becomes happy on that day.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Letter from Theresa
It has been 3 months since I received a letter from Theresa, in Ghana. Since she is only 4, the length of time between letters is really determined by the staff of the center where she goes to school. But it was lovely to hear from/about her finally. According to this letter, she has I guess 3 siblings (4 are listed, but as one is 30, I suspect it is a parent!). She is the youngest, with siblings 6, 8, and 10. (no indication of whether they are brothers or sisters).
Her letter thanks me for words of encouragement, pictures, stickers, and a Christmas gift and then goes on to talk about her life.
Theresa would like to tell you she is in her second term at school and family are happy.
Hey, Theresa says she enjoyed your story (I told her about my son Ned losing his two front teeth and I asked what the custom is in Ghana when a child loses his/her baby teeth). It really made her laugh out loud. In Theresa's culture, children throw their lost teeth on the roof of their house. They believe when this is done it would make the permanent teeth come out early.
And then there is a picture of "Theresa's backyard flower." Looks like a cactus. It also looks like it has swallowed Teresa!
Her letter thanks me for words of encouragement, pictures, stickers, and a Christmas gift and then goes on to talk about her life.
Theresa would like to tell you she is in her second term at school and family are happy.
Hey, Theresa says she enjoyed your story (I told her about my son Ned losing his two front teeth and I asked what the custom is in Ghana when a child loses his/her baby teeth). It really made her laugh out loud. In Theresa's culture, children throw their lost teeth on the roof of their house. They believe when this is done it would make the permanent teeth come out early.
And then there is a picture of "Theresa's backyard flower." Looks like a cactus. It also looks like it has swallowed Teresa!
Letter from Anjali
There was also a letter from Anjali (India) today too. It is on thank you stationery, so it is primarily a thank you for her Christmas gift, though it is a little difficult to decipher:
Dear Beverly Sykes,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. How are you? I am fine. Your Christmas gift so beautiful. Thanks for your Christmas gift. I am studying very well. My 4th unit is over. I prepared half yearly exams. I wrote well. My project given Christmas dress and traveling bag. Next month I am writing half yearly examinations.
Pray for me. I am also. Pray for my family and my friends and also [here is where it gets strange] kept Christmas tree and we celebrate they tho tree with greetings comes December ros hunt new dress and went to see ??dry school I played with my friends on Christmas. My family are fine. How are your family members? Pray for my studies. Again thanks for your sponsorship!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year.
Yours loving child, M. Anjali.
Dear Beverly Sykes,
Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. How are you? I am fine. Your Christmas gift so beautiful. Thanks for your Christmas gift. I am studying very well. My 4th unit is over. I prepared half yearly exams. I wrote well. My project given Christmas dress and traveling bag. Next month I am writing half yearly examinations.
Pray for me. I am also. Pray for my family and my friends and also [here is where it gets strange] kept Christmas tree and we celebrate they tho tree with greetings comes December ros hunt new dress and went to see ??dry school I played with my friends on Christmas. My family are fine. How are your family members? Pray for my studies. Again thanks for your sponsorship!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year.
Yours loving child, M. Anjali.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
A New Kiva Loan
Yolanda, who lives in the United States is my next Kiva Loan. Heck--she makes pesto, for heaven's sake...how could I not?
Yolanda has been making her own, unique pesto sauce since 1993 and has been selling it from her small home business. She currently offers three different flavors that are made from her all natural, garden-fresh ingredients. Yolanda goes further in insuring a quality product by packaging it in light-weight PET jars that are easily recycled or reused, rather than bulky and breakable glass jars. For some time she has used her own kitchen to produce her sauce, however, recently she has been given the opportunity to use a commercial kitchen through a local business incubator.
Currently, Yolanda operates without any employees and still maintains a full-time job at EmblemHealth. In the near future, she hopes to grow her business to the point where she can bring on new employees and become self-reliant. The purpose of this loan will be to buy bulk inventory and move into a commercial kitchen. She would also like to use it to patent her sauces and participate in food craft shows and farmers markets.
Yolanda has been making her own, unique pesto sauce since 1993 and has been selling it from her small home business. She currently offers three different flavors that are made from her all natural, garden-fresh ingredients. Yolanda goes further in insuring a quality product by packaging it in light-weight PET jars that are easily recycled or reused, rather than bulky and breakable glass jars. For some time she has used her own kitchen to produce her sauce, however, recently she has been given the opportunity to use a commercial kitchen through a local business incubator.
Currently, Yolanda operates without any employees and still maintains a full-time job at EmblemHealth. In the near future, she hopes to grow her business to the point where she can bring on new employees and become self-reliant. The purpose of this loan will be to buy bulk inventory and move into a commercial kitchen. She would also like to use it to patent her sauces and participate in food craft shows and farmers markets.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Two letters
It's been a very long, dry spell, but I finally received two letters from two of my Compassion Kids, Briana in Haiti and Henrique in Brasil. Oddly, I always get thank you letters after Christmas but of the 11 children. the only one who has sent a thank you is Briana. Something is going on with Compassion letters and I don't understand what.
Letter from Henrique
I agreed to sponsor Henrique in Brasil in June and this is only the second time I've had word of him. He's only 5, so someone has to write for him.
Dear Sponsor Beverly Sykes,
Hello! Is all well with you? I am Marineide, monitor of the project, and I write you on behalf of Luiz Henrique. He is a healthy and happy child, who likes to draw, aint. He is a child who interacts well with his classmates in theclassroom. One of the activities he enjoys most is the recreation.
On October 12th we had the Children's Day party and it was very cool. There were games, tramp0line, music and gifts. He loved this day.
I ask prayer for his life and for his parents.
We thank you for loving and believing in a child as Luiz Henrique.
-Marineide, on behalf of Luiz Henrique.
They also included this drawing...do you get the idea he likes cars?
Dear Sponsor Beverly Sykes,
Hello! Is all well with you? I am Marineide, monitor of the project, and I write you on behalf of Luiz Henrique. He is a healthy and happy child, who likes to draw, aint. He is a child who interacts well with his classmates in theclassroom. One of the activities he enjoys most is the recreation.
On October 12th we had the Children's Day party and it was very cool. There were games, tramp0line, music and gifts. He loved this day.
I ask prayer for his life and for his parents.
We thank you for loving and believing in a child as Luiz Henrique.
-Marineide, on behalf of Luiz Henrique.
They also included this drawing...do you get the idea he likes cars?
Letter f rom Briana
Briana's letters (she's 9) are written by her father.
Dear Beverly Sykes,
How are you with Jesus? How are your children, your mother and your grandparents (I think he means grandchildren!)? Briana is going well with her family, thanks to God. She took the first term exam and she got an average of 7. Briana went to church, she sang a beautiful song. Everybody was happy to see her singing. She thanks you for the gift and she bought clothes with it. She wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012.
Thank! Be with God!
Dear Beverly Sykes,
How are you with Jesus? How are your children, your mother and your grandparents (I think he means grandchildren!)? Briana is going well with her family, thanks to God. She took the first term exam and she got an average of 7. Briana went to church, she sang a beautiful song. Everybody was happy to see her singing. She thanks you for the gift and she bought clothes with it. She wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012.
Thank! Be with God!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Leniel
After the longest dry spell without any letters from anyone, I finally received a form letter from Leniel in the Dominican Republic today. It is a form for him to fill out. The first page lists four things.
1. My siblings from oldest to youngest are:
Gabrial
2. In my family I spend most of my time with
(he checks Mama)
3. My family lives in
(he checks "in the city")
4. My food is prepared by
(he writes "mi mama")
On the back is a drawing
And there was a letter written by his tutor, Dariana:
Dear Beverly Sykes,
May God guide you. He thanks you for the letters and pictures. He likes birds and dinosaurs. It is surprising everything God has made. How are you? He asks for prayers for his mother. A kiss.
Leniel
I'm going to have to go and buy a coloring book of dinosaurs to send him, I think!
1. My siblings from oldest to youngest are:
Gabrial
2. In my family I spend most of my time with
(he checks Mama)
3. My family lives in
(he checks "in the city")
4. My food is prepared by
(he writes "mi mama")
On the back is a drawing
(I assume from this his family are very tall, bow-legged people! LOL)
And there was a letter written by his tutor, Dariana:
Dear Beverly Sykes,
May God guide you. He thanks you for the letters and pictures. He likes birds and dinosaurs. It is surprising everything God has made. How are you? He asks for prayers for his mother. A kiss.
Leniel
I'm going to have to go and buy a coloring book of dinosaurs to send him, I think!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Letters from Fred
There were two letters from Fred today, one of which he actually wrote himself. The first was the usual update from his mother:
Dear Auntie Sykes,
Christian greetings!!! We are so happy that God bless our families with such goodness. We are happy for your new baby. I like butterflies too but they just got many in a season. I saw the pictures of the sea lion. I wish that we will have it here. Do you live near the beach or the mountains. We will pray for your cousin's recovery.
Our church had a sportsfest last October and the theme talks about the eagle. The park is so beautiful. We have many tourist spots here. Here in our place we have the Canlan Volcano.
thank you for the coloring books. thank you for your goodness to us. May God bless you always! Please pray that Fred will love God above all.
Love
Fred's mother
Dear Auntie Sykes,
Christian greetings!!! We are so happy that God bless our families with such goodness. We are happy for your new baby. I like butterflies too but they just got many in a season. I saw the pictures of the sea lion. I wish that we will have it here. Do you live near the beach or the mountains. We will pray for your cousin's recovery.
Our church had a sportsfest last October and the theme talks about the eagle. The park is so beautiful. We have many tourist spots here. Here in our place we have the Canlan Volcano.
thank you for the coloring books. thank you for your goodness to us. May God bless you always! Please pray that Fred will love God above all.
Love
Fred's mother
Fred always draws such sunny, happy pictures but I had to chuckle at this one which looks like the sun coming up over McDonald's. I am impressed with the forced perspective in the bricks, though.
Fred's own
The "letter" from Fred was actually 3 pages long, but each similar to this. It was very special to have something he had written himself.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Raemo
Raemo has become an Excellent Role Model and Leader
Raemo is in 8th grade and started attending TEAM-WORKS Academy, because he was struggling in his classes. He began the program feeling like it was a form of punishment by his teacher to have to get extra help. Soon, he realized that TEAM-WORKS was more than just a tutoring program.
Raemo has made a lot of great relationships during his time at the academy. Many of the other students, have begun to look up to Raemo because he is friendly, hard working, and loves to participate. As a result, he has become an excellent role model and leader to the rest of the students in the Academy. Raemo lets everyone feel comfortable in being themselves, by being friendly to everyone and by being his true self. During character lessons, Raemo always has a lot to add to the discussions, and he brings many bright ideas to the table which also helps the other students.
Raemo has grown so much since his first day at TEAM-WORKS Academy. He has really taken advantage of the program, by participating, contributing, and working hard. Raemo does everything with a smile on his face and brings a lot of energy to the club each day. Because of your thoughtful donations that we appreciate so much, Raemo is in a safe environment after school adding to his knowledge and growth each day.
Loan made through See Your Impact.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Letter from Shallon
I finally had a letter from Shallon, who hasn't written for a long time. I worried because of the droughts experienced in Uganda. Here is her letter:
Beloved Beverly Sykes,
With amazing happiness of writing this letter is to send my heartfelt greetings to you and beloved family members.
First and foremost I would like to thank God almighty for the gift of life to see that we are all still alive in his name. I am now in holidays and I have ended this term successfully.
But unfortunately I transferred from the school I was in and I am in the new school because I do not take the food they give us so I had to go in a school that was near to my home area.
I promoted to senior two with the position of 6th out of 38 students and I thank God for this position. I also promise you to do the best next term more than this.
My family members are okay and they all greet you.
We are now enjoying both sunshine and rain. Really condition is good here ihn Uganda as Christmas is soon coming but there is inflation of goods and works are going on slowly so pray for us.
I also request for prayers in my daily life because at times I feel headache and stomach pain but by God's mercy I will get well.
I appreciate your love, kindness and care you render to me. Sincerely may God reward you abundantly.
I have new friends who love you and also love to hear from you.
Let me wish you the best in whatever you do.
May good Lord bless you.
Beloved Beverly Sykes,
With amazing happiness of writing this letter is to send my heartfelt greetings to you and beloved family members.
First and foremost I would like to thank God almighty for the gift of life to see that we are all still alive in his name. I am now in holidays and I have ended this term successfully.
But unfortunately I transferred from the school I was in and I am in the new school because I do not take the food they give us so I had to go in a school that was near to my home area.
I promoted to senior two with the position of 6th out of 38 students and I thank God for this position. I also promise you to do the best next term more than this.
My family members are okay and they all greet you.
We are now enjoying both sunshine and rain. Really condition is good here ihn Uganda as Christmas is soon coming but there is inflation of goods and works are going on slowly so pray for us.
I also request for prayers in my daily life because at times I feel headache and stomach pain but by God's mercy I will get well.
I appreciate your love, kindness and care you render to me. Sincerely may God reward you abundantly.
I have new friends who love you and also love to hear from you.
Let me wish you the best in whatever you do.
May good Lord bless you.
Friday, December 30, 2011
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
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
Monday, December 19, 2011
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)
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)
Sunday, December 18, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
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.
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.
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