How Much is a Smile Worth?

How much would you pay to see a child smile?  To make them happy?  To make them feel special?  It is priceless.

I spent $2 on a doll from The Reject Shop, and paid $8 to post it, along with other items to India.. Total $10 - to see this photo:

One small gift means so much.  Here are the boys with their caps..

And the last smile for today comes from Kiran.. He had a cap just like B.Nani and T.Nani above, but it was stolen from the package while in transit, but you would never know, look how happy he is!

What can you do to make someone happy today? to make them feel special and loved?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Jose - our newest correspondence child- who turns 12 in Ecuador today!! Sorry I couldn't get a card there in time, but we will be thinking of you!

Haiti

Haiti is located in the Caribbean, and occupies the smaller potion of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic.

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. 80% of the population live in abject poverty, half of all primary school aged children do not attend school, and ¼ of all infants had a low birth weight. Most people living in rural areas lack access to basic needs such as clean water and sanitation facilities.

 

On January 12^th, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and devastated the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Over 220,000 people were killed. Many people were left homeless, also ruined were businesses, Parliament and the Presidential Palace. In the months following the earthquake there was a Cholera outbreak, killing many more people across the country. The country is attempting to recover and rebuild. There are nearly one million people are still homeless, living in 'tent cities'.

Issues children face in Haiti:

• Coughs and Colds
• Typhoid Fever
• Malaria
• Malnutrition
• Tuberculosis
• Worms
• Diarrhoea
• Single Parent Families
• STD's

Many communities in Haiti are in desperate need for schools, qualified teachers, employment opportunities, vocational training, scholastic materials, proper sanitation improved infrastructure and medical facilities.

Compassion International began work in Haiti in 1968. Over 60,000 children participate in around 233 Child Development Centres. Compassion Australia assists over 4,400 of these children. Currently 87 Haitian students are enrolled in the Leadership Development Program, and around 49 Child Survival Programs are in operation in Haiti.

To sponsor a child in Haiti, and change their life, please click here

And the Family Keeps Growing!

I had a lovely surprise today, a email from Compassion saying "I couldn't resist, here's three more correspondence children for you"..

Well, what could I say?!

God rewards the faithful, He sees what we do - nothing goes unnoticed.  So Thank You for expanding our family some more!

Please join me in welcoming:

Tomalika, 8 years old from Bangladesh.  She enjoys playing with dolls and skipping.  The area where she lives is very, very poor.  It is isolated by rivers, which has the very high risk of flooding, means crops do not grow in the salty soil, and the only safe drinking water is rain water.

Jose is 11 years old (his birthday is this Friday) from Ecuador.  He enjoys soccer, playing with cars and story telling.  His community is in desperate need for clean drinking water.

And, this is Victor.  He is 12 years old and lives in El Salvador.  He enjoys soccer and riding a bike.  His community has many issues such as gangs, diseases, drug addiction, alcoholism and witchcraft.  Despite living in those conditions, Victor manages to have a smile that would light up a room!

I feel so blessed to add these beautiful children to our family.  This also means three new countries to  learn about.  Now time to make some room for their photos on the fridge! :)





Think Children

What do you think about children?  What comes to mind when someone mentions 'child' or 'children'?

This video may very well challenge what you think..

"Children are the hardest hit by the effects of poverty, but they are the least able to do anything about their circumstances" Tim Hanna, Compassion Australia CEO

What can you do to change one child's life? 

It begins with one child, and it begins with you

Guatemala

Guatemala is a country located in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.

Social investment in Guatemala continues to be one of the lowest in Latin America. More than half of the population live in poverty, and approx 12% live in extreme poverty. The situation is worse in rural areas and among indigenous populations.

In 2005, Hurricane Stan left hundreds of people dead, and close to one million people homeless. More than half of these were children.

Issues children in Guatemala face:

• Respiratory Diseases
• Intestinal Illnesses
• Skin Diseases
• Malnutrition
• Diarrhoea
• Parasites
• Colds / Flu
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Dental Issues
• Child Labor
• Gang & Domestic Violence

Many communities are in need of employment opportunities, vocational training, literacy programs, education, drug and alcohol abuse prevention/ rehabilitation programs, improved schools, qualified teachers, increased wages, computer training, school supplies and improved public security.

Compassion International began working in Guatemala in 1976. Over 31,900 children participate in around 143 Child Development Centres. Compassion Australia assists over 1,800 of these children. Currently around 100 students are enrolled in the Leadership Development Program.

Currently, I am looking for sponsors for two Guatemalan children, Erik and Julia, to view my post on them please click here, or to view other Compassion Australia children from Guatemala click here

Do you need some inspiration??

Have you written to your sponsor child lately?  Maybe you need some inspiration or encouragement.  This short video produced by Compassion Aus illustrates the importance of letter writing, and also the process letters go through to reach the children.

Why not sit down and write (or type) a few short sentances to your child, and let them know that you are thinking of them?

Urgent Help Needed!

Parts of East Africa (Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda) are experiencing the worst drought in over 60 years.  The lack of rain for two consecutive seasons has caused crop failure, forced food prices to rise, resulting in malnourishment and regional conflict.  Many, many people are forced to flee, leaving thousands displaced.

With your donation to Compassion's Drought Relief Fund, Compassion will provide assistance to Compassion Sponsor Children's families and communities.  This may include assistance with rising food prices and supplements to combat malnourishment.

To make a donation visit the Compassion Australia website here

Ghana

Ghana is located in West Africa. It is bordered by the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo and the Gulf of Guinea. The name Ghana means “Warrior King”.

Ghana has a population of over 24 million people. It is home to more than 100 different ethnic groups. Unlike many other African countries, Ghana is one of the few who have not had civil wars created by ethnic conflict.

Ghana has 83% of its children enrolled in school. This is one of the highest school enrolments in West Africa. But, only 56% of teachers have been fully trained, and many are expected to handle as many as 100 students at one time. Ghana is currently in the process of eliminating over 3,900 “under tree schools”.

Issues that children in Ghana face:

• Malaria
• Malnutrition
• HIV/AIDS

Many communities in Ghana are in desperate need for secondary schools, employment opportunities, portable water, improved sanitation, paved roads, health facilities, vocational training, educational materials, improved housing and qualified teachers.

Ghana is one of Compassion International's newest countries. The Child Sponsorship Program began working in Ghana in 2005. Over 21,300 children participate in around 107 child development centres across the country. Compassion Australia assists over 1,500 of these children.

To sponsor a child in Ghana, click here

Extra Love?

Do you and your family have a little extra love to share? All it takes is some love, prayers, a short letter every now and then, and $44 a month to change the life of a child through Compassion Australia.

I am fortunate enough to be a Compassion Advocate, and I currently am looking for sponsors for two children.

Let me introduce you...

This is Julia.

She is a beautiful 8 year old from Aldea El Sitio, Guatemala, where she lives with her parents and 4 siblings. She loves playing with her friends, basketball, playing jacks and playing house.

This is Erik.

He is 10 years old and lives with his parents in San Gaspar Chajul, Guatemala. Much to his mother's disgrace, his white shirt is dirty from being outside playing soccer (his favourite) with his friends, before he had to come inside and have his photo taken. He also loves playing with cars and singing.

Both these children are living in severe poverty in Guatemala, but with Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program, both Julia and Erik have opportunities that many other children could only dream about. Your sponsorship with provide such things as nutritious food, hygiene education, recreational activities, medical and dental care, tutoring, Bible teaching and educational support and literacy classes for the parents of Julia and Erik.

If you would like to add one or two members to your family, please let me know, these packets expire on 31^st Aug.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is a landlocked country in Africa. It is the second-most populated nation in Africa, with a population of over 88 million people. It is estimated that over 35 million people are living in severe poverty in Ethiopia.

Ethiopians are constantly fighting against disease, particularly HIV/AIDS and malaria. Currently, approx 980,000 Ethiopians are living with HIV/AIDS and approx 67,000 people die as a result every year, leaving behind many orphans.

Over 50 million Ethiopians live in malaria-prone areas, with only 47% of the population protected by treated bed nets.

Ethiopia is currently the highest producing country for coffee and honey.

There are over 80 ethnic groups and a diversity of languages. Over 80% of the population lives in rural areas.

Issues children face in Ethiopia:

• Rapid spread of HIV/AIDS, leaving many children orphans
• Malaria
• Tuberculosis
• Diarrhoea
• Malnutrition
• Colds /Flu
• Abdominal Parasites
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Typhoid

Many communities in Ethiopia are in desperate need of water, employment opportunities, proper sanitation, schools, food, shelter, clothing, vocational training centres, scholastic materials and suitable housing.

Compassion International began working in Ethiopia in 1993. Over 72,100 children participate in 321 child development centres. Compassion Australia assists over 7,400 of these children. Currently, 155 Ethiopian students are enrolled in the Leadership Development Program, and 14 Child Survival Programs operate throughout the country.

To sponsor a child in Ethiopia, on of the world's poorest countries, click here

Review - Scared by Tom Davis

My Rating: 4 Stars
 

Scared is a novel following the story of Stuart Daniels and his assignment as a photographer to Swaziland. He encounters the real world – HIV/AIDS, orphans, poverty, desperation, injustice and corruption.

Although this is a novel, it reads as though it is a biography. Davis has written this incredibly, and you can see his love for those in poverty, particularly orphans written on each page. It is a great book which will broaden your horizons and challenge you to act for 'the least of these'.

Some Smiles to Brighten Your Day

Through United With Hope, we sponsor a number of children in a variety of programs in India.

Generally speaking, with each card, letter or parcel you send, you get a photo of the child with the items.  It's amazing what a little bit of love does to brighten a child's day.

Here as some photos I have received recently, and I hope the children's smiles will be contagious!  Enjoy!

Another Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to our newest correspondence child, Stenly, who turns 13 in East Indonesia today!! Hope you have a great day!!

Birthday Boy!

Happy Birthday to our correspondence child, Gerson who turns 15 in Honduras today! 

Couldn't Ask For More!

After having a couple of weeks holiday, I arrived home to a pile of mail...

First of all, I received Bridget and Pacifique's undated profiles.

Then, I received a profile for another correspondence child. This is Stenly, he is turning 13 this coming Sunday, and he lives in East Indonesia. Welcome to the ever-growing family, Stenly!

And the letters:

2 from Igor in Brazil. One was a general letter, saying he is having treatment on his right eye, so to pray for his healing; the tutor also asked to send more letters because he loves to receive them. There was no mention of his mother – which is good news, because in his previous letter he said that she may have breast cancer. The other letter was a Christmas thankyou. It had with it a photo of him with his presents:

There was also a letter from Johana in Nic. She thanks us for the letters we have sent, and also says that her brother had a accident and got treatment at the Project (it's amazing that sponsorship isn't just for one child, it benefits the entire family), and her closing sentence was 'Remember I love you so much because you are the two angels that God has sent me'. Beautiful words from a beautiful girl.

This week I also received a letter from Niki in East Indo. She calls us Mum and Dad. She describes their Easter celebrations, by saying they have a lantern parade, and what sounds like a eating competition, egg hunt and drawing. She thanks God that she has a kind hearted sponsor, and thanks us for always caring for her.

And to finish the week off, today I received a letter from Pras in Indo. It is a Easter letter. Through the translation, I think he says he would be happy if we could talk face to face. Also, his Grandpa is sick. His drawing was only in grey pencil, I suspect he didnt have time to colour it, but one of the drawings was a man with a Afro playing the guitar, and also Mickey Mouse. There was also a beautiful Easter card he had made for me. Inside was written in Javanese and English. You can tell he has taken his time in making the card, written on it in pencil and then in purple gel pen.

I couldn't have asked for a better week, and each letter, card, photo and drawing is a reminder that we, as sponsors benefit from knowing these children through letter writing, but it is nothing compared to what the children receive, and what our relationships mean to them. Continue to love and encourage your sponsor children...