Leydi

This is info on Leydi. She desperately needs a sponsor and I'm trying to help find one for her. If you can change one child's life, please make it hers! $22 a month is such a small amount to make a BIG difference in her life however long it may be.

"Leydi just turned 8 on the first of June. She lives in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with her grandmother, one older sister, and cousins. She was just recently diagnosed with HIV (in 2008, I believe). She went in to get her belly looked at because she has an umbilical hernia, and that is when they discovered her HIV+ status. Her mother has already passed away from AIDS, and as of October 2008 her father works as a daily worker. Her grandmother can not afford all of the things that the children in the household require. Leydi needs a fundraiser ASAP in order to raise money for food and clothes. She could, also, use a bed. She is just learning to write, but she writes her own letters. She is always happy and appreciative. Leydi will be having surgery eventually (when they decide that it is a good time for it) to correct the umbilical hernia. She receives medicine from the country's health system for HIV. CI provides vitamins and check ups."

Dulce

Dulce is a child in need of a sponsor. One woman has taken her on in hopes of finding her a new sponsor. For that reason Dulce will get the medical and schooling help that she desperately needs. The woman already sponsors 8 children in 6 different countries. I would love to take her on but being that I'm not working I can't take a third at this time. If anyone would like to take Dulce as their sponsored child let me know and I can arrange it. Below is some information I have received and I have more photos available.

"Dulce is 9 1/2 years old. She lives in Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic with "relatives". It has never been explained to me with whom she lives. In the picture, it appears to be her father. Dulce is HIV+, and was diagnosed as such at birth. Her mother has already died from AIDS. Her father is a street vendor.
She writes her own letters, and always includes a detailed drawing. She is so sweet (hence her name, "dulce"). "

Package sent

Finally got my package sent off for Yamileisy's birthday on August 15th. I hope she gets it in time as there are decorations in it. I sent her lots of photos of our time together and my family in a special album with a matching box to keep her special things in. Its amazing what you can fit into a small box if you pack it just right. I also sent in my request to get her a birthday cake and ice cream. When we visited I asked her if she liked ice cream and our time ran out. I didn't get to get it for her and I felt so bad. So I hope this will make up for it. I just wish I could be there. Maybe someday. This is my test package. We'll see how long it takes to get to her.

Jose Manuel's birthday is in November so I have until mid September to get it ready. He will be 7 and I've already collected things for him. The dollar store is great for kids things. I found some children's books in Spanish. Some are stories that were favorites of mine. I also made him some "From the library of Jose Manuel" stickers so that he can put them in his books. I know its expensive to send (the postage, not the contents) these packages but the smile on their face is PRICELESS.

A small gift

So many children but not enough gifts to go around. Even the simplest toy was appreciated. The next time I go to the DR I will take very few clothes and many more things for the children. It is sooooo hot there that you don't need much clothing. Just summer items which can be packed very compacted. I'm already buying things to take.

Talk with CI on the phone

Yesterday I called CI to find out a little more information about my family. They do own their tiny house. I was curious to know since the bathroom will be added. I will be getting progress reports on the project. I can't wait to see the pictures when they are done. The staff are very helpful.

I also am arranging for Yamileisy to have cake and ice cream for her birthday. I'm sending decorations ahead of time along with a birthday package. I hope she gets it before her birthday on Aug. 15th.

Lift One Project:

Lift One Project:

Letter from Yamileisy

Yesterday I recieved my 12th letter from Yamileisy. I love getting her letters. I recently sent an extra donation for the family to buy whatever they wanted, NOT needed. So they got this TV. She is thrilled. I hope they get plenty of enjoyment out of it! She's wearing her locket in the picture too! The little bear on the wall is what I brought her some gifts in. Its attached to a zippered heartshaped pouch. She says, " I tell everybody about you and my brother talks about you too."

In the beginning her mother wrote her letters when she was five. It was so nice when she started writing them herself. Then she started writing in cursive. I have been able to see the difference that her schooling is making. Not all children have the privilege of going to school. Only 58% of children make it past the 5th grade in the DR. I hope Yamileisy surpasses that statistic. I will always encourage her to study hard and never give up.

I should be getting my first letter from Jose Manuel soon. I sent him a letter with pictures and some stickers already. They are so grateful for anything they get. I think it will be easier for him because he already met me and has seen the face behind the letters. Their brother, Victor Manuel, is already sponsored. I wish I could collaborate with that sponsor. He is also 9 years old. I've never asked if he and Yamileisy were twins or not. That's on today's agenda!