Friday, December 23, 2011

Francisco with Birthday Gifts




















Hi, I forgot to post photos of Francisco with birthday gifts that he received from Barbara and me. Here are a few of them. God bless.


Stage 3 Completed! Fundraiser Fully Funded!



Hi everyone, the final stage for Francisco's fundraiser was completed and so now the family will have a new room constructed which will provide them with a safer and sturdier home. Thank you to everyone who was able to help with this challenging fundraiser! Hopefully the construction will begin soon and we will receive updates and photos. Sponsor Steve (who sponsors, Evelyn, Francisco's sister) will be visiting the family in December so hopefully we will have new photos, videos, and updates on the family. Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year! God bless.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Stage 3 of Francisco's Fundraiser



Hi everyone,


A new FG fundraising page has been created to complete the final stage of the project to build a new room for Francisco and Evelyn and their family.Thanks to many of generous sponsors we have already raised over $2,000.00 in order to build a safe, secure and comfortable new room for this family. However, although stage one and stage two fundraisers have been completed, we still have about another $825.00 to raise in order to raise the required funds. Now it is time to begin stage 3 for final stage. The need is still great - probably more so as time passes and there is some urgency to begin construction before the torrential spring rains begin and make the crumbling shack even more dangerous. Some of the holes in the walls are only covered with portions of cotton sheets which will not stop the rain coming in and turning their dirt floor into wet mud. We hope, therefore, that you will be equally generous or spread the word to other prospective donors so that the new room can be built as soon as possible
Steve, Evelyn's sponsor, will be visiting the family in December and it would be wonderful if Steve would be able to advise this worthy family that they will soon have the house that they have only dreamed about.


Please consider helping to complete this final stage by donating whatever you can. The family will be very appreciative of your generosity and the children will certainly thrive in a safer and sturdier home. We have high hopes and a vision for Evelyn and Francisco and we want to ensure that this dream of a safer living environment becomes a reality for this family. A heartfelt thank you again to all of you wonderful sponsors and friends who have donated to Stage 1 and Stage 2. And a warm thank you to all who have given their time, effort, words of encouragement to help make this dream become a reality. Thank you and God bless.




A video of the family's room to be rebuilt:



http://community.liftone.org/service/linkOut.kickAction?as=121091&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7_qXmmb7mwY&h=959758aa4b7dc7d5e25c5a178ebf543

A video of Francisco and Evelyn riding along with mom and little brother, Samy on a sponsor visit (Summer 2011)


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Stage 2/Stage 3




Hi everyone, the second stage of Francisco's project has been completed on Aura's House. A big thank you to everyone who contributed and congratulations to the winner of the raffle!

The final fundraiser for constructing a new room for Francisco and his family has been set up on First Giving. Hopefully we can reach the goal of completing the last stage before the torrential rains come. Thank you for any help and thank you for your support of Francisco.


Link to FG page


Steve plans to visit the family in Dec. and so hopefully we can find out how Francisco is doing and put plans in place for construction of the new room. Thanks for all that you do. God bless.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Stage 2-Aura's House

Hi everyone, if you are interested in participating in the raffle on Aura's
House to raise funds for stage 2 of Francisco's Home Improvement project, the
deadline for entry has been extended to Oct. 31! God bless

Link:
http://aurashouse.com/2011/09/active-room-construction-project-for-evelyn-and-francisco-of-colombia/

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Great News!! :)

The great news today is that stage one on First Giving to build a room for
Francisco and his family has been completed! Thanks to everyone who contributed.
There is another fundraiser on Aura's House to help complete stage 2 and
contributors can have an opportunity to win an Amazon Gift card for $100 or $100
to be donated to the charity or fundraiser or charity of their choice! :)

Monday, September 19, 2011

Gifts for Francisco

Hi Sponsors,

Francisco's sister's sponsor, Steve, will be visiting the children in Dec. If you plan to send something along to Francisco by Steve, here is a list of gifts that one sponsor will be sending. I am posting to avoid duplication of gifts. Thanks!

- 1 small photo box and 11 photos

- 1 white T-shirt with guitar and skull design.

- 1 skull necklace on leather cord.

- Xmas colouring by numbers book and 6 numbered markers.

- 1 small globe pencil sharpener

- 1 red pencil with spring Xmas soldier.

- 1 red pencil with Xmas designs

- 1 small blue bubble wand

- 1 Santa hat

- 1 stuffed snowman with Peace sign

- 2 plastic water pistols - red and green.

- + Xmas card and letter.

It is wrapped in a blue Vancouver Acquarium (with Belugas) reusable bag and weighs under 1 kilo.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Franciscos First Giving Fundraiser

Francisco's Fundraiser on First Giving is going strong with currentl y $912.00 raised. A warm thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. We are 78% there and need to complete this part of the project as soon as possible. Thank you for your help. God bless.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sharon-clyburn/a-room-of-their-own

Francisco's Project on Aura's House (Stage 2)

Hi everyone, Francisco and his sister Evelyn's project is now currently posted
on Aura's House. Aura's House posts fundraisers to help raise funds for children who are sponsored through Children International. We are hoping to raise enough funds to complete the second stage of the project to construct a sturdy room for Francisco's family.


"Evelyn (11) and her brother Francisco (8) of Colombia live with an extended
family of thirteen members in very cramped quarters. Their home consists of one
multi-use room, which is made of brick walls with a zinc metal roof and a dirt
floor. Francisco, Evelyn, their mom, little brother Samy, and new baby sister,
Valentine, sleep in an adjacent room which has a dirt floor, one brick wall,
with the three remaining walls constructed of broken pieces of wood, and odd
scrap of rusty, corrugated metal. The roof is similarly made up of odd bits of
metal with gaps that allow the torrential rains into their living space. This
family is desperately poor and conditions are cramped, hot, and humid. A sturdy
all purpose room and a decent concrete floor for Evelyn and Pancho's family
would improve matters considerably and give them much more comfort and privacy."

To help kick off this project, we are raffling off a $100 Amazon Gift Card OR a
$100 donation to the Charity or Firstgiving Project of your choice (donated by
Steven H.) to one lucky Aura's House donor. All you need to do to enter is to
donate at least $10 to this project between September 2, 2011 and October 15,
2011 at 5PM EST. Each additional donation of any amount over $10 will get you
another entry up until October 15, 2011. (So if you decide to donate $30 for
example, that would get you three entries.) The winner will be chosen at random
on or before October 25, 2011 and notified by email and shortly after the gift
card or donation will be on its way. Whomever wins can choose which they would
prefer."

Please click on the link below for more information:

http://aurashouse.com/2011/09/active-room-construction-project-for-evelyn-and-francisco-of-colombia/

Friday, September 9, 2011

A Thank You Card from Francisco

Hi everyone, a thank you card came from Franciso today and it is addressed to his sponsors. I am not sure which gift it is referring to but It looks like it may be written by little Francisco. It says

Dear Sponsors,

Cordial greetings. I hope that you all are very happy. Thank you for othe gift that I received.

Your sponsored child,
Francisco De Jesus Herrera and his mother say goodbye.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

More Photos









Here are more photos that CI took from the trip that I took in June. I also have some videos to post.

Memo



Memo on Francisco's Relatives Living in the Home







Copy of the Health Report

Click to enlarge.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Health Report

Hi everyone,

I requested a health report for Francisco after visiting in June because he was so small and was anemic according to the first report. So the exam was done Aug. 3 and lists him as being 44.9 pounds and 3.9 feet. It says that he is not currently anemic (which is good) but he has level 2 malnutrition. He has been enrolled into the community kitchen of the nutrition program where he will have lunch Monday- Friday until his weight gets stable. He has also been given ferrous sulfate and albendazole to treat the condition. His prognosis is good, temporary, and curable. I also asked about his eyes and report says that his vision is good and that he does not need glasses at the moment

Friday, July 29, 2011

Updated Database

Hi everyone, I have updated the database for Francisco's payments for 2010 and
this part of 2011. Right now, he is paid up through Dec. 2011. If you would like
to make a donation, please don't forget to record it in the database or let me
know and I can add it. Thanks so much for all that you do!

Some Updates

Just wanted to share some updates/tidbits/info on the group. Don't forget that
you are more than welcome to post questions, comments, feedback on the group, or
the blog, or just send me an email.


*In a recent letter to a sponsor, Francisco has indicated that his goal is to
attend a University in the future :)

*I put in a request to have his eyes checked because one seems to be smaller
than the other one and he did not pass his grade last year. I was wondering if
this might be related.

*There are some questions as to how many children are actually Francisco's
brothers and sisters but Debbie said that she will try to see if the staff can
get some clarification.

*Steve will be visiting the family in Dec.

*Debbie is also going to check to see if there is an organization affiliated
with the office in Cartagena that might be able to provide some support for his
mother who has so many small children.

*The fundraiser for the building of a sturdy room is going strong with $800
having been raised do far. If you would like to contribute to this fundraiser,
please visit the fundraising page link posted below We need as much help as possible:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sharon-clyburn/a-room-of-their-own


*The second stage of the fundraiser will be posted on Aura's House in the near
future.


*Please pray for Ellen who is in area that has been stricken with earthquakes
and please pray for Liz who is in an area that has had bombing.

Thank you and God bless.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Francisco's Birthday

Hi everyone,

Francisco has a birthday coming up on Oct. 27 and I wanted to remind everyone
that if you would like to contribute to his fundraiser as a birthday gift,
instead of sending gifts, this would be a great way to contribute to a project
that will have a long term effect in his life as his family will greatly benefit
from having a sturdy room to sleep in. His fundraising page on First Giving is:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sharon-clyburn/a-room-of-their-own

We are trying to have the room constructed in three stages. The second stage
will be posted on Aura's House soon. Thank you and God bless.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011



I had a wonderful time visiting Francisco and his family on June 29! Details of the visit can be found on my trip blog:


http://visitingsponsoredchildren.blogspot.com/2011_06_01_archive.html

Francisco is very sweet and very small for his age, and he loves sharing with others. Francisco was very happy with all of the gifts that sponsors' send and he was very happy with the collage and individual letters. I made a request to see if Francisco is receiving anything for his anemia and also to check to see if he might need glasses. We are also continuing to raise funds to see if we can get an additional room added to the family dwelling. I will post photos of Francisco's home and some other photos of the visit to this blog.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

#links

http://community.liftone.org/_15-Days-to-Go-/blog/4002672/121091.html

Collage of Francisco's Sponsors



Francisco's original sponsors. Given to him on the visit last summer. .

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Annual Contributions/SNG/Trip :)

Hi everyone, just a reminder that it is time for Francisco's annual sponsorship
dues if you haven't already made them. Please post to the Yahoo Group Database or let me know when you make a contribution so that I can let Debbie know in order to post this to your account for tax purposes.

Don't forget that we also have a fundraiser to help construct an additional room to Francisco's home, so if you can help in any way, please visit the fundraiser or send me an email. Here is the link to the fundraiser:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sharon-clyburn/a-room-of-their-own

Also, if you would like to send anything small to Franscisco, please let me know and I can take it with me on the trip at the end of June. Thanks and God bless.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Slowly but Surely!! :)

Hi, I hope that everyone had a wonderful blessed Easter Holiday! We have more wonderful news to share!! Thanks to our latest group member Lori we have now passed the goal to purchase the truck load of gravel and are almost 30% towards out goal for the First Stage of the fundraiser. This now means that we have already raised enough for both the truck load of sand and also one of gravel. Plus, we even have an extra $13.50 which will purchase a bag of cement and a few bricks.

We now only have 34 bags of cement to buy at about $11.00 per bag if anyone is able to help out. And though we also still need 550 bricks, at about 75 cents each hopefully it would really help if someone could buy a couple of bricks at a time. Has anyone ever thought about doing a penny drive at your school, church, or in your neighborhood? Pennies add up and each penny is one step closer to making this vision for Francisco and his family a reality. Slowly but surely we are edging closer to providing Evelyn and Pancho's family with the desperately needed all purpose room.

Thank you for your help and God bless!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good News on Pancho's Fundraiser!

Hi everyone, we have wonderful news that we are only $23.00 away from raising a truck load of gravel for the family's new room. Wouldn't it be great if we could complete this part over the Easter holiday?!!!

Thanks to all who have donated through the First Giving page and those who have contributed directly to CI. Have a blessed holiday!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Pancho's Gifts from Barbara Finally Arrive!




Hi, we have good news that one of Barbara's DP's arrived in Cartagena for Francisco. Other packages from Barbara have not yet made it but hopefully they will make it too. Francisco received lots of goodies and Evelyn and Samy received goodies as well. Here is the letter from the neighbor who sometimes writes for Francisco, and here is the DP Report. I can't believe how tall Francisco is now!


"Dear Mrs. Barbara.

Thank you for the gift you sent to Francisco, let me tell you that he is very grateful for having received the pictures (photos) the letter, the books, the clothes, the puppet, the toys and a little bag. May God bless you and your family for all the things you have done for us.

Francisco and his family are in good health, and he is doing well in school. With no more to say, I have to say goodbye.

Nira Guzman,

Francisco's neighbour"

DP Contents:

13 photos
1 postcard of Vancouver
1 Easter card
1 blue tank top
1 pair white and navy briefs
1 Collapsible lady-bug Easter tote
contents
1 small rabbit for Sammy
1 pink lamb photo holder for Evelyn
1 dino pencil
1 rubber rabbit
2 packets of chocolate covered mini easter eggs
Three plastic easter eggs
1 colour by numbers preprinted picture and 6 highlighters
1 Dino colouring and activity book
1 Jack and the Beanstalk book in Spanish
misc. stickers
1 Rabbit hand puppet
1 small hand fan

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Gifts for Pancho and Family





Gifts for Pancho and Family

These are some of the things that I will take with me on the visit. Pancho will receive a top, Halloween outfit, Canadian flag and mascot, a tiger puzzle, two books, a bumbly ball, an etch a sketch, a Spiderman watch and a Superman ball, markers, drawing tablet, and other items. Evelyn will receive a necklace, silly bandz, undies, and paper doll set. Samy will have a wind up turtle, action figure, and toy car and the baby has a soft blanket, stuffed toys, along with a cute onesy and some pretty outfits. I also plan to take an album that has photos of Pancho and of him with his family.

Trip Updates

Hi everyone,

Plans are being finalized for the trip to Cartagena. I hope to visit Francisco along with three other sponsored children during the week of June 26, Lord willing. All reservations have been made and I am waiting to hear back from Lori concerning the itinerary of the trip. I am to visit Francisco on June 29 and meet his family in his home. I also plan to take Francisco, his sister Evelyn, and little Samy to the arcade for games and food. We have lots of little goodies packed for the kids and I will post photos of what we have so far. Barbara is sending some cute little outfits for new baby along with colorful stuffed toys and other items. Francisco (Pancho) will have a new top and Halloween outfit, books, a little ball, a Canadian flag, a new watch, and other gifts. If you want to send a monetary gift to give to the CI staff for the family, or other small items/cards, please let me know. I also plan to have him pick out something from the mall for about $25 for himself.

Right now, I am trying to figure out how to do my photos on the notebook that I plan to take because I want to take plenty of photos and videos.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Francisco's Fundraiser


Here is a breakdown of Francisco and Evelyn's Fundraiser in three stages, as developed by sponsor Barbara. So far we have a little over $200. Please spread the word to help make this fundraiser a success. Thank you!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Fundraiser

Dear Sponsors of Francisco,

If you would like to make contributions to Francisco's fundraiser through the group account, this is fine. Just let me know when you are sending a contribution in so that I can send this information to Debbie to credit your account. No contribution for this fundraiser is too small. Thank you and God bless.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Visiting Francisco

Hi, it looks like this summer I may be able to spend a day w/Francisco and his
family instead of only having 2 hours as previously planned. My flight schedule
was changed so I will be there an extra day, Lord willing. I hope to possible
visit his home now, take him to the arcade, maybe do a little shopping. If you
would like to send small gifts or a small donation to give to the family, please
send me an email. Thank you and God bless.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Francisco and Tutoring

Some time ago I asked about seeing if Francisco could get a tutor to help him with his school work, since he is repeating the second grade. The report came back and says that Francisco's mother doesn't help the children with their studies and that the children currently rely on a neighbor to help them do their homework. To hire a tutor to help Francisco with his homework would be $58/month with includes homework support, transportation, and monthly reports. The tutor would come to his home Monday-Friday and would report on his progress at the end of the month. If you think that you would like to help out with this need, please send me an email or post. Thank you and God bless.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Fundraiser for Francisco

Hi everyone,

This is a special notice to let you know that we are kicking off a fundraiser to raise funds for an additional room that Francisco and his family can have to improve their living conditions. We are hoping to do this project in stages. The fundraiser is posted on FirstGiving here:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/sharon-clyburn/a-room-of-their-own


So far we have had some contributions and if you can help us out in any way, please visit the fundraising page. Here are additional suggestions for raising funds to help Francisco, that were developed by Barbara. Thank you for your support of Francisco and his family.

Fundraising Tips

If you have computer skills, make a collage of photos of Pancho and Evelyn's family showing the dreadful state of their living conditions and add what we are trying to achieve. Add the list of construction materials required and ask for donations. See below-

1) Keep a jam jar or something similar in your hallway for Pancho and Evelyn's hallway and when going out, transfer loose coins into it. You will be surprised how quickly the odd coins add up. If you have children, get them involved as well.

2) If you belong to a church, why not ask the congregation for assistance to help the family be able to build a room for themselves? You could choose one of the construction items. For example the bricks cost $403.85 and you could ask people to contribute $2.00 or more, per brick.

3) If you teach at school, ask the teachers or kids to help buy one of the smaller items with either a penny drive or a bake sale. Perhaps if you have children at school, you could check with their teacher for a similar idea.

4) If you have a group of friends, consider hosting a brunch or a barbecue on a special day such as Easter, July 4, or during a game. It could even be pot luck, but advise guests ahead of time that it will be for a fundraiser for an additional room.

5) It will soon be spring, so why not get rid of some things you don't need any more in a yard sale displaying your collage and telling neighbors that all proceeds will be going towards the fundraiser. If you have any kids, encourage them to have a lemonade stall or bake some cookies for sale-it will add up.

6) If you work, display your collage to your working colleagues and ask if they can spare a few dollars for the fundraiser.

7) If you are a student, try to get other students involved. Perhaps when the weather is better, organize a run for pledges for the additonal room.

8) If you belong to any other organizations, consider taking your collage and asking for small donations to help this family.

9) If you have a medical condition and live near a hospital, check to see if they are offering cash to participate in a study. I receive $20.00 for blowing in a tube!!

See what ideas you can think of, even if you are financially challenged yourself.



Thanks again and God bless!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Francisco's Letter




Here is Francisco's letter. What a beautiful picture he drew and colored!




Monday, March 14, 2011

Photos of Franciso with his SNG Gifts



Hi everyone,

New photos came today of Francisco with his SNG gifts! These gifts are the result of the First Giving Fundraiser that we did back around Oct./Nov. These are the items that he received as listed on the SNG report.

5 Pajamas, short pants, jacket
1 Blender
1 Bed sheets
3 Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
2 Snacks, milk
1 Shoes

It says "Francisco and his family are very grateful for this gift. Francisco de Jesus received clothing and shoes to dress well, some food supplies to eat well and be healthy, a blender to prepare delicious juices, an oral kit and bed sheets.

His mother wrote:

"Dear Sponsor:

I hope that you and your family are in good health as my family and I are. This letter is the thank you for the gift that you gave him which he could buy: a pair of shoes, blender, a set of sheets, groceries, and clothes. My family and I are very grateful for the gift. This year he is going to be in 2nd grade of elementary school. I am so happy.

Francisco Herra's Mom says goodbye with a lot of affection."


I will post the report and letter and little later. God bless.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Entrance to the Home

Francisco's Home Condition



Here is a video which shows the living conditions of Francisco's home and we are thinking that the room to be added would consist of enclosing the storage area seen in this video. Steve wanted to also do something to the walkway at the entrance of the home but the CI staff says that this would not be feasible since the home is on a hill and mud would still run into the home. However, Barbara and I also think that putting something up like a wall in the front might work.

Completing the Fundraiser in Stages

This was shared by Barbara, one of Francisco's sponsors:

It would probably be best to do the fund-raising in three separate stages.

1) The foundation and concrete flooring which would require the following.
a truck load of sand - $171.98
rocks - $127.47
35 bags of cement
though all might not be
needed for the floor alone $388.46

Total costs for materials $687.91
Plus a rough estimate of
labour costs. - $312.09
- Approximate Grand Total- $1,000.00

If each group member would be able to donate an extra $35.00 say in April that would raise $420.00 and if Steve Hogan could manage $580.00, that would raise the required first installment.

Total $1,000.00

If that is not feasible and each person can only afford $30.00 that would equal.
- $360.00
Plus matching amount from Steve -
$360.00

Total - $720.00

If fewer bags of cement were purchased that might just be enough to make a start. Having so many bags of cement lying around might make it irresistable for poor people wanting to steal for profit.


Barbara also suggested that we try to raise funds through our church, school, or local store for example.

"When/if you get any ideas from the other group members could you also add my last suggestion of perhaps taking on one of the items as an individual fund-raiser either the bricks, sand or small rocks, cement, etc., If some one belongs to a church with a congretion of say 200 and they ask each person to donate a mere $2.00 that would pay for the bricks!! Plus any other ideas that occurr to you or others. e.g. having a spare change jar which soon adds up." Barbara


I think that this is a great idea! Other possibilities are putting the fundraiser on First Giving or Aura's House to gather more contributions.

Please post here or on the Yahoo group if you have other suggestion or ideas to help this family! Thank you so much!

Breakdown of the Costs for the Room Construction

Here is the breakdown of the room construction materials and labor construction material:


1 truck of sand $ 171.98
1 truck of small rocks $ 127.47
35 bags of cement $ 388.46
47 rods $ 157.69
15 roof sheets $ 192.31
4 kilos of black wire $ 6.59
8 boxes of small nails $ 7.14
40 roof hooks $ 4.95
550 bricks $ 403.85
IVA tax: $ 168.68
Subtotal Construction material: $ 1,629.12
Labor hand: $ 1,060.44
Subtotal construction material and labor hand: $ 2,689.56
Plus 10% (provisional fund) $ 269.00
Total: $ 2,958.56

We Need Your Help!

Hi everyone,

I have emailed most of you to see if you might be interested in helping out
with a new fundraiser for Francisco. We are wanting to add an additional room
to Francisco's home, especially now that his new baby sister is here. Steve,
his sister's sponsor, inquired to see how much the construction might cost,
after learning that building a new walkway into the home would not be feasible
at this time.

With 13 people in the home now that the new baby has arrived, Francisco's family
really needs some additional space. The details for the room construction will be posted next, and we are thinking of possibly doing the fundraiser in stages.

Steve will match any funds that can be raised. If you are interested in helping
out with this fundraiser in any way, please let me know! We could really use
your help although I know that times are tough financially for just about
everyone.

Thank you for all that you have done to help make life better for Francisco. God bless.

Shana
Co-ordinator

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Francisco and Family Photos!

Francisco's family photos came last week, and includes his newborn baby sister :) She is really cute and chubby. She has not been added to the CI Family Report yet. Francisco is 7 years old and is anemic, but he is looking healthier in these photos. I am glad to see him smiling. Franciso is sponsored by a group of us CI sponsors. Evelyn, who also has a sponsor, is so tall and little Samy looks so serious :) I am hoping to visit Franciso and Evelyn (maybe little Samy) on the visit to Cartagena in July :)

Saturday, February 12, 2011

New Photos of Franciso and his Family!










Francisco's family photos came today and includes his newborn baby sister :) She is really cute and chubby. I'll check the CI site to see if it is updated to show her name. Franciso is looking great and so are all of the kids. Evelyn is so tall and little Samy looks so serious :)

Monday, January 31, 2011

Francisco with his MAC gifts :)


Updates on Francisco!


Hi everyone,

Today the educational and medical reports for Francisco came along with his MAC
photos. There are a couple of things that are concerns. Francisco is reported to be
suffering from anemia and has been given medication and vitamins. I also talked
to a CI staff member who says that he has been given further nutritional
supplements if he needed this, meaning that he has been put on the feeding program if it was needed.

Francisco is also having to repeat the second grade and his report says that his
grades are fair and he likes grammar. He has not received any educational
benefits because he is new to the sponsorship program. Francisco is not
receiving any extra help with his school work, so I asked the CI staff member to
see if tutoring might be an option for him. He is putting in a request to see if
it is. Francisco's school is large and has a library and sport court. It says
that approximately 20 sponsored children attend the school. Francisco walks to
school and it takes about 20 minutes for him to walk to school.

I also asked if he has received his SNG and was told that the family has not
received it yet. It will probably be soon because Debbie told me that the money
had been transferred.

I will post his MAC photos in his album along with the letter from the
volunteer. His letter is addressed to "Mr. Mac" :)

Dear Mr. Mac,

I hope what you receive this letter you are well in health in union with your
family. Francisco is well in health. He won the school year. We are very
proud of him because he is a very intelligent child. We pray to God to bless
and take care of him. ( I like this statement but it concerns me because of his
anemia) We thank you for your support. We received your gift, three books, a box
of crayons, a pair of socks, two cars, a little ball, two stuffed dolls, a
coloring book and play doh. Thank you. I say goodbye.

Clara Maria Campo Forrecilla

Our little guy is not smiling in his photos and maybe it is because he is weak.
Look at his thin arms. Hopefully, now that he is getting nutritional supplements
and medicine, he will get better. God bless.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Barbara's Easter Package to Francisco

Hi, here is a list of the items that Barbara is sending to Francisco and his siblings for Easter:

1 plain blue tank top for Francisco
1 pair of white briefs
1 collapsible Easter Tote
Contents
1 dinosaur pencil with dino-rabbit top erasor
1 small stuffed bunny with S on top for Sami
1 small pink gift card lamb for Evelyn with photo of herself and Steve.
1 white rubber rabbit
1 blue and 1 pink plastic egg with package of candies in each one.
1 small plastic football egg container
1 - Yellow rabbit hand puppet.

1 Colouring and Activity book
5 printed pages for paint by numbers with 6 coloured highlighters
A few pages of stickers

1 Jack and the Beanstalk reading book
1 small Oma? Elmer? Simpson hand fan and two batteries.

1 Easter card, 1 postcard of Vancouver and 13 photos.


Let's hope and pray that this package makes it to them!! There are some really neat and educational items in here that I know the kids would enjoy and benefit from. Thanks Barbara!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Hi

Hi, I just wanted to let everyone know that it is okay to send individual gifts and letters of your own to Francisco. We can do group donations and individual donations for him. If you ever feel like you would like to post or share on the group or blog, please do not hesitate. We are hoping to be able to do a SNG for him this year to help redo the walkway to the home and possibly add an additional room to help with storage. We are waiting to hear back from CI on this, so if you think that you might be interested in helping out with this, please check upcoming posts and feel free to add feedback. We hope to see photos soon of Francisco with his MAC Christmas gifts soon!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Updates

Debbie provided this information yesterday after I inquired to make sure the health and education reports were requested, as well as family photos and to see if his fundraiser funds had been sent:

"With regard to Francisco, we requested health and education reports on 12/15/2010; a family photo on 12/28/2010; and we transferred the $185.00 from FirstGiving on 1/12/2011."

Visit to Colombia

Hi everyone, I am hoping to visit Cartagena this summer and I want to see Francisco and his family. The visit is to take place the second week in July. I will know more definitely in the upcoming months, but I plan to have a 1/2 day visit with him at the center and then take him to the arcades with Evelyn and Samy. If you would like to send letters and small gifts by me to Francisco, please let me know. Thanks and God bless.