Most Recent Blog Posts

• Tatiana, from Cartagena, Colom Tatiana, from Cartagena, Colombia

  • From: bammertheblue
  • Description:

    I wasn't going to sponsor any more children...I really wasn't. (I mean, until one of mine graduated from the program or left, hopefully years from now.) But I couldn't stop thinking about Tatiana. I'd had my eye on her for at least a month and I'd check the CI website every time I logged on to see if she was still there. Finally, on Friday night I decided that with my new job and pay raise, I could definitely afford to sponsor her, so what the heck was I waiting for? I sponsored her on the 3rd, and because of the long weekend, her information just showed up on my CI page this morning.

    Here's all about Tatiana: she's 12 years old, born on December 25, 1997. (A Christmas birthday! My half-sister has a Christmas Eve birthday, so that's another special thing that I didn't even think about before.) Tatiana is from Cartagena, Colombia. She's 4'2" tall and weighs 53 lbs. She attends school, where her favorite subjects are reading and math. She likes to play with dolls and draw, and at home her chores are washing dishes.

    Tatiana's family record is a bit mysterious. Her mother, Delfina, is a homemaker- no mystery there. However, her father is also listed as present, and it says that Tatiana lives with "Parents", but the father's name is listed as "Desconocido", which means "unknown". So I believe that Tatiana is being raised by a single mother. I'm not sure why exactly the form is filled in the way it is, but I guess with thousands of children and thousands of forms, sometimes things get done a little unusually.  A bit of a mystery, and I am sure that if I asked CI they would get someone from the field office to clarify it, but it's not a pressing issue for me. Anyway, Tatiana also has four brothers: Miguel and Omar are both 14, Carlos is 12, and Luis Eduardo is 10. The family's monthly income is just $75.

    The home consists of one multi-use room, with wood walls, a corrugated metal roof, and a dirt floor. They sleep on wooden beds, cook on a portable gas stove, and use non-regulated electricity. Their water source is a neighbor's faucet, and their sanitary facility is an open field.

    I'm very glad that I decided to sponsor Tatiana! And I really need to stop browsing the CI website or I'll end up with 100 sponsored children! Not that that would be bad, if I could afford it, ha ha.

     

  • Blog post
  • 1 hour ago
  • Views: 8

• Q & A Q & A

  • From: thelolos2
  • Description:

    Just wanted to say that I super love the new Q & A with the sponsored kids! If you haven't viewed it you should definitely do so, there's a lot of great insight in to what the children think of CI. You can get there by clicking on the little green dot in the top left corner of the LiftOne screen. I totally look forward to seeing this continue!

  • Blog post
  • 10 hours ago
  • Views: 83

• 23 years and more! 23 years and more!

  • From: CI_CommTAB
  • Description:

    When the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” was crafted, surely volunteers are essential part of that village.

    In the 28 years that Children International has been operating in Tabaco, Philippines, volunteers have been there from the start. Today, their role in realizing our mission of serving underprivileged children is as significant as it was back then.

    Mostly mothers and fathers of sponsored children, each volunteer plays a significant role in delivering vital services to the children and communities we serve. There are volunteers assisting at the clinic, conducting health and nutrition classes, administering medicines during anti-parasite campaigns and to Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients, and sector volunteers who help in community organizing.

    

    Among these tireless individuals is Sharon Dacuno, a mother of two sponsored children living in far away Batan Island. She started volunteering for CI 3 years after it began in Tabaco – that was way back in 1987! From then, she has probably held every volunteer position there is: secretary, coordinator, extension health worker, barefoot doctor and now, a sector volunteer.

    In the 23 years of her volunteer service, she has undergone several trainings that prepared her for her changing roles. The knowledge and experience she has gained through all these years had not only helped her carry out her duties well but also developed her as a person. “Before I started volunteering, I was very timid and I can barely participate in public discussions but after years of exposure, I learned to become confident enough to speak in a crowd. Being a volunteer made me a better person. Now, I am no longer just a housewife…I felt empowered,” she says.

    Sharon also shared some of her unforgettable moments as a volunteer which include bringing her baby along on the field and being caught by a storm at sea while carrying out her duties. She explains that her continuous service to CI is her way of giving back for all the help her family has received. With the help of sponsorship, her eldest is now a Civil Engineer. A small income family struggling to raise five kids and dreaming of giving them a bright future needs all the help it can get that is why Sharon is deeply grateful to CI.

    Being a volunteer for more than two decades, she had her share of challenges but she didn’t let any of it stop her. “I’m happy with what I’m doing that’s why I’m still here. Somehow, volunteering makes me feel that I’m doing my part in realizing a greater good and that makes me feel good inside.” She added that the friendships developed with other volunteers over the years are invaluable and they have become their own unique support group.

    From only 17 children in 1987, there are now more than a hundred sponsored children in her small island community. For Sharon, “as long as there are children to serve,” she will be a CI volunteer - always ready with her warm, toothy smile.

  • Blog post
  • 19 hours ago
  • Views: 37

• Sponsor Visit Sponsor Visit

  • From: Shana B
  • Description:

    I was just reviewing some of Sponsor Steve's videos from April and came across this one of him meeting Evelyn, his child at the center. Evelyn is Francisco's sister. A group of us are sponsoring Francisco. You can see my sponsored child, Yiseth, in the background with her grandmother. She is wearing blue and looks so cute. I hope to visit her and Francisco soon. I know that Yiseth would be tickled to death. Another sponsor's child is in the video also.

  • Blog post
  • 2 days ago
  • Views: 84

• Getting closer Getting closer

  • From: dmills
  • Description:

    I heard from CI last week ans have my confirmation dates to see my kids! I'm so excited. I've already booked the first part of my trip, flight to Santo Domingo and 2 days stay in a 500 year old restored mansion in the Colonial Zone. Glenn is going to love the architecture. It will be a big difference from our last stay in SD, at a fancy hotel.

     I will see Yamileisy and Jose Manuel on friday, Dec. 10th. I'm taking their wrapped Christmas gifts. Of course I also have something for their brother, Victor, and parents. So now I'm trying to figure out the rest of the trip when Jen and Sal meet up with us in Santiago.

    More later.

  • Blog post
  • 2 days ago
  • Views: 64

• A couple LiftOne questions. A couple LiftOne questions.

  • From: davelikesfish
  • Description:

    I don't understand a couple things about this LiftOne site. What is the differance between "Friends" and "Fans"?

    Also, what is the "My Sets" intended for? What are "My Sets"?

    Thanks for your time to answer me.

  • Blog post
  • 2 days ago
  • Views: 62
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• Sponsoring Children Sponsoring Children

  • From: davelikesfish
  • Description:

    I just began sponsoring four children from the Philippines. I hope to be able to have more in the future. I better start out with four and see how things go. I want to be able to give my children my personal attention. I am pretty sure I can afford to sponser more children. It is so hard to look at the childrens photos and not want to sponsor them all. I have to resist the temptation and make sure I am able to take on the responsability of sponsoring each child.

  • Blog post
  • 3 days ago
  • Views: 68

• Frustration (Josep, part 2) Frustration (Josep, part 2)

  • From: cvalda
  • Description:

    Sometimes it's hard to remember that we need to look at helping our sponsored kids in the terms of their community and their country, and not in terms of how it would be done in our own country.

    As I briefly mentioned in Josep's blog, I recieved his health report. I also recieved his educational report today. I am just waiting on a SNG report to complete the picture.

    Without going into too much detail, Josep has physical deformaties and a mental handicap.  He is not recieving any special services or treatment for his conditions, as these things aren't "curable" by any means, and they don't deem him as "sick".  Furthermore, according to his education report, he cannont be in school as he becomes very anxious, cries and has other problems, even only attending two days a week.  It appears his mother has tried multiple times and it doesn't work out, so she is content to have him at home, learning from his sibling.

    I understand that he is in a community where there aren't many special services and accomadations for a boy like him.  Also, I believe he's in a rural community, so there would be even less options available.  I feel the mother has done what she can, and is doing her best by him, so I don't hold her accountable for my feelings at all.  It is frustrating, because of course here in America, a child like him would have physical therapies, some sort of play therapy or emotional support, as well as special education and likely an aid to work with him one on one.  So I am am left feeling rather helpless/hopeless for his future, as I understand that these things cannot be provided for him, and there is really nothing more I can do for him in those regards.

    Also, I don't know what I can send to him, by way of stickers, etc, as I still don't know what level he is mentally functioning on.  His dexterity is likely not very good, he hasn't the use of his left hand at all. 

    Of course, it IS a benefit to his future to be a part of C.I. and get nutrition help, medical check ups, etc.  I'm not saying he is not going to ever advance in his life.  It is just saddening to see the lack of opportunities that he has compared to the standards that *I* am used to.

    As I said, I'm still waiting on the SNG report, so hopefully there is something there that I can help to provide for him.  Otherwise I feel like there isn't much that I can do for him.

     

  • Blog post
  • 3 days ago
  • Views: 88

• A special gift sent TO us FROM A special gift sent TO us FROM our sponsored child!

  • From: frumor
  • Description:

    Geraldine, age 11, Guayaquil, Ecuador

    We didn't expect anything from CI after Daniel's SNG report. We have been able to pass the mail box with just a quick look into it without trying to remove the bottom or side walls to see if anything was hidden there. Our mailman has even smiled, knowing that we wouldn't attack him for a while.

    Nevertheless we got mail!!! Geraldine has written her 4th letter to us in 3 months!

    This is not a welcome letter, it's not a thank you letter, it's not a 90-day-rule letter. This is a letter written by our sponsored girl in Guayaquil, just because she wants to share her life with us!!

    I don't think she has got any idea of how much this special letter means to us! If we have ever had "special needs" this is the greatest gift she could ever provide us with!

    
    The letter:

    .......I will tell you that I went to Manta where I played a lot with my friends, we were riding a bicycle, played with the dolls and played in the park among other things. After that I went to the bay with my whole family and the next day I went to the beach with my cousins. Then we ate ceviches and encebollado and my family and I were very happy because all of the fun we had......

    I say godbye with lots of affection

    Geraldine

    
    If our letters will bring her just half the joy that hers bring us... 

    If we could only make people outside this community understand what treasures we found in Ecuador and Chile!

    Sorry to say this, but with our own son and our two sponsored kids we have already won the competition "Best Kids On Earth" 

    Annette 

  • Blog post
  • 3 days ago
  • Views: 71

• MAC MAC

  • From: Shana B
  • Description:

    MAC has low cost items that CI sponsors can purchase for their children. The Christmas gift packages are being ordered now and the deadline has been extended. All contributions go towards current  fundraisers for CI children on the blog and food for CHZ Zambian children. Here is the link:

     

    http://childrenaretheworld.blogspot.com/

     

    Patricio with his MAC gifts last summer.

  • Blog post
  • 3 days ago
  • Views: 58

• Shadows of the Past Shadows of the Past

  • From: rlsykes
  • Description:

         The past, an ever lurking shadow over the paths of our lives.  It is not something to be out run, feared, however, nor can it necessarily easily be embraced.  We are forged by it whether we like it or not.  I am undecided as to whether my past is a curse or a virtue.  It is hard for an old soldier to shed hard learned habits.  I am sure you must now have asked yourself what this embracing of philosophical diatribe has to do with anything.  Today I received Alondra's special needs report.

         I was not set a back by what was listed in two "options".  Clothing, shoes, groceries, bed frame and mattress.  I actually exspected it to be more.  I was more than happy to go online immediately and send the special gift donation for the amount denoted for all items.  I saw no reason as to why it was split into two options so I simply took care of both.  Maybe CI believes it would be to much to provide at once to the family but all the items listed seem necessary and essential to me.  Why wait to provide them?

        Yet, it has been my nature in the past to be over zealous about addressing challenges and I am sure I have never had a challenge that may last another eight years.  I am a bit fearful of how the family might view my will to help quickly correct as many short comings as I can for Alondra.  It is becoming essential to me that I do all I can to set conditions for her that will help her break the cycle of poverty.  Perhaps it may sound odd but she deserves that not only as a human being but for helping enlighten me.  Hopefully, this will help stabilize the conditions at home, which in turn will only help her succeed in school.  An education is essential to breaking the cycle.  I wish her not to worry about whether she will get a decent meal when she gets home.  I wish she can be like any other child and worry only about getting homework done and playing.  Yet, is there such a thing as doing too much?

         Would paying all her school tuition be too much?  Would providing groceries once a month be too much?   My response would be no but I am haunted by my fathers lessons of respect toward others no matter what their status in life.  Alondra is not my daughter.  Is there a danger of disrespecting her parents by trying to do too much for her?  I can only hope that the habits of my past are a virtue in this case.

  • Blog post
  • 4 days ago
  • Views: 82

• El Príncipe de Valparaíso got El Príncipe de Valparaíso got his soccer ball!

  • From: frumor
  • Description:

    Daniel, 9 years old, Valparaíso, Chile

    
    After 9 full weeks we received the SNG report from Daniel! The report was made the 27th of July, but Spain is unfortunately on holiday in August, so things just don't happen or are slowed down so much that we received the report the 30th of August!

    
    Anyway, It's always, always, always worth the waiting!

    
    Daniel got his soccer ball! That was the only thing we specified as a wish when we sent the money. The rest was for CI to decide what to buy. I am so happy for the things he got. From the pictures (yes, yes, the scanner....bla, bla, bla) it seems that clothes and shoes are of a good quality, I think it's important - things that can stand a 9 - year old boy's 'treatment'.

    
    And now the letter:
    ......I want to thank you for all the things you send me that are a pair of school shoes, a long sleeve t-shirt, a sport suit, a box of underpants, a pair of sneakers and a soccer ball. I am super (!) happy because I'll be able to play with my friends.

    Well, I want to tell you I'm on winter school break and did very well at school.My family sends much regards to you and your family. I say goodbye "con mucho cariño" (much affection)

    Your sponsored child Daniel

    
    The report says that Daniel was very happy for the items received, especially for the soccer ball and the sneakers. And later that "it is a very useful donation, he needed the clothes and shoes, and he's happy to have a soccer ball and new sneakers to play with."
    On the pictures he is wearing a wintercoat and ear pads (is that the right word? - to keep the ears warm!) He looks so sweet!!! It's cold in Valparaíso, about 13º C = 55 F.

    When we sent the money we were near 40º = 104F here in Spain. We didn't really think about that he lives "on the other side of the world" even if we have noticed the temperatures from time to time. Maybe we should have asked for a better winter coat, but again, would it have made him super happy?

    
    Have any of you here any idea of how happy it makes us making a little boy super happy???

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 4 days ago
  • Views: 78

• All about Josep All about Josep

  • From: cvalda
  • Description:

    Josep is a 13-year old boy from Guatemala, who lives with his parents and younger brother.  His father is a carpenter and his mother is a homemaker.  Their monthly family income is $156.  The home that Josep lives in has one multi-use room with walls and roof made of corrugated metal and a concrete floor.  They use a portable gas stove, have 2 beds in the home, have running water and a toilet, and electricity.

    Josep has a mental handicap, although the health report didn't give me any more information than that, so I do not know what his level of functioning is.  He does not go to school due to this.  Josep enjoys playing with toys and playing soccer, dancing and singing.  He has physical disabilities as well, but he does not suffer from blindness or deafness, and appears to not need a wheelchair.  He is not provided with any services or therapies; his doctor states that he does not need them as he has had his disabilities from birth.

    Josep has been a part of Children International since 2001, and has had the same sponsor for his first nine years.  After that, he waited fifteen months for me to find him! 

    

  • Blog post
  • 4 days ago
  • Views: 97

• Sad News Yet Again Sad News Yet Again

  • From: misskim34
  • Description:

    I'm pretty sure you have recieved this letter from CI in the mail:" We've just learned from our feild staff that_______'s family unexpectedly moved from the sponsorship area and can't be located."

    It went on to say that they realize that this happens to be the second child to leave the program within a short period of time. But I will be strong for my other children and I have selected a new child to take her place. Her name is Carmen Elizabeth and she's from Mexico. As soon as I get her pictures and information I will pass it on to you.

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 148

• Help requested Help requested

  • From: louperrylulu8
  • Description:

    

     

     Hello to everyone.

          I received word from Guatemala that both of my girls can attend school,but do not because their parents cannot afford the uniforms they need to go .

                                  In the sng I was told it would cost $250.00 for both of these girls to receive the

          uniforms they need.  I have set up a fundraising page at                       

                                 www.firstgiving.com/yoselintwins         

          I have sent emails to all my family and friends,and on Saturday plan to

                                        do a yard sale.      

                                         With the money needing to be there by December I am a little concerned about being able to do this.  So If any of you can possibly help,it would be greatly appreciated.

                                             thank you

                                              

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 127

• 4 + 4 = 6 Thousand. Seriously! 4 + 4 = 6 Thousand. Seriously!

  • From: CI_CommJAL
  • Description:

    

    At Children International’s Jalisco agency, we couldn’t be happier. Last week we opened our fourth community center in Mexico. Isn’t that amazing?

    Thanks to this center, along with the other three, we’ll be able to help over 20 thousand kids in Mexico. That seems amazing since we’re one of CI’s newest agencies. We’ve only been working here for six years, and we’re already seeing the results and the impact of Children International’s work in the communities.

    

    I bet you’re still wondering about the title of this post. Like I said, this is our fourth community center in Mexico. It was build on Cerro del Cuatro (Four Hill), and it will benefit six thousand kids.

    We hope in four years – less if possible – to see the results in the community where the center is located, with healthy and educated kids, and youths aware that they can become agents of change and transform their communities. In the end, this is our main goal.

    I asked the mother of the first sponsored child at Tlaquepaque Community Center, “What changes do to expect to see in your community with the arrival of Children International?”

    “Until now, I know that you’re promoting values and unfortunately in this area, we’re lacking in those…also the things that you offer, like clothes and shoes, are really helpful. I’m really interested in sports and English classes. I hope we can get all the parents involved in rescuing the youths who are wasting their lives on drugs. I think that one the biggest problem here is gangs, but more than that, people’s apathy. As for my kids, I would like for them to continue studying and to be healthy,” was María Mena’s reply.

    

    Our president, Jim Cook, joined us for the opening event, and after the ceremony 300 hundred kids who are members of the sports program gave him a big welcome in another service area as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of this goal. We imagine that happening in the new center in a close future.

    

    Just look at this last picture!!!!

    

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 82

• A New Adventure -- SNGs! A New Adventure -- SNGs!

  • From: NaMasTe1317
  • Description:

    I recently just read about these SNGs or Special Needs Gifts; I've been involved for 13 years and I had no idea of what these were!

    Are these common? I would really love to do something special for Deivi, but do I do something practical? Arrange for him and his family to receive something they need or could benefit from as a family? Or should I get him something personal based on what I know his likes are?

    Any advice for a newbie at SNGs?  I love that I can continue learning and growing through this online community! = )

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 100

• All About Katherine! All About Katherine!

  • From: LisaU123
  • Description:

    This is Katherine.  She is 8 years old and lives in Guayaquil with her grandparents and parents and sibings.  She has 5 siblings!  Her brothers and sisters consist of Hilda 16, Carlos 15, Odalis 10, Willian 3, and Jhon 6 months.  They have an income of $200.  Her father Pedro is a laborer, and her mother Maciello stays home with the kids.  Their house is split cane with a wood floor and corrugated metal for a roof.  They have wooden beds and running water.

    Katherine also likes to write nice, descriptive letters like all my other kids in Ecuador.  She told me that she won first place in a dance competition in school!  I am wondering if dance lessons may be something I could provide!  In her first letter her mom did not have her baby brother yet so she told me she was excited.  She then later told me how "he is very handsome but doesn't look like a baby of his age".  She loves to listen to music and take walks with her dad.  She seems like a very bright and happy child. 

    Pictures below include one of her family and also a from a SNG I sent and a Direct Package. 

     

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    

    

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 70

• Update on Christopher Update on Christopher

  • From: Inga.K
  • Description:

    Well... Christopher's mystery is almost solved. I found an updated Family Report of Christopher in My Account and... it broke my heart... Christopher's mother Aive is deceased and his father abandoned the family. This is the reason why he is living with relatives, now I just need to find out who is taking care of him. It should be his foster mom Mary who dictates letters to a volunteer to write me. I really hope she gives Christopher all the mother's love he needs and deserves. I can't even imagine how hard can it be for a 7 years old child to grow up in poverty without his mother and father.

    The updated report also states that Christopher does not attend school because the family lacks money... Oh no!! I have to send him to school as soon as possible!

    I desperately want to help this boy and I'm doing everything to support him but I'm in a very tough situation right now. Christopher needs the stuff his relatives can not afford to provide; a school bag, sandals and clothes, much needed food, as well as a bed or a mattress so he will no longer sleep on the floor.

    Christopher's fundraiser can be found here for anything you can spare. I would like to thank everyone who already donated, we are almost half of the way! I would really appreciate your support! 

    
    
    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    http://www.firstgiving.com/zambiankids

  • Blog post
  • 5 days ago
  • Views: 84

• The Waiting Game The Waiting Game

  • From: candace.eve
  • Description:

    I feel a tad bit guilty, but want to know if anyone else feels the same way as I do on occasion.

    It has been a little while since I have gotten a new photo, letter, or update on any of my 5 sponsored children. I have made packages to send them, but I have not actually sent them yet.
    I almost feel like when I am not in contact with them I begin to not to the things I want to do for them. It's not that my care or concern for them changes at all it is like I lose the close connection I usually have with them.

    Any thoughts or words of wisdom will be much appreciated!
    Thanks All

    Candace Eve B.

  • Blog post
  • 6 days ago
  • Views: 115
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