Archive for May, 2009
My trip to Nicaragua
By Suzanna Vermeul-Wilson, CFCA sponsor
I have traveled to many places in my life. I have met all kinds of people in many different circumstances. I have served the poor, and I have seen people living in poverty. In my job as a social worker, every day I see children in circumstances that they should not have to live in. I see suffering and sadness, I see human tragedy. The trip that I took to Nicaragua has had an effect on me that I cannot explain. Long after I returned home, I continue to be drawn to that place, to those people.
My husband did not want to go on this trip. I asked him several months prior to the mission awareness trip if he would want to go. He did not answer me for some time. After about a month passed, I asked again, and he said that he really didn’t want to go. I asked that he consider it, that I really wanted to go – that I really wanted him to go. He capitulated, and I bought the tickets the same day! At the first meeting with our sponsored child, my husband cried tears of joy. When we returned home and filled out our evaluations, he stated that this trip was a “life-changing experience.” I told him that seeing him there, with those children, his tears of joy and his strong feelings about it made me love him more than ever.
I keep wondering if this intense feeling I have will fade. There is not a day that has passed since our return that I have not thought or prayed for the children and people of Nicaragua. I feel compelled to do something – I’m not sure what that is. I have been finding sponsors for children, but that does not quench the thirst that I have. I feel indescribably drawn to these people, to this country, to the simplicity which is their life. I find myself considering things in a new way – questioning the day-to-day decisions that our society makes: the waste, the excess, the rampant consumerism and materialism of our society.
I experienced such an intense feeling of relationship with all the people that I met on this trip, with the country, with their ways, it is a feeling that I can’t really describe. It was wonderfully satisfying to meet our sponsored child and to see what our monthly assistance has done for him and his family. I felt a connection with him, yes, a happiness from him to meet us after all these 11 years of sponsorship. I felt the warmth from his family and their gratitude and a sense of connection that only our good God can give to people.
I feel that there is something I am called to do. There is a longing inside of me, a constant tug at my heart. I feel like I’m searching for something in a fog. I keep waking in the night with an anticipation in my mind. During the day my thoughts constantly drift to Nicaragua. At home, at work, even in my leisure time, I feel a strong pull that I’m supposed to do something with these feelings. I’m not sure what this is – what it means, or how I can be of further service. Every day I want to be back in Nicaragua. Is it the Lord somehow calling to me? I am listening, Lord – what are you trying to say to me?
9 comments May 27, 2009
Bob’s notes — Visit to Venezuela
Mission awareness trip to Venezuela
May 9-16, 2009
Welcome
We can be very proud of the CFCA families and of the staff. When I see how much the families are anxious to see us, to give us a hug, to ask for a blessing for their children, to so generously share with us the fruits of their hard work, I am reminded of the community of the early Christians in the Acts of the Apostles.
Mother’s Day in Venezuela
Sunday morning found us at breakfast at the corner panaderia (bakery) in the town of Catia La Mar. CFCA-Venezuela Project Coordinator Sunilde Perez and staff member Yanin Castillo shepherded us well, and made sure we had a chance to get to know the members of our group.
Isabel Alvarez gave her customary fine introduction to Venezuela. Isa speaks with the passion of a well-educated yet “still poor Venezuelan”—her auto-description. She speaks of the pros and cons of the current government. One of the challenges she highlights is the strong political and social division within the country.
About the same time Isabel was speaking to our group, President Hugo Chavez made two statements on his weekly TV broadcast. The first is a warning to opposing TV stations and media who “incite people to war.” They are in danger of being closed down and their broadcast license revoked. The second warning is to certain large land holders in the sugar cane area. He believes that they acquired titles to their land illegally. Therefore, these properties may be subject to nationalization. I cannot help but think of the effects of a similar nationalization program a few years ago in Zimbabwe. (more…)
5 comments May 21, 2009
Sponsorship helped Aileen achieve her dream
The following is a final letter from Aileen, 20, of CFCA’s Legazpi. Philippines, project. She was sponsored through Walk with the Poor by the Justice League at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo. Aileen graduated in March 2009 with a bachelor’s in office administration.
Warm greetings to all of you! I hope that you are happy upon handling this letter of mine.
CFCA is such a big help to me and to my family. I’ve been in this foundation for 12 years. Being one of the CFCA beneficiaries is a very big blessing to us. Everything that I need is supported and assisted by CFCA, from the food assistance, medical and dental check-up, educational supplies, clothing, recreational activities, spiritual support and tuition fees. All of these benefits greatly helped us in coping with our needs in life.
I’m very thankful to God because I belong to this foundation, and I have sponsors like you who are willing to help us without expecting in return. I can say that I’m blessed to be sponsored by you. Thank you so much. You know, I’m sad to say that I have to waive your sponsorship for me. I graduated from college through the help of CFCA, last March 26, 2009, with the degree of bachelor of science in office administration. Because of CFCA, I was given an opportunity to finish my studies. My father is a single parent and he cannot afford to send me to college. That’s why I’m so grateful and thankful to you and to CFCA. I think I won’t able to reach this far without your generous support. Thank you very much!!
Right now, I am clearing all the requirements for me to have the transcript of records. I always pray to God that I could find a good job because I really want to help my family to uplift from poverty. CFCA and you, dearest sponsors, are part of my life. You played a very big role in achieving my dreams. You will be forever in my thoughts and prayers.
My whole family wants to express our regards and sincerest gratitude and thanks to all of you there. You changed and touched our lives. We pray that God will shower you more blessings, and we also wish the success of CFCA.
Thank you very much!!! God bless you all!!
Love always,
Aileen
Read more: Students’ pottery helps Walk with the Poor student finish school
4 comments May 19, 2009
Focus on the personal
Chris Palmer, a member of the international programs department, traveled on a mission awareness trip to Nicaragua. Here are some of his thoughts:
On the drive back to the hotel for the evening, I was reflecting over the week’s events. I am sure the rest of the participants were doing the same thing. Seeing poverty for a week isn’t necessarily easy and trying to understand the reasons behind it can be not only confusing, but somewhat discouraging.
Yet, amid the seemingly negative situation there continues to be an underlying optimism and joy among the people we visited in Nicaragua that, when seen, can only bring a sense of wonderment. It is something that can’t be communicated easily through words. It isn’t until we walk with the people at their pace for awhile that we start to learn their journey … from where they came to where they hope to go.
CFCA is providing more than just $30 a month for necessities. CFCA has an intentional focus on the personal aspect. From staff members and social workers, to the local communities and families, CFCA understands that money can only do so much for someone, but sponsorship is personal. After seeing it for week I believe it is that personal aspect that provides the hope … it is a hope for themselves, their family, their country and our world.
1 comment May 18, 2009
At what age does CFCA classify sponsored friends as aging?
Q. At what age does CFCA classify sponsored friends as aging?
A. There is no specific age one must be to qualify for sponsorship as an aging person. Our project staffs make this determination within the context of the person’s circumstances.
While about 85 percent of sponsored aging persons are 65 or older, anyone who is an adult can be designated as aging. However, aging persons who are younger than 50 years old typically have a special situation that the CFCA project is addressing through sponsorship. For example, adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have special needs are classified as aging because they are no longer children but have a tremendous need for sponsorship as a result of physical or mental limitations.
Living conditions and life spans are different in each area of the world. CFCA feels it is best for those most familiar with the individual situations of the adults to determine their eligibility for the sponsorship program.
Add comment May 11, 2009
Reflections from a new mom
By Kristin Littrell, communications department
A month before I found out I was pregnant, I traveled to Guatemala to see CFCA’s work there. A home I visited has frequently returned to my mind since having my baby girl late last year.
We visited a sweet mother with a few children. She was cradling an infant, probably about 6 months old – the same age my little girl is now.
Her home was made of tin walls, a dirt floor and a tin roof. It was situated at the top of a very steep hill, in a neighborhood built in an area few people would want to live in because of fear of mudslides.
As I walked into her house, I noticed a couple of make-shift beds and a table. The air in the house was so hot and stifling – the tin just held the heat in. Hanging from the ceiling was this:
I asked the mother what it was used for. She told me that it was the baby’s bed.
I remember being surprised at the time, thinking that few in America would allow their child to sleep there. But this mom didn’t have another option, and she was doing the best thing possible for her baby.
Later, I returned home to the U.S., quickly found out I was expecting, and began the craziness that is American baby registries, birth classes, showers and more.
There were many times during my pregnancy that I would think back to families with young children I met in Guatemala. One night in my ninth month of pregnancy, as I sat in our decorated nursery dreaming about when our little girl would arrive, I pulled the picture of that mother’s home up on my computer.
And for a few minutes, I couldn’t speak.
Sometimes the vast differences between my life here and my friends’ lives in countries like Guatemala are hard to process. It’s hard to make sense of the disparities.
In that moment, this prayer was on my lips:
I am once again humbled and beyond grateful for the many blessings we have in life.
Jesus, keep me from wanting more, when so many of your children have so much less.
Give me perspective. Don’t let me forget.
Weave simplicity and abundant generosity into the fabric of our family.
This Mothers Day, I’ll be thinking about that mom in Guatemala, and the many strong women around the world we’re privileged to work with at CFCA. I stand in awe of these women.
And as I rock my little girl to sleep, I’ll tell her stories of these friends around the world and pray that someday she gets to meet them, too. And when she meets them, I pray she’s compelled to partner with them as they build a better life for their children.
3 comments May 8, 2009
A duet in the Philippines
Blog and video by Paul Pearce, director of international programs department
On a recent visit to our programs in the Philippines, I was invited to spend the afternoon with a group of sponsored aging persons in the Antipolo project. The program organizes sponsored members into small groups called “Kapitbahayan” (neighbor in the Filipino language).
The groups of 15 to 20 members meet regularly, and this afternoon was one of such Kapitbahayan meetings held in the ruins of a small, uncompleted building.
The meetings are a source of camaraderie, support and planning among the sponsored members. They share with each other how things are going in their home life, study scriptures and coordinate project activities.
During the meeting, I asked if they have recreation or talent development activities. That’s when the smiles really emerged on these beautiful faces. Wenceslao quickly stood and said that he would like to sing out of great gratitude to his sponsor and the CFCA program. CFCA staff member Nell joins him as a duet part way through the popular and historic song.
I was now immersed in Filipino pride, beauty and spirit through song. Many in attendance took turns singing. They had turned this ramshackle, tattered shell of a building into a fine concert hall and given our meeting its wings.
1 comment May 7, 2009
When Allison met Allison
By Allison Kline, student at Missouri State University
My mission awareness trip to Costa Rica was one of the most unique experiences of my life. I got the chance to practice my Spanish and meet my sponsored child, Allison.
Before my trip to Costa Rica, I had never left the United States, so I didn’t really know what to expect. I have studied Spanish in school for the past six years, but I had never spoken it outside the classroom. But, on my first day in Costa Rica, that changed.
My mom, who works in communications for CFCA, was taking pictures of families at the La Estrella subproject, and she needed to tell them that the pictures she was taking were for CFCA. She asked me to tell the parents what the pictures were for, using my Spanish. I was really nervous, but surprisingly, they could understand me, and they seemed happy that I communicated with them in their own language.
The highlight of my trip was the day that the sponsors and sponsored children got to spend together. We spent the whole day at a beautiful park area playing games and getting to know the kids. Allison, who is 7, really enjoyed jumping on the trampoline that was set up. She would have spent the whole day jumping if she could.
I taught her how to use my digital camera and showed her how to look at the pictures she’d taken. She caught on quickly, and she took a bunch of pictures of the children and their sponsors playing and having a good time. My mom and I really enjoyed spending the day with Allison. She was quiet, but the whole day she had a big smile on her face.
The next day, my mom and I went with three social promoters and a translator to visit Allison’s house. When we got to their neighborhood, we had to climb up a muddy hill that the promoters told us was almost impossible to climb during the rainy season. We could imagine that: we were having problems climbing it in the dry weather.
Allison’s house was made of tin and had cardboard walls. Seeing the house was sad, but it made me happy when we walked inside and saw Allison and her older brother and sister coloring with the coloring books and colored pencils we brought them. Allison’s mom showed us Allison’s school notebooks filled with her schoolwork, and we got to see some of the food benefits and the bunk beds that the family received from CFCA.
Going to Costa Rica was one of the best experiences of my life, and I especially enjoyed getting to know Allison and her family. A mission awareness trip is a really eye-opening experience, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to participate in one.
Add comment May 6, 2009
Breaking rocks for a living
Today, much of the international community is celebrating Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day. Labor Day recognizes the social and economic achievements of laborers. Though much has been accomplished for workers, including safer working conditions and representation through labor unions, workers like those in Tanzanian rock quarries still labor under very difficult conditions.
Mary Dawn Reavey, the Dar es Salaam project coordinator in Tanzania, gives us a look at the working conditions of people who break rocks for a living.
Story by Reavey, and video by Freddie (sponsored) and Emma (formerly sponsored).
Freddie, Emma and I interviewed and filmed some guardians of sponsored children who break rocks for a living. Because many parents die from AIDS, their children are often raised by guardians such as uncles, aunts, brothers or sisters.
At a quarry outside Dar es Salaam, workers break rocks near the road to be more accessible to potential customers. To protect them from the blazing sun, the workers construct a covering with sticks and old flour sacks.
They pound rocks for at least eight hours a day, starting around 6 a.m. to avoid the intense midday heat. CFCA is helping many of these guardians start small businesses, allowing them to significantly reduce the time they spend breaking stones, or stop altogether. (more…)
5 comments May 1, 2009
