Archive for June, 2009
Renewed in a land that God has touched
By Jerry Kupris, CFCA sponsor
Three years ago I brought my son, Michael, with me to Guatemala, it being my second trip and his first. I felt he needed to see other places and other peoples to put his young life into perspective. He was having trouble and was, frankly, heading toward disaster. He seemed to have no direction. His anti-authority attitude was becoming his downfall.
I did not know what the trip would do for him, but I did know that he was a sensitive and caring person, much unlike the bravado he constantly attempted to put forth. I felt that being in a country where he did not know the language but would get to know people for who they really were would allow his real persona to unfold.
And then he met Bob …
Here in this foreign land was a person who was at home with the people and also fully understood the American visitors who had come for various reasons. In telling the story of Guatemala and CFCA, Bob used music as his means of communication. His depth of sincerity and passion for his mission and for the people he served were evident to me, and to Michael. His talks and his music were winning over our hearts and our minds.
Shortly after one of our evening meetings, Michael stepped forward to admire Bob’s guitar. After some small talk, Bob asked if he would like to play it. (Michael had just begun to teach himself to play guitar.) Mike replied that he was left-handed and Bob was right-handed. Bob said, “Take the guitar and restring it so you can play it.” Michael, who understood that a musician’s instrument is a very personal item, was at once touched by the offer.
Michael restrung the guitar and played deep into the night. He even composed a tune along the rhythms of Guatemalan music, which he played the evening before we returned to Guatemala City.
I noticed that Michael became attentive to vast differences between our culture and the Guatemalan culture. What pleased me was that he had an immediate, abiding respect for that cultural difference and learned of the real dignity of the indigenous people.
During our time in Guatemala, I could see a new Michael, a Michael who was always there but had been brought out more fully by his experience with new people, new places, new foods and environment, and most importantly, by his interaction with Bob Hentzen.
From that point on, Michael found a new interest in his studies, but most importantly, he developed a deeper love for music and things of a more aesthetical nature. His teachers also noticed a new maturity. His grades improved, and in his senior year, he won the lead in the school musical. As parents we were, of course, proud of him.
Michael is now in college majoring in music theory and composition. I have no doubt that his Guatemala experience played a great part in his new direction in life. I have no doubt that his honesty, directness and lack of prejudice were enhanced by the mission awareness trip.
God willing, Mike and I will return together to renew ourselves in a land that God has touched, in a land that has touched us.
Add comment June 29, 2009
Serious fun
School’s out for summer! Kids are lost in a lazy haze of swimming, camps and vacations. But, as the excitement of having no homework fades, it is often replaced with, “Mom! I’m booooooored!”
What a great time to encourage solidarity with their sponsored friend. Have them do a little research about the country, culture and history of their friend. The library has wonderful books for all ages about different countries. This will make letter writing easier, too, because the research may stir up good questions they can ask of their friend.
Over the next four weeks, we will offer some ideas and activities that you can do with your children or grandchildren that will teach them about other cultures.
Global play
The most global, common element about childhood is play. Children play. Even when faced with inhumane conditions and hardship, it is part of a child’s nature to engage in some kind of play. There are many games that are manifested in areas all around the planet in various forms (hide and seek, tag, jump rope games, etc.) but there are many games that seem to be organic, having grown out of the imaginations of a nation’s children. The following is a game that children play in Chile.
Mar, Luna, Sol (Ocean, Moon, Sun)
You need a couple of steps where the children can stand side by side. This can be the front porch or the steps of a pool.
The bottom step (or the ground) is Mar (ocean). The next one up is Luna (moon) and the top step is Sol (sun). One person is the caller. The caller says either, “Mar, Luna or Sol” and everyone has to jump to that step. The caller keeps choosing different levels and everyone must jump to that step. If a players jumps to the wrong step, they are out. The last one left standing wins and gets to be the caller.
There are many great Web sites where you can find games that are played by children in your friend’s country. Research the games together with your own children or grandchildren. Then, let the games (and the learning) begin!
You can also look at our 2008 edition of Sacred Ground for more games around the world (look at page 15 of the pdf).
Related links
Serious fun, part 2
Serious fun: Creative play
2 comments June 25, 2009
Bob’s notes — Visit to Guatemala
Mission awareness trip to Guatemala
June 13-20, 2009
In our projects I often hear the expression “Proyecto de Vida,” when referring to long-term planning in the careers of teens, children and, yes, our sponsored elderly. As a community, CFCA also has a Proyecto de Vida: to create a worldwide community of compassion through personal outreach, to walk with God’s humble, marginalized people—even in very challenging places and times. The Organization of American States declared that Latin America is the most violent region of the world and that 42 percent of all the homicides with firearms in the world take place in Latin America. But even with all this, at CFCA we have our Proyecto de Vida.
Thankful for inspiration
Please allow me to honor one of the lead catechists of Father Stanley Rother. His name is Diego Quic, husband, father, quiet leader in the parish of Santiago, Atitlan, Guatemala. On Jan, 3, 1981, Diego Quic was snatched from the front steps of the parish church, in full view of witnesses including members of the parish mission team. Seven months later, Father Stan himself gave his life for the suffering people of Santiago and of the world. Our 33 sponsors on the June 2009 mission awareness trip climbed those very steps to pray in the chapel/room/shrine where Father Stan was martyred. Diego Quic’s body was never found. Diego … presente … pray for us. In our Proyecto de Vida help us to see our lives as a part of your beautiful life.
In San Pedro Ayampuc, 15-year-old Carmela is the only daughter among three sons in a lovely struggling family. Fortunately, theirs is a loving family with both mom and dad at home. One other boy in the family is sponsored—William Josue, born with limitations of hearing and speech. Their mother, Maria Virginia, takes William Josue each day to Guatemala City on public transportation for special classes. This is no small task. But a glance into the deep eyes of this boy reveals an alert mind and great potential.
Carmela stood before us all on this first Sunday morning of the trip and gave one fine talk. The conviction and strength of Carmela’s message really touched us all, especially her emotional exhortation to the sponsors to try to help other children as she has been helped. The clincher came when Carmela revealed the pictures of their new home provided by the sponsors. Carmela’s gratitude lights up her whole being—a practical kind of gratitude which she demonstrates with a grade point average of 92.3 and a willingness to work on Saturdays teaching many CFCA mothers how to read and write. (more…)
3 comments June 24, 2009
What is the good news?
By Rev. Kelly Demo, CFCA preacher
Time and again in scripture, and in my life, I find that people define God through the lens of their own life. Scripture says Jesus came to bring good news to the poor. On my trip to El Salvador, I asked several people what this good news is.
Their answers told me much about where they are in their lives and their relationship with God.
Liberation and salvation
I first asked this of a charismatic priest who celebrates Mass in the town of Tacuba. He is loved by the community, and sees himself as a servant of the people. What is the good news Jesus brings to the poor? “Liberación y salvación.”
He said that without God we are all poor, and that we are all equal in the eyes of God. As a priest, it is his job to pastor everyone in the church, both wealthy and poor. So, the good news for him is equality.
A real presence
For Henry Flores, the good news was when Jesus said, “I will always be with you.” Henry is the director of the CFCA Communication Center in El Salvador and has been a project director in El Salvador for years. He said that prayers are answered every day in very tangible ways, be it money, food, or just a helping hand. “Someone needs help and help always comes.”
It was Henry’s job for many years to make sure that the children receive what they need. It is natural that the good news for Henry is that real presence, the help of Jesus in their daily lives.
A better life waits
Tim Clancy sponsors 10 children through CFCA. He is a deeply generous and caring man. The good news for the poor in Tim’s eyes is that, while things here on Earth are bad, a better life awaits them with God in heaven. Tim talked a lot about his frustration at not being able to do more, despite his multiple sponsorships. But the good news for Tim is knowing that God will make it better for the poor in the next life.
Everyone is important to God
I asked Rosa, a 34-year-old mother of three boys, two of whom are sponsored. She is the poor for whom the good news was given. Her answer took my breath away. “It is that God will never throw me away like an old piece of bread.”
The good news that Jesus brings to Rosa is that, no matter what the world sees when they look at her, she knows that, in God’s eyes, she is important.
I am deeply grateful for those I have met on my journey who have shared their stories with me. It is in these stories that I find the good news.
What do you think is the good news Jesus brings to the poor?
2 comments June 23, 2009
The courage and love of a father
By Henry Flores, director of the communications center in El Salvador
In June, we celebrate Father’s Day in many countries in Latin America, and it’s in these countries where millions of children don’t have access to proper education, nutrition, health and unfortunately, many of them don’t even have a father.
More often than not, the typical Latin American family has only one parent at home – the mother. This stark reality is based on many factors, including the oppressive poverty and cultural standards.
The precarious financial situation of many families forces fathers to migrate from the rural areas into the cities or other countries. Others work away from home and return only a couple days per month, and still others simply become part of the statistics of those who don’t care for their children.
In spite of this reality, there are fathers who stay to face the challenges and burdens of their life and families. They stay home with their wife and children to be together, to be a family, instilling in them values, creating awareness and helping to build a strong society by offering united families.
At CFCA, we are blessed to witness the courage of many of these men who strive every single day to be good examples of a hard-working spirit, a family leader and loving paternal figure, not only for their own children, but for other children in their communities.
I recently met Hector and his wife, Maria Esperanza. They are raising five children. Hector works in agriculture, and with the help of small loans, he works 2.5 acres of land, planting corn and beans, producing enough to sell part of it to pay his debts and keeping a little of his production for the family consumption. Hector travels by horse for almost two hours to the land he rents to grow his crops. He usually works long days, under very high temperatures and extreme humidity, starting early in the morning and returning home late at night.
Hector has a fierce love for his wife and children. He protects them and ensures that they have what they need. And, education is his first priority. “Sometimes my children help me in my plantation, but school is first, so I work alone most of the time.”
The financial situation of the family is difficult, but the dreams of this father for his children are the motivation he needs to work hard. “Things can be difficult, I work hard. It is my hope that my children will be educated and have a better life, and I just need to work harder,” Hector said.
We praise our Lord for the gift of fatherhood, for the opportunity to be loved by a father and I thank You, my Lord, for the blessings of being a father.
The third Sunday of June marks Father’s Day in many countries worldwide, including the United States. Today, June 17, those in El Salvador and Guatemala celebrate their fathers. We, at CFCA, would like to honor all fathers, including Henry Flores and Hector, for the courage and strength they provide to their families.
Read about Daniel’s father, who strives to see his children graduate.
9 comments June 17, 2009
Haitian proverbs
A high illiteracy rate in Haiti has contributed to a strong oral tradition. Elders pass their knowledge and wisdom to younger generations in the form of clever and poetic proverbs, as contained in this slideshow.
You can also watch Haitian proverbs on our Vimeo channel.
2 comments June 16, 2009
Notes from the field #8 — Haiti
Dan Pearson from international programs department traveled to Haiti to assess the CFCA program there. Pearson reports that the country’s lack of a basic infrastructure makes it difficult to earn a living. Yet despite the many hardships Haitians face, he sees a strength and courage from the people that inspires reverence and respect.
You can also watch Notes from the field #8 — Haiti on our Vimeo channel.
Related links
Haitians have a strong oral tradition. Watch this short video slideshow of Haitian proverbs.
Check out all of CFCA’s Notes from the field series.
1 comment June 15, 2009
The power of one. The community of all.
CFCA’s 2009 Pilgrimage of Faith Award was presented to two parishes – one in Denver, the other in St. Louis – at a ceremony Tuesday evening. The individuals who introduced CFCA to those parishes accepted the award on behalf of their parish communities.
The slideshow below celebrates the spirit of the award: outstanding commitment to CFCA’s mission of solidarity with the poor and marginalized of the world; dedication to creating a worldwide community of compassion through personal outreach; and offering an inspiring example of personal and professional integrity.
4 comments June 12, 2009
Are there guidelines to help protect the privacy of my friend?
Q. Does CFCA have any guidelines I should follow to write about my sponsorship online or in print?
A. Telling your story is one of the best ways you can help spread the good news of sponsorship. Blogs, Web sites and social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter provide sponsors with outlets to share your experiences and encourage others to connect with a child or aging person living in poverty. We do ask that you follow a few simple guidelines for the protection and privacy of sponsored children, aging friends and families.
Please use only the first name, age and country when identifying sponsored friends and their families online or in print. We ask that you refrain from including last names, specific locations or other personal information that could compromise the security or privacy of sponsored friends and their families. Also, please do not post or reproduce the family record included with your sponsorship materials.
Thank you for sharing your sponsorship experience, and helping to ensure the safety and privacy of those we serve.
3 comments June 11, 2009
Bob’s notes — special report, part 2
Mission awareness trip to Colombia
May 24-June 1, 2009
Part 2
This mission awareness trip focuses on CFCA projects near Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia. The next Colombia trip in July will visit the area of Bogota. I find the CFCA teams in these projects very devoted and very organized. Please keep CFCA Colombia in your prayers.
Project Madre Paula
During our gathering at the university, we experienced flowers, mothers and a warm welcome. Mary Luz Palacios is the coordinator and the brand new mother of Emanuel. In the Madre Paula project we have 1,078 children, 150 aging and 11 seminarians.
Introductory words by Mary Luz:
“It is very moving for us today to have this chance of meeting each one of you. We are totally convinced of the importance of these visits. Every child, elder, dad or mom manifests particular needs … our mission is much more than granting material benefits … we make every effort to respond to the multiple needs, worries, sorrows, joys and dreams behind each face.”
Cartagena
Can you believe it? I came to Cartagena over 50 years ago as a young brother and teacher at Colegio La Salle. We just passed the school, still huge as ever up there on the hill.
Gathering at home office
Welcome and prayer acted out by the seven children sponsored by members of this group. Isabel Hernandez, coordinator, said:
“Thanks for the confidence. Thank you for coming. Let us live fully this beautiful experience.”
Adrian Velazquez with Jordan and his mother (left).
Visit to Pasacaballos
In a town located about 15 miles from Cartagena the people deal with high levels of malnourishment, drug addiction, domestic violence and high level of school dropouts. On the upside, I find 387 children, aging, scholars bright-eyed, grateful and eager to overcome any obstacle. Teenager Loraine spoke in pretty accurate English with a simple message: “I love you.” Scholars are working with sponsored aging in basic reading and writing.
In the third family my group visited, 18-year-old Jose Vicente, sponsored since second grade, expressed the highest form of admiration for his aging campesino grandfather by stating that he plans to stay in farming. Next year he plans to enter the university to become a professional agronomist and then become a CFCA sponsor. Late in the day, we visited a CFCA livelihood bakery. The eight mothers involved here look sharp in their white outfits and face masks. Their location for sales looks good, and they have a large variety of breads. They also enjoy professional assessment by two business majors from the University of Cartagena. (more…)
Add comment June 10, 2009
