Feb 15 2013

A day in the life: Preparing spring onions in Guatemala

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

By Judy-Anne Goldman, CFCA multimedia manager/producer

Juana, the mother of two CFCA sponsored children, cleans scallions, also known as spring onions, for 8 hours a day, three days a week in a small town in Guatemala.

Does she get tired of onions after all that time? “No!” Juana said. Her appreciation only grows. “Our onions are good. People in other towns and countries come to buy them. You should try them grilled,” she suggested. “It will make your mouth water!”

From left: Lucia, Zoila, Ramos and Juana start their work day at 8 a.m. and finish at 5 p.m., peeling spring onions that are a delicious part of local meals. Lucia and Juana are mothers of CFCA sponsored children, Zoila is sponsored through CFCA, and Ramos is a former sponsored child. Read more

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Feb 14 2013

Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Guatemala

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

CFCA-Guatemala celebrates Valentine's Day

Irma, a CFCA social worker, and the “secret friend” gift box for Valentine’s Day in Guatemala.

Valentine’s Day in Guatemala is known as “the day of love and friendship.”

In the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, some CFCA staffers organize giving activities to make the occasion extra special!

“On Feb. 1 we make little pieces of paper with our names on them,” said Irma Leticia Raquec Ros, a CFCA social worker. “Everyone gets to pick one. The person whose name appears on the little piece of paper will be your secret friend for the next couple of weeks.”

Every day after that, Irma said, staffers will bring small items such as cookies, chips and candy into the office and put them into the “secret friend” gift box (the bright red box pictured next to Irma).

“We have fun playing this game,” said Rocio Esmeralda Suguach, another CFCA social worker. “At break time we all come rushing to see what we got!”

On the big day, Feb. 14, the CFCA staffers will bring a larger gift such as a teddy bear, roses, clothing or special chocolates. Then the gift-givers reveal themselves to their no-longer-secret friends!

“Every day is a special day, but Valentine’s Day gives us the opportunity to say ‘I love you,’ ‘You are special’ and ‘Thank you’ to our friends, family and everyone that touches our lives,” Irma said.

CFCA-Guatemala staff celebrate Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from this CFCA office in Guatemala!

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Feb 13 2013

Trip to the Philippines brings learning and love

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

Our sponsored child Shaima, second from right, her brother, far right, mother Jean, left, and a friend from Zamboanga, second from left, offer us their welcome to the “Pearl of the Orient Seas.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

“Bob’s notes” are reports from CFCA President Bob Hentzen, who regularly accompanies awareness trip participants. You can see Bob’s full update on his Facebook page.

Photo credits go to our devoted staff in our Quezon and Antipolo projects.

The reception for the sponsors was very dynamic and very musical.

The Filipino people mean it when they say “Mabuhay,” meaning “welcome.”

What a joy to travel with such a fine group of CFCA sponsors. It was a large group and big on inspiration. We are truly companions in learning and action. Read more

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Feb 12 2013

Handmade with love: DIY Valentine’s Day card

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

By Veronica Batton, CFCA writer/editor

For me, tiny and cute go hand in hand.

I always think things are more adorable when they are shrunk to teacup size.

Think about it: puppies, babies, kittens and baby elephants are just a mere fraction of all the tiny, cute things in the world.

Check out this cute Valentine’s Day card I made for my sponsored friend! Complete with tiny messages!

DIY Valentine

(Difficulty level: easy)

Materials needed:

Specialty paper
White paper
Glue stick
Thick cardstock
Scissors
Colored pencils or markers
Ruler
Pen/pencil
Heart stickers (optional)

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Feb 11 2013

Sponsor wins $5,000 for her favorite charity, CFCA!

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

Grace, CFCA sponsor Mary Arling and Cris

From left are Grace Maher, CFCA sponsor Mary Arling and Cris Burnett, all visitors to the CFCA office in Kansas City.

CFCA sponsors never cease to amaze us with the creative ways they support our work. Mary Arling is a great example of a sponsor using her time and interests in support of young people and families served by CFCA.

When Mary Arling began her Christmas shopping buying sweaters and candles for family and friends, she didn’t know that her holiday shopping would also benefit CFCA sponsored friends around the world.

One day while shopping at Town Center Plaza in Leawood, Kan., Mary found out about a special contest, in which the center would donate $5,000 to one lucky winner’s favorite charity.

To participate, shoppers had to go to the administrative office after each shopping trip and make copies of their receipts, which counted as entries into the contest. Read more

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Jan 28 2013

Hamburger bun recipe from Honduras, part 2

Posted on January 28, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

CFCA serves more than 18,000 sponsored children and elderly in Honduras. A CFCA mothers group there, the Faith and Hope mothers group, sells homemade hamburgers to those in their community.

Last week, we posted part 1 of this recipe: Hamburgers and sauce from Honduras.

Here is part 2, the Faith and Hope mothers group recipe for homemade hamburger buns!