Mar 6 2013

Common boy, girl names from countries where CFCA works

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

From left are Gloria, Erika and Ana, children sponsored through CFCA in El Salvador.

You’ve probably heard the English idiom, “Every Tom, Dick and Harry,” to refer to the general population.

For many parts of the world, that wouldn’t make sense because those three names are relatively unusual.

In Madagascar, for example, the idiom might read more like, “Every Haja, Mamy and Andriniaina!”

Here are some common boy and girl names from some countries and regions where CFCA works:

El Salvador, Colombia and other Latin American countries

Names such as Juan, Jose, Ana and Maria abound in Latin American countries. Some common sources of inspiration come from close relatives, famous people, Biblical names and popular foreign names.

“Many years ago you could choose a foreign name without a problem, but nowadays you have to prove the meaning and the origin when you go to get the baby’s birth certificate in the city hall,” said Naresli Calito, a CFCA staffer in El Salvador. Read more

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Feb 22 2013

Wisdom of the Ages: Jose, 78, from El Salvador

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

After working as a day laborer planting corn, Jose had to leave his work behind because of health issues. He and his wife, Socorro, live with relatives and receive benefits through CFCA sponsorship to help them through their golden years.

How long have you been married?

My wife and I have been together for 45 years. It is amazing all the time we’ve been together.

What do you enjoy doing?

One thing I like is the [CFCA] excursions. This helps me to relax. Going out with CFCA is nice because we have everything covered. It helps me disguise the everyday burdens of life.

When did you join the CFCA Hope for a Family sponsorship program?

I became sponsored about 10 years ago. Our home is not easy to access. We live in a small village, so I am deeply thankful that CFCA enters the most remote areas; otherwise I would not have been sponsored.

If you could tell your sponsor one thing, what would it be?

I would like to tell my sponsors how much I pray for them to be well and happy. I am grateful for everything they do for me, and I am in deep gratitude for their love and respect.

What do you like about being sponsored?

I like the clothing, excursions, but most of all the food provisions. Everything is very expensive, so the benefits I get are good for me and my wife.

Do you have any advice to share?

In the world we live in, we must kneel down to praise our Lord and give thanks for everything we receive. Especially the gift of patience; this value is the one that holds me ó patience to wait for better things to come.

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Jan 31 2013

The wonder of wetlands: Salvadoran family helps care for environment

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA)

Lake Guija, wetlands site in El Salvador

Lake Guija in El Salvador.

Feb. 2, 2013, marks the 16th celebration of World Wetlands Day. Citizens, organizations and government agencies have participated since 1997 in raising public awareness for protecting the wetlands of the world.

CFCA serves families in El Salvador who live near Lake Guija, a designated wetlands area. Remigio, a farmer and fisherman, and Corina live with their children on a rented plot of land near the lake. One of their children, David, is sponsored through CFCA. Read more

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Oct 29 2012

Letters to sponsored friends translate into smiles

Posted on October 29, 2012 by admin

Did you know that every year, we process more than 1 million letters from sponsored friends to their sponsors?

That’s tremendous cause for celebration! Behind every letter is a special story and friendship that we treasure.

Here are three sponsored children in El Salvador who recently received letters from their sponsors. Their smiles say it all.

Norma is 8 years old. She enjoys attending school and playing with her friends. Photos, like the one Norma is holding from her sponsor, are a fun, meaningful and practical way to deepen ties between sponsors and sponsored friends.

Veronica, at 10 years old, writes frequently to her sponsor. They share many things in common. For example, their favorite cartoon is “Tom and Jerry.”

Luis is 10 years old. He loves to play soccer. Here he is, reading aloud from his sponsor’s letter.

Developing a sense of friendship and mutual encouragement is one of the most rewarding aspects of sponsorship through CFCAís Hope for a Family program.

Don’t wait - write a letter to your sponsored friend today!

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