One of the things we’re working on is a child-sponsorship program called Embrace. Like Compassion International or World Vision, there are malnourished children who are helped by their sponsors, who pay about $30 each month. We’ve been putting together packages for them; organizing and counting out basics like rice, sugar, beans, powdered milk, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, soap, etc. They can even get a chicken if their sponsor pays for it. We usually put together the packages on Thursday and Friday, and then on Saturday two groups come and collect their packages. There’s a group that’s here by 8am, and another in the afternoon. Its crazy how many HOURS people will WALK to get these essentials. Last Saturday I talked to a lady and her daughter (pictured) who left their house in a mountain village at 4am to be here on time. The daughter had lost her hair because she was malnourished, but it is growing back now. I talked to the mom and she proudly told me she had 7 children (not uncommon here) and listed them all by name and age. These food packages not only help the children, but their whole family. I enjoy this program because I can tangibly see the results of my labor and how people are affected.
June is also the month to celebrate birthdays…all kids who have their birthdays in April, May and June receive a gift. And everyone eats cake! Nancy is our contact here and heads up the embrace program and several other outreaches. As she called out children’s names to collect their packages, one mother said her son was doing much better in school, and her son enthusiastically responded by saying other kids copy off him in math class! It was hilarious!
Last week I also went to a local health clinic and met a young mother (18) named Argentina and her daughter who is malnurished. She was surprised that I was 23 and still without child. Although her daughter had the height of a 14 month old she definately weighed less than she should. They live in a small town about 3 hours away and came to the clinic for her baby. My heart went out to her so so much. I wish I had something to give her. I asked her if she reads the Bible, she said she would like to, but Bibles are so expensive. She’s a single mom, living with her mother and younger sisters, she’s still in high school, and works…to make ends meat. It works out well for her that schools accross the nation have been closed for the last 2 weeks due to swine flu in some parts of the country- that way she’s not missing class by being here.
