Step Into My World: Northern Uganda

We head back to Uganda again, for the last time in this series. This time, we'll learn more about the Northern region of Uganda.

I have one child living in this region:

My child, Derrick, lives near the city of Hoima. To me, it looks like its in the central part of the country, but Compassion says it's in the Northern region.

I want to share a few facts to give you a glimpse of the Northern region of Uganda. 

- Over 70% of people in Northern Uganda live below the poverty line. 

- This region was hit especially hard from the effects of the Lord's Resistance Army, which terrorized the people living here; through looting, murder, and rape. This group of people rampaged for 20 years. The families here are just recently beginning to rebuild their lives. 

- The HIV/AIDS crisis causes more cases in Northern Uganda than in any other part of the country. Most families have at least one person living with, or has died from, the effects of the disease. 

Employment is hard to come by in this region. Most families work as subsistence farmers. However, the climate here is harsh. This region is often subject to extreme drought and wildfires, which leads to a severe lack of water. It's nearly impossible to grow a successful crop here and farmers often only get enough food to last a few months of the year. 

If, and when, food runs out, families will sell what they can in the markets or on the side of the road, with the hopes of earning money to purchase much needed food and supplies. 

Homes in this region are, typically, round mud huts with a thatched roof. These are one room homes and usually accommodate large families. Most families in this region have 4-5 children. Some families have even more.  These homes usually don't have electricity or running water. 

Compassion is working hard to change the lives of children and families in Northern Uganda. One of the biggest struggles for families here is with food shortage. In the cases that parents can't afford to feed their children, Compassion gives food supplies to the family, to ensure that children have healthy meals at home. 

Compassion provides a safe place for children to attend before and after school and on the weekends, at individual projects. Here, children are provided with equipment to play with peers and enjoy some free, uninterrupted joy. 

At the project, each child's learning is held to utmost importance. Children, and sometimes their parents, have one-one-one time with a tutor, to learn important skills. Skills taught are developmentally appropriate and includes the itty bitty ones all the way up to the young adults. Each child's progress is meticulously tracked. 

Children are taught about the life-saving, all loving message that can be found in the Bible. Children learn that God loves them so much and has a wonderful plan for their future, outside of living in poverty. Children are taught to sing and pray and dance and worship their heavenly father. 

In Northern Uganda, the Compassion staff pray (and ask sponsors to pray) the following prayers: 

- For political stability

- For good legislation and and government policies that will accelerate rural development. 

- That cultural practices that discriminate against women and children will be abandoned. 

- For children's protection against illness and domestic violence. 

- For Compassion center workers, that they will maintain their dedication to serving the children in their care. 

Kwizera Yves's New Photo: 2015

Another photo updated on my account! That's two in one week!

Kwizera Yves always takes such a great picture. I think he's so handsome.

For those of you who are interested, here's a close-up of that handsome face: 

Parties, Prayers, & Other Wonderful Things (Like Love)

I have three letters to share with you today. I don't have any special introduction, though. So...read letters!

Here's a letter from Maria. Like usual, the letter is short, but sweet. Maria seems to be a girl of few words, but it good at sharing a few highlights of her life.

Maria is 11 years old and lives in Brazil. Her letter is dated June 19th, 2015.

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Dear Sponsor Kayla,

Thank you for your letters. I am happy when I receive your letters. The project is going to take the children to the cinema and it is going to be great. Are you okay? I am great and happy. On June 11th, it was my birthday and I turned 11 years old. 

We're going to have a party at the project and we're going to have corn cake, pe de moleque (a traditional Brazilian candy), vatapa (Brazilian shrimp stew), and rice. Kisses and write more. 

Maria

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Next, a letter from Kwizera. This letter is wonderful! A couple of year ago, Kwizera graduated to writing his letters on his own, without a form to guide him. He hasn't seemed to enjoy it and his letters have been pretty devoid of detail, but this letter is just great! I learned so much in this letter. 

Kwizera is 11 years old and lives in Rwanda. He wrote this letter on August 22nd, 2015. (He's also due for a new photo any day now. It's been over 2 years). 

I paired each of my sponsored children up together and told them about each other, as prayer partners. Unfortunately, the boy I paired up with Kwizera is no longer I child I write to, so I recently emailed him about another child to pray for. 

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Dear Kayla, 

To my beloved parent Kayla, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. I was happy for the lesson you wrote for me, teaching kids, and it helped me a lot. In my everyday life, it leads me near God very much. I was pleased by a thought of sheep with purple hair. (I shared a story about a purple sheep standing out in the field, but being loved by God.). Because no matter what we look like, God loves us all the same. I am happy that you have a child that you support in India and I saw a picture of that friend of mine and I love that child very much. He is beautiful and I wish to meet him to know each other better. God will bless you because you care about children, which are poor. Does that boy in India like to pray? Now, we begin our 3rd term at school. In the previous term, I got a 76% marks. In our country we have a lot of sunshine. I was happy for the photo of flowers you sent to me. 

Kwizera Yves

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Last up, a letter from Enatenesh. Letters from Ethiopia used to be slow, but I have been hearing from Enatenesh every month or so, recently. I think that that is wonderful. Also, the end of her letter makes me smile. She's such a sweet girl. 

Enantenesh is 18 years old and lives in Ethiopia. Her letter is dated September 8th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

My beloved and respectful sponsor, how are you doing? I am very fine. My family passes respectful greetings. Thank you so much for all your support reaching me through the church. For your question, here children attend bible lessons properly. We are happy as our new year feast is approaching. You may pray the Lord to be with us in all our moves, as I pray for you. I love you. I love you. I love you. 

Enatenesh

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Step Into My World: Southeastern Dominican Republic

Again, I missed a Saturday post. Now, I'm officially out of Saturdays to miss, if I hope to finish these by the end of the year. I really want to get all of these pictures and all of this information down, because I think Compassion updates these pages every year.

Anyway, let's travel to a brand new country (in this series). Let's head to the Dominican Republic and learn more about the Southeastern region.

I have two children in this country:

Carolin and Enmanuel 

Both of my children live in the city of Santo Domingo, which is the capital city.  

Communities in this region are typically very crowded neighborhoods, in near slum-like conditions in some places. Homes here are typically made out of scrap materials like planks of wood and metal sheets. Though neighborhoods here are very poor, the communities are known to be very tight-knit, looking out for each other and helping each other, when able. 

Like in many other countries throughout the world, clean water is not the norm. These shack type homes do not have running water, so water must be bought or carried from a long distance. Carrying water is a chore that falls to the women and the children of the house. Carrying water is a chore that takes up many hours a day, leaving children exhausted, often causing them to miss school. Unfortunately, the drinking water is often filthy, being used for laundry and swimming, as well as for drinking. 

Compassion is truly moving mountains in these poor communities. Enrolled children receive many benefits, that often would not be available to them, due to their parents low income. A big problem in the Dominican Republic is the high drop out rate from school. Young teens are often forced to quit school to work and earn money for their families. This causes a cycle of uneducated, poor workers, that continues from generation to generation. Compassion is working to end this cycle, by providing children with money and supplies to attend school. After school, Compassion also teaches lessons at the project, to supplement each child's education. 

For the teenagers that have dropped out of school and are unable to return or who have decided not to return, Compassion is helping out them, as well. They offer many classes to these teens and young adults to help them learn valuable skills and trades, to give them a better chance at finding a good job later in life. 

But, it isn't all work and no play here! Baseball is a HUGE sport in the Dominican Republic and Compassion wasn't about to let that opportunity slide by. Compassion organizes baseball teams at the projects. This gives the children opportunities to learn teamwork, get exercise, and just have fun! 

After all that studying and exercise, a kid is bound to get hungry, right? Each time a child visits the project, they are provided with a healthy meal to ensure good nutrition and a full tummy. 

Of course, the children are also taught about our awesome God and how loved they truly on. Children are given time to sing praise and worship songs, hear bible stories, and to pray together. 

Compassion in the Southeastern region of the Dominican Republic have the following prayer requests for their children and families: 

- Pray that families will understand the importance of their child's education to end the cycle of poverty. 

- Pray that caregivers will find steady employment and not have to send their children out to work. 

- Pray that assisted children will stay in school and be successful in their studies. 

- Pray that families will be strengthened and stay together in loving, supportive relationships. 

Brian's Updated Photo 2015

Hi everyone! I've certainly been pretty scarce around here, compared to how I usually post. I've just been working a crazy amount of hours, which is good for the paycheck, but bad for free time to blog. I do have a couple of letters to share and a few other posts planned, but I just have to share the photo update that I received today, because photo updates are always exciting.

This new photo is of my boy Brian, who lives in Kenya. He's killing me with the fact that his brilliant smile is gone, but I can see that he is growing and looking healthy, so I suppose that's all a sponsor can ask for. But, I intend to mention to him that I miss his happy smile, you know, just to pressure him for the next photo, haha.

Another Trio of Letters

I seem to be receiving letters in groups of three lately. I have to say, it's quite nice to find a stack of letters in my mailbox, especially so often.

First, a letter from Enmanuel. He's one of my newer kids and this is my very first letter from him. It's fairly short, but the information is still good. Also, he has the cutest, big, loopy little boy handwriting. :)

Enmanuel is 7 years old and lives in the Dominican Republic. This letter appears to have been written when he was first enrolled in the program.

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Dear Sponsor, 

May God bless you and your family very much. My name is Enmanuel. I live with my mom, Alexandra and my brothers, Brayan and Alan. I'm so glad to write to you. I ask you to pray for me and my family. 

Love,

Enmanuel

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Next, a letter from my sweet boy, Mulwa. This letter is written on the My Favorite template. 

Mulwa is 8 years old and lives in Kenya. This letter was written on August 1st, 2015. 

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My favorite food is rice and beans. My favorite food is football. My favorite activity is herding animals. My favorite color is red. My favorite friend is John. My favorite animal is a cow. My favorite hero is Obama. My favorite toy is a bicycle. 

Hello, Mulwa salutes you in Jesus name. He says that he is going on well together with the family. Mulwa says that he is grateful to God for his care and protection. Mulwa really appreciates the letters and gifts you have been sending to him. May God bless you. 

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Lastly, a letter from Jhon. Like a couple of my other kids lately, he is always responding to me asking him to pray for another one of my sponsored children. I think it's great that my kids are responding to having prayer partners. 

Jhon is 16 years old and lives in Bolivia. His letter is dated August 24th, 2015. 

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Hello Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you with the holy peace of the Lord. I'm very happy for the letter that you sent and I want to thank you for the stickers. They are very nice. My family is going well, thank God. I will pray for all of the children and for Nikko. I want to tell you that my family is in good health. On Sunday, I went with my friends in a ride to the Botanical Gardens and we had a great time. I want to share a bible verse with you, Psalm 16-17. I say goodbye with the peace of the Lord and may He bless you and your family. Pray for my family. 

John

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Another Group of Letters to Share

I was amazed to receive a total of 6 letters so far this month, in only 3 days! I received these letters on Saturday, since, well...today is Sunday and there isn't mail delivery on Sunday. "No post on Sundays!" (For all my Harry Potter fan brethren.)

First, a letter from Allison. She's quickly turning into an every 1-2 month letter writer, which I think it's pretty great. Haha.

Allison is 11 years old and lives in Ecuador. She wrote this letter on August 6th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla, 

My dear sponsor, I greet you in the name of Jesus. I'm in 8th grade. I am happy because I took exams. I wonder, how are you? How is the weather? I have had a good time with my family. Thank you for writing to me. I love to study. What subject do you like? I like grammar and math. I like to play. I am happy because my birthday is approaching. Dear sponsor, I look forward to receiving your next letter. I say goodbye in the name of Jesus. 

Allison 

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Now a letter from Emanuel. He is responding to the questions I asked all of my kids about their country. I like learning these details about my kids' countries. 

I also wrote a letter to each of my kids pairing them up with a "prayer partner", which is another child that I write to. 

Emanuel is 18 years old and lives in Tanzania. This letter is dated August 22nd, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. My family and I are fine and doing well. How are you doing? 

Now I am doing well at school. I'm very happy about the picture that you sent to me. In your letters you talked about Abbas. I promise you that I will pray for Abbas. You told me about your church. I would like to tell you that at our church we started a youth choir, for ages 10-18. Also, you asked me about my sister. I would like to tell you that she is fine and healthy. 

The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma, where the president lives. Now, it's the campaign for the election for president and parliament. Our Independence Day is December 9th. I would like to give you a verse from Psalm 101:1. I want to ask you a question. Why did you accept Jesus to be the Lord in your life? I wish you a good life that please God. 

Emanuel 

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Last, a letter from Lazarus. He and I only have 5 more months to write each other until he graduates from his Compassion project. I happy to get another letter from him. 

Lazarus is 21 years old and he lives in Kenya. This letter was written on August 1st, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hi! Receive much greetings from me, hoping that you are fine. With me, here in Kenya, I am fine. Even my family members are also fine. How about your family members? 

At school I am going on well with my studies. I'm working extra hard in order to achieve my goal of being a medical laboratory technician. During the holidays I usually help my parents carry out different activities, like cleaning the compound and conserving the environment by planting trees and looking after the family cow and sheep. On Sundays, my family members and I usually accompany each other to church to praise our Almighty God. 

I thank you for the letters you have been sending to me and I am happy and glad to hear about you. 

Lastly, I request you to pray for me as I also pray for you and your family members. Thank you. 

Your Loving Son,

Lazarus

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Step Into My World: Coastal Ecuador

I realized that I forgot to post one of these last Saturday and I just about forgot to post it again today. I've been working about 60 hours a week and these posts just completely slipped my mind. But, never fear, I'm back on track.

Today, we travel to the country of Ecuador. More specifically, to the coastal region. I have one child here:

Allison 

Compassion works in several cities and villages along the Pacific ocean. My Allison is from a community outside of Manta. 

Communities in this region are known for their fabulous ocean views, beautiful sunsets, and warm, sandy beaches. Creation here is truly breathtaking. 

Life here, though, for poor families can be very difficult. Neighborhoods outside of these coastal cities are typically made up of shanty-style homes, made of planks for wood. Homes are small and close together, which lead to cramped conditions and the easy spread of illness. In areas that are prone to flooding, homes are built on stilts. When an area is flooded, travel is nearly impossible, leaving families isolated, without access to healthcare or schooling. 

Many families in these areas are single-parent homes, usually lead by a mother, who is left to care for children. Fathers often abandon families because of the financial hardship of caring for them. Other fathers are away from their families as they travel to find work in other cities and send money home to their families. This leaves a lot of pressure on mothers to meet the needs of her children, which is often difficult as poor communities in Ecuador often have distorted gender roles. This makes it hard for women to find work. 

Because their mothers aren't able to work and earn money for their families, it's not uncommon to see children out earning a living. Some children can find work doing odd jobs while others visit a local dump, in search of anything that can be sold, on the streets, for money. 

Children in coastal Ecuador are often malnourished, only receiving one or two meals a day at home. To help combat hungry tummies, Compassion projects feed the children a large, healthy meal every time the children attend the project. 

Compassion also works to supplement each child's education with lessons on various school subjects, as well as biblical lessons, art lessons, and music time. The children are taught to be well-rounded and to have knowledge of many topics. 

Most importantly, children are taught that Jesus is their Savior and that He has a wonderful plan for their future and for their lives. Project workers pray for the children everyday and encourage the children to pray for their families, communities, and country. Compassion coastal Ecuador has the following prayer requests: 

- Pray for God's protection over assisted children and families living in areas that are prone to flooding. 

- Pray that project workers will have God's wisdom to help assisted children avoid the temptation to use illegal drugs. 

- Pray that project workers will also be effective in identifying and assisting children who are victims of domestic violence, neglect, or abuse. 

October is Off and Running...

With news from India!

Today I received letters from 3 of my 6 kids in India. I love all of my sponsored kids so much, but as you all know, there is a special place in my heart for the people of India. I have never been there, but I already know it would be my favorite place in the world. I really hope to make it there someday. Preferably, before my current kids all graduate from Compassion. We'll see what the future holds.

I'll share my letter from Sadiya first. I don't hear from her very often (about every 5-6 months) but the letters are always lovely and always answer several of my questions. She's a great girl.

Sadiya is 11 years old. She wrote this letter on July 13th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Me and my family are well. I hope you and your family are also fine. I received your letter and I am very happy to know about you. I like your photo also. Thank you very much for your letter and stickers. I like stickers. I like to sleep in the winter. If I had my own garden I would plant so many flowers. My nickname is "gudiya", it means doll. Every year we go to a picnic. At the picnic, I ate chapati and vegetable curry. We also played so many games. I got a pass in my exams and now I enter a new class. Always I love to come to the project. I got a school bag, water bottle, and a school dress from our project. I am very happy to receive these. We had summer holidays at my school but now my school is open and now I am going to school. Please pray for me and my family and I will always pray for you.

Yours Lovingly, 

Sadiya

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Now, the letter from Sandesh. His project seems to have a policy that children don't write their own letters. They are always written by a project worker, in English. Sometimes I wish that Sandesh would be allowed to write on his own, so I can get a little more original thought. But, I still enjoying hearing from/about him. 

Sandesh is 11 years old. His letter is dated July 11th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you in the very precious name of of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am Patale (child development facilitator). I am writing this letter on behalf of Sandesh. Sandesh is doing well. His family is doing well, by the grace of God. He is a very handsome boy. He is saying prayers for you and your family. He likes singing Jesus action songs. He is learning very sincerely when we teach to him at the project, all kinds of things, like biblical knowledge or secular subject. He says, "Jesus Christ is my Savior." (Hooray!) 

Now here, it is the rainy season, but the rain is not coming. He prays for rain. The temperature here is 28 degrees C (82 degrees F). In this month, his school started and we gave him all his school supplies, like a notebook, water bottle, a compass box (I had to look this up. It's just a box that holds pencils), school bag, uniform, and shoes. In the 6th grade he passed with all "A" grades. Now, he is committed in the 7th grade. He will learn very seriously. 

Thanks for your prayers and support. Please pray for all of his family. Thank you. 

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Last up, Khushi's letter. Khushi is a brilliant girl. Truly. She's in a higher grade level than most kids her age and her letters are always so eloquent. Usually, she writes her letters in perfect English, but she wrote this letter in Hindi. As it's first language, it, obviously, would come easier and faster to her. I wonder if she was short on time to write her letter. Not that it really matters. The translation is good, as usual. 

Khushi is 12 years old. She wrote this letter on August 18th, 2015. 

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My Dear Friend Kayla, 

Thank you very much for all your kind letters. I enjoyed so much hearing from you. I also loved to see your photos. Here, I am doing well with all of my family. It's rainy time here. I am learning general knowledge and basic computer skills at the project, apart from biblical lessons. I would like to answer some of your questions in one of the letters. If I could make a law for my nation, I would not allow alcohol to be sold so much here. I would also see that the roads are fixed and made nice. Yes, in my project, I have received awards for saying poems, singing, and doing a good job on school exams. Yes, I do have a garden at my home. We grow vegetables, like tomatoes and chili peppers. A few days ago we celebrated our 69th anniversary of Independence Day. On this day we remember mighty men and women who fought for the freedom of our country. We prayed for the leaders. My mother is now fine. She has recovered from her sickness. She had a stone in her stomach. My mother was very sad for a few days because our puppy died of sickness. But, my mother brought a new white puppy home. It's so good and looks beautiful. His name is "Cookie". Thank you, my dear friend, for all that you are for me. I love you too. Bye. 

Khushi

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