April 17, 2009
My last visit of the trip just wrapped up an hour ago and I´m feeling mixed emotions. On the one hand, tomorrow
brings a long travel day and the realization that it's back to my regular existence. The thrill of meeting a child and
watching the joy on her face for a few precious hours will have to wait for another trip, and for that there's a certain
emptiness.
On the other hand, I have to admit that saying farewell to children that have become an important part of my life day
after day tends to take its toll. I need some time to rest and recover.
These visits also put a dent in the wallet, and I´m dreading the thought of next month´s MasterCard bill. The shock will
be tempered with some really special memories, countless photos and videos, and some cards and gifts from the
children and their families.
Day 5 was devoted to Celia, my oldest and longest lasting sponsored child. Her 16th birthday is only weeks away, and it
has been fascinating to watch her mature through photos. Today, I got to meet her and her mother at the CI office (like
the other Guatemala City children, her home is too dangerous to visit, which is a sad commentary on what they must
endure. Poverty is hard enough without throwing crime into the mix.)
Celia is a petite young lady (like her mother) with a gorgeous golden brown complexion and a ready smile. Her CI
photos do not do her justice. We exchanged hugs and good wishes. I got a touching note from her, and she got
several pairs of earrings. She was reticent about what she wanted to do, so I suggested the zoo and she readily
agreed.
We strolled leisurely among the exhibits and got to know one another better. While seeing the animals was great, the
most notable moment came when we took a break for refreshments. I learned, much to my surprise, that she had
stopped going to school after the sixth grade. Evidently the expenses for uniforms and school supplies were the
determining factor. Had I known this at the time, I certainly would have ponied up to keep her in the classroom. I
made it a point to tell her that her education is a gateway to a brighter future. She can make a living being a maid, but
she will struggle to get by for the rest of her life. Our translator, Guisselle, made a note to see what could be done to
get her enrolled again. Celia seemed committed to doing this for herself. Time will tell.
Then it was off to the mall for shoes and clothes. Finding shoes to fit her small feet and jeans that weren't 5 inches too
long proved to be a shopping challenge. In the end, she made out with a pair of pumps (she is almost 16, after all),
sneakers, two pairs of jeans and a couple tops. Paired with her earrings, I´d say she´s decked out for the time being.
Would it come as a shock to you that they wanted fried chicken for lunch? Yes, ladies and gents, I endured four (4)
egregiously greasy fried chicken lunches. I once again settled for a salad, and my stomach is thanking me even now.
You´ll be relieved to hear today´s combination was not accompanied by chocolate donuts. There ought to be a law....
I was prepared to buy some groceries for them, only to find out that we were driving past their bus stop. We were
parked in a loading zone, so time was of the essence. I´m disappointed that we didn't get video of our farewell, so
photos will have to do. I met yet another sweet girl, only to give her a goodbye hug and kiss and watch her wave
adios. She wants me to return, and so I shall. Hopefully our reunion will include the news that she´s back in school and
working towards a life filled with promise. This is CI´s mission and mine as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed for her.
PS: A quick note of thanks to the entire CI staff for their unbelievable commitment. They killed me with kindness, and
for that I am grateful. I may miss some names, but wanted to express my appreciation to my dedicated translators:
Debie, Gladys, Tirsa, and Guisselle; to the drivers: Ringo (yes, named after the Beatle´s drummer) and Santiago, and to
countless others that made my stay a very special one.
Muchas Gracias!
My last visit of the trip just wrapped up an hour ago and I´m feeling mixed emotions. On the one hand, tomorrow
brings a long travel day and the realization that it's back to my regular existence. The thrill of meeting a child and
watching the joy on her face for a few precious hours will have to wait for another trip, and for that there's a certain
emptiness.
On the other hand, I have to admit that saying farewell to children that have become an important part of my life day
after day tends to take its toll. I need some time to rest and recover.
These visits also put a dent in the wallet, and I´m dreading the thought of next month´s MasterCard bill. The shock will
be tempered with some really special memories, countless photos and videos, and some cards and gifts from the
children and their families.
Day 5 was devoted to Celia, my oldest and longest lasting sponsored child. Her 16th birthday is only weeks away, and it
has been fascinating to watch her mature through photos. Today, I got to meet her and her mother at the CI office (like
the other Guatemala City children, her home is too dangerous to visit, which is a sad commentary on what they must
endure. Poverty is hard enough without throwing crime into the mix.)
Celia is a petite young lady (like her mother) with a gorgeous golden brown complexion and a ready smile. Her CI
photos do not do her justice. We exchanged hugs and good wishes. I got a touching note from her, and she got
several pairs of earrings. She was reticent about what she wanted to do, so I suggested the zoo and she readily
agreed.
We strolled leisurely among the exhibits and got to know one another better. While seeing the animals was great, the
most notable moment came when we took a break for refreshments. I learned, much to my surprise, that she had
stopped going to school after the sixth grade. Evidently the expenses for uniforms and school supplies were the
determining factor. Had I known this at the time, I certainly would have ponied up to keep her in the classroom. I
made it a point to tell her that her education is a gateway to a brighter future. She can make a living being a maid, but
she will struggle to get by for the rest of her life. Our translator, Guisselle, made a note to see what could be done to
get her enrolled again. Celia seemed committed to doing this for herself. Time will tell.
Then it was off to the mall for shoes and clothes. Finding shoes to fit her small feet and jeans that weren't 5 inches too
long proved to be a shopping challenge. In the end, she made out with a pair of pumps (she is almost 16, after all),
sneakers, two pairs of jeans and a couple tops. Paired with her earrings, I´d say she´s decked out for the time being.
Would it come as a shock to you that they wanted fried chicken for lunch? Yes, ladies and gents, I endured four (4)
egregiously greasy fried chicken lunches. I once again settled for a salad, and my stomach is thanking me even now.
You´ll be relieved to hear today´s combination was not accompanied by chocolate donuts. There ought to be a law....
I was prepared to buy some groceries for them, only to find out that we were driving past their bus stop. We were
parked in a loading zone, so time was of the essence. I´m disappointed that we didn't get video of our farewell, so
photos will have to do. I met yet another sweet girl, only to give her a goodbye hug and kiss and watch her wave
adios. She wants me to return, and so I shall. Hopefully our reunion will include the news that she´s back in school and
working towards a life filled with promise. This is CI´s mission and mine as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed for her.
PS: A quick note of thanks to the entire CI staff for their unbelievable commitment. They killed me with kindness, and
for that I am grateful. I may miss some names, but wanted to express my appreciation to my dedicated translators:
Debie, Gladys, Tirsa, and Guisselle; to the drivers: Ringo (yes, named after the Beatle´s drummer) and Santiago, and to
countless others that made my stay a very special one.
Muchas Gracias!