Cake and Pinatas!!!!


What were the child’s/family’s comments when the gifts were delivered?
¿Qué comentaron el niño o la familia cuando se le entregaron los regalos?

"The whole family was waiting for Paola, especially because it was her birthday and there was going to he a cake and piñatas. Paola was veyr happy and excited when she blew out the candle on her cake and she said "Today's my birthday!" She was also excited about breaking the piñatas, it was the best time. They sang the song for breaking piñatas "dale, dale no pierdas el tino". It was a great happiness for her."




















Paola's 8th Birthday Party, Courtesy of Renee

New sponsor, Renee, sent Paola some birthday money which was spent on household goods, groceries, new shoes, clothes, and supplies so the family could celebrate with a party!






How will the gifts benefit the child and/or family?
¿Cómo beneficiarán los regalos al niño y/o a la familia?
"This donation helped Paola celebrate one more birthday and share these happy moments with her sisters, her cousins and the rest of her family."




Paola's Educational SNG From Mani

                                 


Mani sent $100 so Paola could buy supplies for this school year. She received some awesome, new stuff, but ... we were told that Paola was enrolled in school, and it turns out that she is not.

Here is the explanation from the staff in Mexico:

"Regarding Paola's education, it's worth mentioning that she still attends tutorships at the Children International community center every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The tutorships are just for her to learn how to read and write. She still doesn't have her birth certificate to attend a regular school. This is due to the lack of interest from Paola's family, they have been advised on the procedures they have to follow in order to get the birth certificate. Only the family can follow them but Mrs. Rosa doesn't show interest about this matter."

On the other hand, Paola's teacher says that Paola's learning process is "slow, but she's willing to learn".

This is troubling news, but at least Paola has made remarkable progress in her writing ability for a kid who only goes to school for two hours each week.

Any ideas about how we can convince Rosa to get Paola's birth certificate in order? Bribery, perhaps? Maybe I need to fly down there and use my visit to take the family to the courthouse or wherever!





From the field staff:

"Paola was very excited choosing the school supplies, especially the backpack and the colors."

"This donation helps her have the opportunity to study with the help of the new school supplies that he will need to continue taking tutorships."

Paola's thank-you letter was mailed to Mani, so I hope he will share the contents of it when it arrives.

Meet New Sponsor, Shannon (Saddare)!


 Hola! Me llamo Shannon! Most of you already know my Sponsorship story from LiftOne, so I'll only do a quick summary here: I've been a Sponsor since I was 14, and I currently sponsor twelve girls individually and, including Paola, two girls in group Sponsorships. I'm so excited to have had the opportunity to join little Paola's group!

I live in the USA in Maryland with my boyfriend Julio and my twelve-year-old Carin Terrier, Ali`i (Hawai`ian word meaning “king” or “chief”). I work for Southwest Airlines, supervising the guys who load and unload your luggage (Bags Fly Free!). I have no children of my own and have no plans to have any—a dog is handful enough for me!



When I'm not busy putting together D.P.s  or writing letters for my girls, I enjoy crocheting blankets for Project Linus. I'm also a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (more easily referred to as the SCA), a medieval re-creation group. In medieval life I am a 16th century Irish noblewoman who can't pronounce her own name (don't judge! How would YOU say 'Sannon inghaen Bhriain ui Dhuilleain'?!) but nonetheless dabbles in dance, music, archery and leather work. Julio has begun his medieval journey as well—he's a nobleman from Spain—and he has vowed to make me Queen of Atlantia someday!

            So, that's me in a nutshell!

            … if I'm in a nutshell, does that mean I'm a nut?

            Me despido con abrazos grandes!



Barbara's Gifts for Paola's 8th Birthday!







More Christmas DP From Barbara + Paola's 2nd Letter





Christmas 2012 DP From Barbara




Paola's First Letter!!!

Paola began school in September of 2012, at age 7. This is the first letter that she has written to the group in her own hand:



The letter is in response to the postcards sent to her by David.

Here are some closer, more readable shots:







And a demonstration of Paola's 
coloring skills:

2012 Annual Photo (I think we got 2 this year!)

Paola's New Annual Photo
Dec. 3, 2012


She is wearing the same sundress that she wore to the zoo. December must be warm in Mexico?
The dress was a gift from sponsor Sarah Burgess on Paola's 7th birthday!

Paola at the Zoo - February, 2012

Paola at the Zoo - February, 2012