Easter Package

Hello Everyone,

Barbara and I sent a direct package to Paola for Easter. I received the following e-mail and the above pictures from Barbara

I have just received two photos of Paola's Easter DP but the two sisters don't seem to be very happy with their gifts for some reason. I thought Paola would love the big cuddly lamb but her little tight lipped smile doesn't show much pleasure. However, I do like her hairstyle!!

At least it is good to know that the parcel arrived safely.

Cheers

Barbara

We are waiting on the report on the hygene items we both sent in late March.

Bernie and Barbara

Outline for My Trip Report

I know most of you are only interested in stuff that directly relates to Paola and her family, but I also plan to post general information about my trip for those who are curious. Also, much of what I say will be useful for people planning visits to Paola in the future.

Here is the proposed list of installments for my full report. I will tag them each with "Visit July 09":

Part 1 – Layover in Los Angeles
Part 2 – Getting to Guadalajara
Part 3 – Shopping for Paola
Part 4 – “Household Goods” List
Part 5 – “Groceries” List
Part 6 – “Fun Stuff” List
Part 7 – Logistics of Our Visit
Part 8 – The Community Center
Part 9 – Meeting Paola
Part 10 – Paola’s Home
Part 11 – Dozens of Cousins
Part 12 – Delivering the Gifts
Part 13 – Off to the Zoo!
Part 14 – Doin’ the Zoo
Part 15 – Photos from the Zoo
Part 16 – Journey’s End: Marcela Blows Me Off
Part 17 – What Next? How Can We Help Paola’s Family?
Part 18 – Tuesday Touring (for those interested)
Part 19 – Getting Home From Guadalajara

A few photos while you wait for the full story ...

Tomasa: Age = 6

Paola: Age = 4

Maria: Age = Baby

Who Is Paola?

Posted by Bernie at 03 July 2009 comments (0)

Paola was introduced to the CI community on June 17, 2009 http://www.blog.children.org as part of a post titled "When A Picture Speaks". She touched the hearts of the members of the CI Sponsors Google Group and a wonderful idea was born. What if the group sponsored her? Could we organize and work out the logistics of group members from all over the world who would like to sponsor her? Heather took the project on and figured all that out, and on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, the sponsor group was born. Presently there are 11 members of the group with great ideas on how this whole thing will work. It is truly a work of love for a little girl who really needs a helping hand.

But, who is Paola?

Paola is a 4 year old little girl who lives with her mother and 2 sisters. She lives in a multi-use room constructed of brick with a corrugated metal roof. The cooking is done on an open fire. Her mother is a laborer and supports her family on $95 a month. Paola does not attend school because her mother does not have the money to send her. Paola likes to play with her dolls.

It is the wish of our group that through sponsorship of Payola we will make a difference in this little girl's life and hopefully the lives of her sisters and mother.

Meet Paola

Posted by Heather M at 02 July 2009 comments (0)