Here is the latest news about the possibility of getting Paola and Tomasa enrolled in school. It appears that Rosa has not been able to afford this in the past, mostly because she does not have the required birth certificates for them. These are necessary before they can be enrolled in school.
Both Alice and Barbara inquired about getting the children into school as soon as possible. The reply was that, first of all, Rosa has to obtain her own birth certificate in order to apply for those for Tomasa and Paola. According to the CI Representative, in Mexico one doesn't send off to State capital like you do in the States but has to go (in person usually) to the town/city where one was born.
Since Rosa and her family have lived in the same house for 10 years it is to be hoped that the girls' certificates are in Jalisco but it is not yet known where Rosa was born. This could cause a costly problem. The CI local staff are investigating this and hopefully we will hear back in a week or so. Hopefully, if Rosa knows that there will be some available funds to help her, she will be more receptive to the work involved. There was a small amount left from the larger sum donated by the incredibly generous anonymous sponsors which can be used to help alleviate this matter. If it is not sufficient then we may have to do another small fundraiser.
In the meantime, in reply to Sissy's query as to whether we will be doing another fund-raiser to help this family with their special needs, the answer is "yes" if you will be able to contribute.
Barbara's idea is to have either a larger fundraiser to buy a wardrobe to store their clothes instead of having to have them in boxes on the floor. - cost approximately $100.00 or also to add another $175.00 in order to pay for the drain connection which will help keep their clothes clean. Perhaps, if those members of our small group who were unable to contribute towards the stove, table, gas container project that we raised earlier, could donate towards the wardrobe/chest of drawers the rest of us could start fundraising for the drain/connection? It would be wonderful if both of these could be raised before Christmas so that the floor and drain connection could be done together. Also, the storage unit will be even more necessary once they receive their Christmas gifts from those of us who will be sending Direct Packages.
If both of these could be funded this year it will only leave the larger amount of $439.00 to pay for the bathroom. This would take place sometime next year after the other projects have been funded. Please let us have your feedback and ideas so that we know what you want to do as well.
Getting Paola educated!
Paola's Package that will be delivered by Steve
For those who have been waiting to see what would be sent with Steve to give to Paola on his visit next week... This is what I have put into a flat rate box that is being shipped to him tomorrow:
*1 Biligual English/Spanish Children's Laptop
*1 Bag of Lollipops, per Barbara's request- to be handed out at Halloween
*1 Bag of Jax
*1 Chalkboard with chalk & eraser
*1 Water-color Paint Set
*2 Velvet Disney Princess Pictures with Markers for Paola & Tomasa
*1 Tinkerbell Mini-lunch Pail
*4 Old Navy Shirts to be shared between Paola & Tomasa
*1 Cuddly White Lamb (yeah, I know, it will be brown in less than a day)
*1 Magnetic Play Circus Scene
Sorry, Barbara, I did not get a chance to throw in a costume for the baby (Long, depressing story that I don't want to get in to)
So, there ya go. It is headed to Steve. I am sure we will have some great pics & videos to add to this blog shortly!!! Thank you, Steve!!!
Photos from Barbara!
Here are the photos that Barbara received from CI after sending a package for Paola and her sisters ...
July Visit, Part 21 - Leaving Zoo/Marcela Blows Me Off
July Visit, Part 21 - Leaving Zoo/Marcela Blows Me Off
After the CIA presentation, we hurried to the zoo exit. There was a restaurant right there, so I offered to buy a late lunch for everybody. I hoped that Rosa would be hungry enough to "take the bait", but she said it was essential that she go straight home.
On second thought, Rosa was probably right to be in such a hurry. Now, I'm no expert on babies, but I'm pretty sure that when you take one out for the day you're s'posed to bring a diaper bag along. Rosa had nothing of the sort for Maria. I didn't smell anything, so I guess all was good.
During the truck ride back, everyone fell asleep (me included, briefly) except for Fernando (who was driving) and Tomasa.
Back at Paola's house, the good-bye hugs were a bit hurried. Rosa and the family needed to do something with bricks, and I'm sure Paola was ready for a nap!
I suppose to be fair, it was nearly 4pm by this time, but I felt like our day had been cut short and there was still time for more to happen. I suggested that we go somewhere and buy a take-out meal to bring back to the family. I felt guilty about not feeding them.
Marcela wasn't keen on that idea, so I didn't even ask about doing some clothes shopping for the girls at the open market outside the community center (I'll post pics of that in the next entry - I forgot them here). Of course, Marcela and the other staff still had to drive Mike and I to our hostel, then go all the way back to the main office. I don't think I knew at that time how far away the place was from us.
I had another full day left in Guadalajara, so I was hoping to work out a way to do something else CI-related. On the top of my list was a visit to Heather and/or Barbara's boys, Brayan and Miguel ... but Marcela said that would be impossible. Next, I thought maybe I could do a bit more shopping for Paola's family, then bring the gifts to the main office (like we had done in Honduras). Marcela gave me a card with the address on it - so I could MAIL gifts. She said the office was too far away for me to travel there by myself. She sort of implied that she was done with me, until my next visit to Mexico, lol.
So, Mike and I carried the gifts for Miguel and Brayan downstairs to the truck, we all hugged good-bye, and the day was over. After the CI staff left, Mike and I walked to downtown Guadalajara and ate our only restaurant meal of the trip - Chinese buffet food!
On second thought, Rosa was probably right to be in such a hurry. Now, I'm no expert on babies, but I'm pretty sure that when you take one out for the day you're s'posed to bring a diaper bag along. Rosa had nothing of the sort for Maria. I didn't smell anything, so I guess all was good.
During the truck ride back, everyone fell asleep (me included, briefly) except for Fernando (who was driving) and Tomasa.
Back at Paola's house, the good-bye hugs were a bit hurried. Rosa and the family needed to do something with bricks, and I'm sure Paola was ready for a nap!
I suppose to be fair, it was nearly 4pm by this time, but I felt like our day had been cut short and there was still time for more to happen. I suggested that we go somewhere and buy a take-out meal to bring back to the family. I felt guilty about not feeding them.
Marcela wasn't keen on that idea, so I didn't even ask about doing some clothes shopping for the girls at the open market outside the community center (I'll post pics of that in the next entry - I forgot them here). Of course, Marcela and the other staff still had to drive Mike and I to our hostel, then go all the way back to the main office. I don't think I knew at that time how far away the place was from us.
I had another full day left in Guadalajara, so I was hoping to work out a way to do something else CI-related. On the top of my list was a visit to Heather and/or Barbara's boys, Brayan and Miguel ... but Marcela said that would be impossible. Next, I thought maybe I could do a bit more shopping for Paola's family, then bring the gifts to the main office (like we had done in Honduras). Marcela gave me a card with the address on it - so I could MAIL gifts. She said the office was too far away for me to travel there by myself. She sort of implied that she was done with me, until my next visit to Mexico, lol.
So, Mike and I carried the gifts for Miguel and Brayan downstairs to the truck, we all hugged good-bye, and the day was over. After the CI staff left, Mike and I walked to downtown Guadalajara and ate our only restaurant meal of the trip - Chinese buffet food!
The parts of the zoo we saw are circled in black. As you can see, there is plenty of zoo left for the next sponsor who visits!
Posing in front of the fountain outside of the zoo.
Marie and Paola fall asleep in the truck
July Visit, Part 20 - The Aquario Photo
July Visit, Part 20 - The Aquario Photo
I should have written this part sooner, but the photo was lost in our messy house!
I should have written this part sooner, but the photo was lost in our messy house!
The aquarium had one of those blue screen photography stations where they will super-impose your group into an underwater scene, so I thought that would make a fun souvenir. The camera was mounted up on the ceiling, and I don't think Paola understood what was going on. In the picture, I'm asking the photographer to wait for a second so I could point the camera out to the little girls (obviously, she didn't wait). The end result is cool, however, because Paola looks a little confused and apprehensive as if she actually IS at the bottom of the ocean, surrounded by sharks.
Paola thought the photo was just great, as you can tell by her happy face when Marcela shows it to her below. I had a copy made for her mother to keep, of course, and the extended family got a laugh from it back at the casa.
CIA Bingo Videos
Paola has won ... can anyone understand what the lady is saying about the prize card?
CIA Bird Dance Video
This video illustrates how Tomasa and Paola didn't really "get" what was going on, and didn't know how to participate unless they were directly assisted. After I shut off the camera, I went over and helped Paola do the dance.
CIA Videos
Above: I think Tomasa was too heavy for the demonstration, so the lady used Paola instead.
In the next vid, the man who gets on the iceberg with Paola is Fernando, the CI driver:
July Visit, Part 19 - CIA Interactive "Show"
July Visit, Part 19 - CIA Interactive "Show"
At 2pm, we crossed a suspension bridge and entered a colorful building to see a "show". I assumed that this would be some sort of an educational live animal show, presented in incomprehensible Spanish. Instead, it was an educational activity area, guided by a host who spoke incomprehensible (to me) Spanish. The attraction was called "CIA - Central de Investigacion Animal".
First, we stood in an entry foyer and watched an introductory movie on large wall screen. Anyone who has visited a Disney park or Universal Studios should be familiar with this concept.
Further inside, a woman took our group of kids from one learning station to the next, teaching them about animals through hands-on activities. The adults stood around the outskirts taking photos. I had no idea what was going on, really, but maybe some of you Spanish speakers can shed some light on the matter after seeing my videos.
What I was paying attention to was the differences between our girls and the other kids in the group. Besides the fact that the others were clean and polished for a day out at the zoo, it was obvious that the other children attended school and understood how education is supposed to "work". They followed instructions and enthusiastically engaged in activities. When the lady asked a question, hands shot up and answers were shouted in response. In such an unfamiliar environment, Tomasa and Paola were completely out of their element and had a difficult time keeping up with their peers. Luckily, the hostess was good at her job and made sure to include our girls by coaxing them into the action. Tomasa soon shed her shyness and awkwardly participated in the activities, but Paola remained bewildered and reluctant throughout the entirety of the "show".
At the the very end, our confused 4-year-old brought unwanted attention upon herself by winning the game of animal bingo. She was rewarded for her victory with a credit card-type thing that was supposed to be exchanged for a prize? I asked Marcela, who told me that the card was meant to be inserted into a special ATM machine. Where and/or how??? As far as I know, Paola still has the card.
First, we stood in an entry foyer and watched an introductory movie on large wall screen. Anyone who has visited a Disney park or Universal Studios should be familiar with this concept.
Further inside, a woman took our group of kids from one learning station to the next, teaching them about animals through hands-on activities. The adults stood around the outskirts taking photos. I had no idea what was going on, really, but maybe some of you Spanish speakers can shed some light on the matter after seeing my videos.
What I was paying attention to was the differences between our girls and the other kids in the group. Besides the fact that the others were clean and polished for a day out at the zoo, it was obvious that the other children attended school and understood how education is supposed to "work". They followed instructions and enthusiastically engaged in activities. When the lady asked a question, hands shot up and answers were shouted in response. In such an unfamiliar environment, Tomasa and Paola were completely out of their element and had a difficult time keeping up with their peers. Luckily, the hostess was good at her job and made sure to include our girls by coaxing them into the action. Tomasa soon shed her shyness and awkwardly participated in the activities, but Paola remained bewildered and reluctant throughout the entirety of the "show".
At the the very end, our confused 4-year-old brought unwanted attention upon herself by winning the game of animal bingo. She was rewarded for her victory with a credit card-type thing that was supposed to be exchanged for a prize? I asked Marcela, who told me that the card was meant to be inserted into a special ATM machine. Where and/or how??? As far as I know, Paola still has the card.
Tomasa pretends to be a bird - I never quite understood why
This picture is blurry, but I love the happy look on Paola's face
(note Rosa breastfeeding Maria in the background)
Paola with her prize for winning animal bingo
July Visit, Part 18 - Refreshment Break
July Visit, Part 18 - Refreshment Break
It was nearly 2pm when we exited the aquarium. I was grateful to Marcela for not taking Rosa's desire to be home early too seriously. Rosa had no way of telling the time, so Marcela must have decided that it would be good enough to let her know when it was actually 2:00, rather than have us leave at 1:15 so we could make it back to the home by that time. I wasn't about to complain!
Fortunately, Rosa had succumbed to the zoo's lure, and she agreed that we could stay long enough to see an hourly "show" that we had missed earlier in the day. We had 15 minutes before the next show time, so I asked if anybody wanted a fruity ice drink from a nearby refreshment stand. I bought drinks for Paola's family, but the CI staff all declined the offer - I'm not sure why, since sponsors are (naturally) expected to feed the reps who assist them with their visit. Maybe Marcela, Fernando, and Elsa knew that the beverages would be sickeningly sweet. I sure couldn't drink mine!
Here is something interesting to note about Paola and Tomasa: They never asked for ANYTHING. Many of the zoo attractions forced us to exit through a gift shop, and I always expected the girls to be drawn to the toys and stuffed animals ... but they didn't touch, beg for, or even LOOK at the merchandise. I don't know how long it had been since they'd last had a meal, but the kids showed no interest in the food or ice cream stands that we passed - until I offered, that is. The family definitely enjoyed their super-sweet fruit drinks.
Later, on the way out of the zoo - and past more gift shops - I asked Marcela if we shouldn't buy something for each of the girls. She told me it wasn't necessary, as we had already done so much for them. Since the kids weren't asking for anything (unlike every other child I've ever known), I took Marcela's advice and saved my money. Tomasa and Paola need to learn that the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Fortunately, Rosa had succumbed to the zoo's lure, and she agreed that we could stay long enough to see an hourly "show" that we had missed earlier in the day. We had 15 minutes before the next show time, so I asked if anybody wanted a fruity ice drink from a nearby refreshment stand. I bought drinks for Paola's family, but the CI staff all declined the offer - I'm not sure why, since sponsors are (naturally) expected to feed the reps who assist them with their visit. Maybe Marcela, Fernando, and Elsa knew that the beverages would be sickeningly sweet. I sure couldn't drink mine!
Here is something interesting to note about Paola and Tomasa: They never asked for ANYTHING. Many of the zoo attractions forced us to exit through a gift shop, and I always expected the girls to be drawn to the toys and stuffed animals ... but they didn't touch, beg for, or even LOOK at the merchandise. I don't know how long it had been since they'd last had a meal, but the kids showed no interest in the food or ice cream stands that we passed - until I offered, that is. The family definitely enjoyed their super-sweet fruit drinks.
Later, on the way out of the zoo - and past more gift shops - I asked Marcela if we shouldn't buy something for each of the girls. She told me it wasn't necessary, as we had already done so much for them. Since the kids weren't asking for anything (unlike every other child I've ever known), I took Marcela's advice and saved my money. Tomasa and Paola need to learn that the squeaky wheel gets the grease!
July Visit, Part 17 - The Aquarium
July Visit, Part 17 - The Aquarium
After checking out the kangaroos, our group stumbled upon the entrance to the "Aquario". We had the appropriate tickets, so we were granted admission.
I wasn't particularly excited about the aquarium myself, but after seeing how delighted Paola seemed while watching the fish, I was glad we were able to go in. First, we spent some time at the stingray petting tanks outside, then we saw all the fish housed in the building. The family was particularly impressed by the diver feeding the fish from inside the tank. I asked Marcela to explain to them that I am also a diver, and that I once dove in the shark tank at the Singapore aquarium. Judging by her fascination level, I think that Paola liked the sharks better than the smaller, more colorful fish.
I wasn't particularly excited about the aquarium myself, but after seeing how delighted Paola seemed while watching the fish, I was glad we were able to go in. First, we spent some time at the stingray petting tanks outside, then we saw all the fish housed in the building. The family was particularly impressed by the diver feeding the fish from inside the tank. I asked Marcela to explain to them that I am also a diver, and that I once dove in the shark tank at the Singapore aquarium. Judging by her fascination level, I think that Paola liked the sharks better than the smaller, more colorful fish.
Seeing the stingraysA Letter from Mexico!
I still haven't finished the report from my trip, but today I received our first letter from Paola's camp (+ many, many photos!!!), so I thought I'd share it immediately.
The translation reads:
Dear Mckenzie and Michael,
The little girl Paola and her mother Rosa want to tell you that they were very happy for your visit and they thank you very much for the attention for Paola and for visiting her. Rosa says that Paola loved how you took them to the zoo and they loved it. They also thank you for your kindness and courtesy for them on your visit. They say God bless you and may He pay you for everything you have done for Paola. Thank you for everything.
I wrote this letter on behalf of the family. Sincerely, Araceli (field officer)
Mack's note: I wish the letter would have included thanks for all the sponsors - not just me and my husband. I don't think the family quite understands the 13 sponsors concept, but they will figure it out with time!
July Visit, Part 16 - Seeing the Animals
July Visit, Part 16 - Seeing the Animals
Although I loved zoos as a kid, I'm not so fond of them now that I'm involved with animal activism. Still, I can't resist the lure of taking a wide-eyed child to see the animals live and up close. Zoos like the one in Guadalajara (which was no way near as bad as the one I used to visit in Pakistan) are especially bittersweet, because they have less money for good habitats, but that must be weighed against the fact that the kids of that country have so much less opportunity than others to view and learn about wildlife. Ideally, children ought to be taken on safari to see live, wild animals in their natural environment ... but kids like Paola will probably NEVER have such an opportunity. She may not even get to watch Animal Planet on Mexican TV.
Rosa confirmed that Paola had never seen live animals before (other than the domestic ones at her house). She seemed as excited as any 4-year-old would be, but I couldn't tell if she was MORE excited than normal since kids her age maintain a fairly high level of enthusiasm just as a general rule.
Rosa confirmed that Paola had never seen live animals before (other than the domestic ones at her house). She seemed as excited as any 4-year-old would be, but I couldn't tell if she was MORE excited than normal since kids her age maintain a fairly high level of enthusiasm just as a general rule.
After entering the zoo, the first thing we saw was a hippopotamus ... a plastic, ride-able one, perfect for a photo op. The hippo was hotter than Hades, so I stretched my legs out for the girls to straddle so they wouldn't get burned.
Next, we saw flamingos, the REAL hippos, the restroom, a monkey island, and the kangaroo pen. That's it, animal-wise, which leaves plenty of the zoo left for Paola to see when the next sponsor visits her!
Miguel and Barbara - same hippo, different location
Real, live hippos
Watching the monkeysJuly Visit, Part 14 - Off to the Zoo!
July Visit, Part 14 - Off to the Zoo!
As we were wrapping up our home visit and preparing to head for the zoo, Mike and I received some startling news: Rosa told Marcela that she needed to be back home by 2pm! It was already 11am, and it would take nearly an hour to get to Zoologica Guadalahara, so we hurried everyone into the truck.
Since the three English-speaking CI reps were riding in the bed of the truck, Mike and I were on our own when it came to communication during the long drive. Mike sat in the front next to Fernando, and I was in the short back seat next to Rosa, Maria, Tomasa, and their 14-year-old cousin, who was also coming along with us. Paola sat on my lap.
We dropped Alfredo back at the community center, then sped off to the zoo. On the way in, I had asked Marcela if she wasn't getting tired of seeing the zoo, as that was probably where most sponsors wanted to take their kids. She told me that she had only been on two zoo trips before ours - one accompanied by Paola's 13th sponsor, Barbara, who she remembered well and spoke highly of.
When we arrived at the park, I read the signs and learned that there were several different attraction packages available. The tickets we had purchased at the previous day's expo were for a combination of the zoo + the aquarium - but did not include the safari ride, which disappointed me. However, considering we would have only slightly over an hour to tour the place, not going on the safari was okay.
At the gate, I was three adult tickets short, as I had not been expecting Elsa, Fernando, or Akela. I didn't mind paying for everyone, except it was a shame that we would be inside the zoo for such a short time on our full-price tickets!
Since the three English-speaking CI reps were riding in the bed of the truck, Mike and I were on our own when it came to communication during the long drive. Mike sat in the front next to Fernando, and I was in the short back seat next to Rosa, Maria, Tomasa, and their 14-year-old cousin, who was also coming along with us. Paola sat on my lap.
We dropped Alfredo back at the community center, then sped off to the zoo. On the way in, I had asked Marcela if she wasn't getting tired of seeing the zoo, as that was probably where most sponsors wanted to take their kids. She told me that she had only been on two zoo trips before ours - one accompanied by Paola's 13th sponsor, Barbara, who she remembered well and spoke highly of.
When we arrived at the park, I read the signs and learned that there were several different attraction packages available. The tickets we had purchased at the previous day's expo were for a combination of the zoo + the aquarium - but did not include the safari ride, which disappointed me. However, considering we would have only slightly over an hour to tour the place, not going on the safari was okay.
At the gate, I was three adult tickets short, as I had not been expecting Elsa, Fernando, or Akela. I didn't mind paying for everyone, except it was a shame that we would be inside the zoo for such a short time on our full-price tickets!
Crammed into the back seat of the truck
Entering the Zoo
Paola gives her entrance ticketJuly Visit, Part 13 - Delivering the Gifts
July Visit, Part 13 - Delivering the Gifts
After meeting Paola's family and touring the home, I needed to change the batteries in my camera. I told Mike it would probably be a good time to unload the gifts from the truck while I was busy, so he summoned the staff and they started carrying bags of stuff up to the house. Soon, Marcela found me inside the truck rummaging through my pack for fresh batteries and urged me to come with her. She said that the family wanted me to give a speech along with the presentation of the gifts. Yikes!
Put on the spot, I stood there before the assembly and babbled in horrific, broken Spanish, trying my best to give credit to our entire sponsor group for the purchase of the items, and to stress the idea that if there was anything else the family needed, I was ready to take requests. I don't know if anyone understood a word of my speech (next time I will have one prepared, just in case. No, I will take Heather along with me!), but they all applauded politely at the end ... and then they all looked to Mike. My husband performed eloquently, having the good sense to express his feelings in English and allow the CI staff to translate afterward!
The family seemed grateful and delighted over the gifts. The kids were eager to help carry everything into the house, and they came back out munching on the onion ring chips I'd bought for them.
Put on the spot, I stood there before the assembly and babbled in horrific, broken Spanish, trying my best to give credit to our entire sponsor group for the purchase of the items, and to stress the idea that if there was anything else the family needed, I was ready to take requests. I don't know if anyone understood a word of my speech (next time I will have one prepared, just in case. No, I will take Heather along with me!), but they all applauded politely at the end ... and then they all looked to Mike. My husband performed eloquently, having the good sense to express his feelings in English and allow the CI staff to translate afterward!
The family seemed grateful and delighted over the gifts. The kids were eager to help carry everything into the house, and they came back out munching on the onion ring chips I'd bought for them.
I love Paola's gigantic smile in this photo!