Monday, November 22, 2010

Haiti Boys Orphanage

Want to see one of Food For The Poor's orphanages in Haiti?
Here is a great video that was recently posted by FFP on youtube.


Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Computers in Trinidad

Our computer labs have finally been shipped, distributed and set up in the AOH homes in Trinidad. I already received two lovely thank you letters from the homes.


" your generosity toward the children at the Christ Child Convalescent Home goes beyond words, but we need to thank you, sincerely for your donations of six computers for the children of our home."


Each home received a minimum of six computers. The larger homes received multiple sets of 6 based on their greater needs.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Thank You Letter from Guyana

This summer I visited St John Bosco Boys home in Guyana.
After touring the home and spending time with the home Director, I hung out for awhile with the boys. They had two board games. One was called "Fact or Crap" and it was a trivia game. I had never seen this game before and I was a little shocked at the title honestly. In my house as a child, the C-word was a bad word, and here was a group of kids playing a trivia game with that title. I was asking about the games and it became clear that the boys loved playing the games, but there were only two for a home of over 40 children.


They were so cute as they all sat around patiently waiting for their turn to participate. I sat down for awhile and talked with a boy named Gregory. Gregory was so smart and he really blew me away with his insightful questions about the United States and my job. He seemed so wise for such a young boy. As the kids played trivia in the background, he would split on a tangent and ask a question about something that didnt make sense to him. The game has a lot of idioms and references to things in America like Dunkin Donuts or famous rock stars etc.


I was really impressed by Gregory and the boys at St John Bosco's. When I returned home I went to Walmart on my lunch break and bought a variety of appropriate board games and educational materials. I bought a bunch of card games and envisioned Gregory figuring out the rules to Uno and Skip-Bo and teaching the other boys. I sent the package of things down with a co-worker who was traveling back to Guyana the following week.


Today I got this letter from Gregory.




The letter is super cute and nearly made me cry at work today. I especially love the globe with Gregory standing in South America and me, standing in North America.
This is the reason that Angels of Hope is so important. These children are such a blessing. They are so smart and full of so much potential. Just knowing that someone cares can change a child's life.










Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Guatemala.. fun surprise..


What are the boys of San Francisco Xavier waiting in line for?? ....


Sunglasses... I see they are feeling very snazzy!


It is so fun to be able to offer these fun little surprises to the kids from time to time.












DOC continued... Guatemala

The final event for the year was hosted in Guatemala in honor of Child's Day. We hosted two seperate events for logistical purposes. The weather was refreshingly chilly compared to the heat of Miami and our other Caribbean and Central American areas.

As always, these events are wonderful and it really is a special way to show the children they are loved. Each child went back to the orphanage loaded with gifts and prizes. Everyone received a hygiene kit with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, towels, combs, etc along with other gifts like soccer balls, t-shirts, books and toys. For the different contests we also had fun prizes including PlayDough, baseball hats, remote control cars, volleyballs and basketballs.


We stress that the fun day is a gift from each and every one of their sponsors. It would be hard for me to describe to you how important it is to the children that they have a sponsor. They are so proud to have a sponsor and to know that someone in the United States is thinking about them. The moment when the child receives a letter from their sponsor you can see the joy and pride beaming out of their beautiful little faces. Each one feels like a prince or princess knowing that their sponsor helped to provide this big, exciting party for them. You can hear them talking about "their" sponsor Mary or William who sent them a picture last month, etc.
Our sponsors are so important, not only for the incredible support they provide to the children and the home physically, but also for the emotional and spiritual support they offer.

Monday, October 11, 2010

DOC continued...

Nicaragua hosts two seperate Day of Celebration due to the large number of homes participating in the program and the long distances between all of them. I missed the first event hosted in Managua in May, but I did attend the second event hosted in Chinandega in August. It was a beautiful, hot day and the children arrived full of excitement and anticipation for their performances and sporting events.


These cute bunnies are from one of AOH's newest homes in Nicaragua. It was their first time attending our Day of Celebration event and they had a wonderful time. They participated in everything and you could see how much time and effort they put into practicing their performances. Look at how adorable they are!

One of the many Marching Bands that we purchased and distributed to the children's homes last year. Initially they only started learning percussion and the trumpet. By now they have expanded and are utilizing every single one of the 40 instrument band that they received from us, in only 8 months time! These boys did such a great job and they were very proud. Can't wait to see the development by next year!















Friday, October 8, 2010

DOC 2010 continued...

The event in Trinidad this year was hosted on August 17th. We decided to think outside of the box and provide the children with a fun opportunity that they would not normally ever get the chance to experience. We took them to MovieTown cinema and they were treated to "Despicable Me" in 3D! Awards were presented to the Best Behaved and Most Improved children from each home along with other incentive awards for positive behavior.

After the movie we let the children loose with pocketfuls of arcade tokens. There was an excellent magic show, a bounce house and once again, face painting for them to enjoy as well.






Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Days of Celebration 2010

I am going to have to play a little bit of catch-up. I have been so busy traveling that I have not had a chance to really keep you all up to date with the events being hosted in the different countries. I see that my last DOC post was from Honduras in May! This year's events were a huge success. The staff in each of our countries does such a wonderful job planning the activities, prizes, entertainment and tournaments for each event. Each country has different ideas and offers different experiences to the children. In the end it is all about making the children feel special and creating fellowship in the program amongst the different orphanages.

In July I traveled to Guyana for their event. It was hosted in the National Gymnasium and started off with an impressive March Pass by the homes. Each orphanage proudly carried their banner and paraded across the floor to the applause of the other homes and invitees. The children also presented dances, songs, skits and poetry.

The afternoon was full of cricket and other games. I did not see much of the afternoon's activities as I decided to dedicate myself to face painting in a corner of the gym. I had a constant line up of candidates and eventually a couple other staff from the Guyana office came over to assist. Our artwork was amatuer but the children enjoyed it nonetheless. By the end of the day I had perfected my AOH angel!



continued..

Monday, September 20, 2010

Drawing Contest Winners 2010

Senior Winner is...

Astrid Brigith Mejia
from Honduras


Junior Winner is...

Jonoy Bent
from Jamaica

Monday, August 9, 2010

2010 Angels of Hope Drawing Contest

AOH 2010 Drawing Contest is on display in our Food For the Poor office!



The Jr category was given the theme "Love" and the bible verse
John 13:34
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Here are a couple of the entries...




The Sr category was given the theme "Generosity" and the bible verse
Matthew 25:40
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Here are a couple of the entries...




Voting takes place all week long and winners will be announced at our August 17th staff meeting.  I will make sure to post them here too!

These children are so talented.  Winners get $500!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Honduras 05/2010

Day of Celebration 2010

In San Pedro Sula at the Children's Museum we hosted 17 AOH homes, and at least 4 other who will be becoming part of the AOH family this coming year. 

The day was HOT.  When I say HOT... I mean it felt like walking around in a sauna set at well over 100 degrees with little to no breeze all day.  Despite the extreme heat, the event was excellent.  The children all received Angels of Hope bandanas and a constant flow of drinks and snacks all day.

 

Amongst the day's competitions was dance, poetry, singing, Miss AOH, Mr AOH, and best decorated tent.  This year's theme was "Celebrate Life" and all the homes prepared decorations for their individual tents to go along with this theme. 

Miss Angels of Hope was crowned by Linda Coello,
Founder and President of our Honduran partner organziation CePudo.

Jamaica 05/2010

Day of Celebration 2010

This year's Day of Celebration event was hosted at the Puerto Seco beach.  The children always enjoying swimming so each  year we host the event at a beach location.  This year was the first time hosting the event in Puerto Seco and it was a wonderful success.  Children from 16 different facilities attended the event. 

The day consisted of swimming, hula hoop contest, bun eating contest, three legged race, sack race, manicures, make-overs and recognitions given to the "Best Child" and "Most Improved Child" from each home.

The FFP Jamaica staff worked very hard to organize the event and coordinate things between all the different homes.  We spent  hours packing gifts for each of the children, making the award sashes, and packing gifts for all the staff and administrators of the homes.  When the day finally came, it was a great success and a huge sigh of relief for all those involved in the preparation.  Each child went home with a thermal lunch box full of different items, including wrist and head bands.  Each staff member also received gifts and each home was given two brand new bicycles.

The purpose of the Day of Celebration event is to do something unique and special for the children.  We want to show them how loved they are and encourage fellowship amongst the different children's homes.  It is a time when the children are truly celebrated and showered with love and attention.  In that sense, the day was perfect.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Guatemala 04/2010

Guatemala will always hold a special place in my heart.  I met Food For The Poor in Guatemala 4 years ago when I was working there as a volunteer and I continue to be amazed and impressed by our work there.  I feel proud to be a part of this organization and proud to know that I play a role in making it all happen. 

Angels of Hope currently works with four children's homes in Guatemala.  In late 2009 two of the homes received a donation of a full Marching Band of instruments.  The 40 piece donation includes all the needed accessories, reeds, and oils, etc.  The bands were donated to all the homes program-wide who had more than 40 children and an exisiting music program. 


When I visited each of the homes, those who had received the bands were proudly showing off their new instruments and playing a "welcome" march as I arrived.  It is so nice to see the children have these additional opportunities that allow them to continue to grow and develop all the hidden talents that each one posseses.  I always try to make eye contact with each one and send them my biggest smile.  I also like to address individual children and ask them questions about their instrument; how long have they been playing? their favorite song? can they play a little as a solo?  is it heavy? etc.  I wish I could spend more time with each one of them.  I try to as much as possible but the heavy work load and distances traveled do not allow enough time for "hanging out".


One of the other tasks I was trying to accomplish on this trip was to take full picture retakes of all the children.  Every other year we send out Updates to the sponsors that include an updated photo of the child and a letter from the orphanage's director.  So a focus of this trip was to retake each child's individual photograph.  As you can imagine.. this takes time, lots of time.  Here is a sample of Estuardo Cruz from Hogar San Jeronimo Emiliani.  You can really see how much these kids grow and develop in only two years!



Guatemala will soon head into their rainy season.  Even so, being the end of the dry season, it is such a lush and green country.  As you drive through the countryside you can look at the rolling hills and mountains and see that "patchwork" that is sketched in children's books.  Each crop or field has a different color and texture and the pattern covers the sides of each slope.  I am always amazed that on pieces of the most trecherous terrain you will still find corn and coffee being planted and harvested.  I am sure I drove by the plantations that grow that yummy coffee we all buy at Starbucks.  :)

I would be so happy the day that this t-shirt comes to be true.  Isn't he adorable!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

El Salvador 03/2010


I would really like to share with you some of the great projects that we have executed in El Salvador this past year.  In 2009 we really wanted to focus on making the children's homes self-sustainable.  With the economic crisis, these homes really struggle as donations and support diminish and costs continue to rise.  We wanted to work to provide animal husbandry and agriculture projects for all the homes to allow them to stand more independently and ensure the nutritional quality of the diets they are providing for their children.  As a regular part of the Angels of Hope program we distribute food items, but they are basic grains and non-perishable goods.  The items that the homes need to find for themselves are fresh produce and protein products. 

One of the projects that we did in El Salvador is a project in Hydroponics.  The provision of the project started with training workshops and education, worked through construction and getting the gardens off the ground, and finishes with continued supervision and technical assistance as well as workshops regarding how to ensure the sustainability of the project and the costs associated with its continuity. 

Seven orphanages participated in the project.  As I visited the homes and saw the proyects for the first time in person, I was impressed and overwhelmed over and over again.  The homes are harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables on a daily and weekly basis.  They boasted of the fact that they were growing the most beautiful tomatos in the country and that their radishes were larger than any radish they have seen in the market.  They are planting a variety of crops and cycling the boxes so that one box of each crop is ready for harvesting while the others are in different stages of growth.  I ate fresh cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, celery, cabbage, broccoli, green onions and watercress. 


In each of the homes the children are involved and assisting with the projects but in some homes they have developed the project even further and offer Hydroponics as a vocational course.  In these cases the children are almost 100% responsible for the project and they themselves have received the technical training from our Hydroponics engineer. 
One of the seven homes that is very dear to my heart is Hogar Dolores Medina.  This home caters to a small population of boys who have previously been living on the streets and suffering from drug addictions.  The boys generally come into the home when they are 8, 9, or 10 years old.  These young boys have lived lives of struggle and suffering that many adults cannot even imagine.  The home has always had difficulty becoming accepted in the community.  The neighbors often shunned the boys or even feared them when they played on the street or walked by on their way to school or soccer practice.  Despite the loving nature of the children, their pasts have continued to haunt them and affect how their community has treated them over the years. 

As this project started to develop in the home, the neighbors grew curious.  By the time they were harvesting their first crops, the home realized that they were going to have a large surplus of produce.  The home only houses up to 10 boys at a time and the Hydroponics garden was providing more than enough for them to eat for lunch and dinner on a daily basis.  The boys suggested to the sister that they try to sell some of the produce to the neighbors.  This has opened new doors and changed the environment in which this home used to exist.  The neighbors have come to know the boys and have fallen in love with them.  Persons who used to close their doors, now call out and ask the boys to come knock on the door when the lettuce is ready.  This project has indirectly changed the perceptions of an entire community towards this boy's home.  They can now see that the boys are good-hearted, hard working, lovable children who flourish with the love and attention of those around them.  The Sister who runs the home expressed this story and her gratitude for the project with tears in her eyes, saying that a large weight was lifted from them and replaced with love and acceptance.