Pastor's Letter: Dominican Republic (DR-407)

We received some more pastor's letters! I am looking forward to sharing them over the next few weeks. This letter is from Yeremy Orlando's pastor. And the photos are from Compassion's Dominican Republic Southeastern Region page.

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Dear Eric and Hannah,

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

I am Pastor Braulio P, main Pastor at [DR-407]. We are ministering to Yeremy Orlando at the CDC associated with the church.

In our community, there are gangs of all types. Many children, teenagers, youths, and even their parents are a part of gangs and the vicious cycle of poverty here. Some of the challenges we face are teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, child neglect and, abandonment by the parents.

As a church, our vision is to impact this community through the gifts God has given us. With such, we want to plant Jesus Christ in every child and teenager's heart, through a holistic formation at the Center, and then reach their families, and eventually the entire community.

Our sponsored children may a difference in the community, because in spite of the delinquency that surrounds them in the community and at home, they continue and finish their studies. One of the many meaningful ways in which we have impacted our sponsored children is through community church, which is located at our Center. Said church has encouraged them to get prepared on singing, music, dance and theater, so they it can be developed in services and other activities.

When our children receive letters from their sponsors, they get happy. It's like their sponsor is there, right at that time, showing them love and affection, and that they are cared for. Those who don't receive correspondence, express sadness and long to receive communication and words of encouragement. It is for this reason that we encourage you to communicate with Yeremy Orlando often.

Please, pray for the work God has given us in this community, and so we can continue making a difference in the sponsored children's lives!

I say goodbye, thanking you for your attention.

Truly yours,
Pastor Braulio P

Yeremy Orlando in Dominican Republic

We began corresponding with Yeremy Orlando in September 2017. I will update this post as we hear from him.

We received 2 letters, one pastor's letter and one country director's letter. His birthday is July 5.

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Project Info and Activities:

Yeremy Orland attends DR-407 near Santo Domingo
* Home to approximately 30,000 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is domestic services, market vending
* Average earning is $140 a month
* Regional Diet: beans, chicken, bread, rice & potatoes
* Common Health Problems: parasites, flu, skin problems, asthma
* Typical Houses: dirt floors, adobe walls, tin roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, nutritious food, special celebrations, school materials and uniforms.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: art/drawing, group games, sports, math, playing tag, watching tv, color black

* Dreams: to learn about politics, art, economics; to be a ball player, to visit a baseball stadium, to meet his sponsor

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Letter Highlights...

"I love the center because I have new friends. What is your favorite place and why?"

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Artwork

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Country Director's Letter: Dominican Republic

Today's letter is from Dominican Republic, where we correspond with Jefry, Antony, Ana and Sebastian. The original letter and photo can be found here.

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Dear Friend,

My name is Kleber Lora, and I am the Country Director of Compassion in the Dominican Republic. I joined Compassion in 2005 after a time of prayer, asking the Lord for an opportunity to serve the impoverished. My wife Layla and I have three children. Our older daughter came to us as a foster daughter when we were asked to be a transition home for her for a week. That time became 10 years! Now she is a teacher in a Christian school and has three beautiful children, my grandchildren.

Making a difference one child at a time is what Compassion has been doing in the DR for the last 46 years. My heart rejoices, knowing that we have reached so many children. Currently, more than 60,000 are receiving help through 175 church partners, thanks to sponsors like you. I am so grateful for your love and support for your sponsored child in the Dominican Republic.

Some of our country-specific struggles include a high mortality rate in children under five and a high mortality rate for mothers in childbirth. Nearly 40 percent of the population is living in poverty, and 15 percent don’t have access to adequate drinking water.

Loren Eiseley wrote a story, often retold, about a man on a beach. He noticed someone else bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The other person was throwing starfish into the ocean, because the tide had washed them onto the beach, and they couldn’t return to the sea by themselves. In most versions, the observer tells the thrower he can’t possibly make a difference. The latter replies, after throwing another starfish as far as he could, “It made a difference for that one!”

This story reminds me of a boy who was found walking without shoes by a neighbor. His mother and grandmother had passed away; his father, cousin and aunt were working. The child slept on the floor; he used to eat at his neighbor’s. Nobody was taking care of him. That neighbor, who used to be a tutor in a Compassion child development center, saw his need and talents. She brought him to church. He found a sponsor, and now he has become a responsible, obedient Christian teenager who plays the piano at church and dreams of going to college. Isn’t it amazing how God uses us to change the life of a child?

As the children hear the Word of God, they have the opportunity to receive Jesus in their hearts, and their families do too. Our impoverished communities don’t have safe places for the children to play; they find that place at the center. Also, the children receive love, care, curriculum classes, meals and vocational training that equip them for a better future. This brings hope to our hearts.

The center is like the second home for the children, but having a sponsor is a unique blessing for each child. Children wait with all their heart for their sponsors’ letters. A sponsor becomes a friend that encourages them, tells them that they’re loved, that they are in their prayers, and also asks them in detail about their life, parents and school. This is a highlight of the program. I encourage you to write as often as possible.

Currently, in the DR we have more than 300 churches applying to open a Compassion center in their communities. In 2017, we want to provide new sponsorship opportunities to thousands of children in need in partnership with at least 16 new church partners. Also, after implementing more than 20 water-purification plants in the last five years, we want to help provide access to adequate water in at least three new communities in the next year.

Thank you for your commitment to help those who don’t have a voice. Thank you for your effort and support that make such a difference to your sponsored child. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him!

In Jesus,
Kleber Lora

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If you would like to sponsor a child from Dominican Republic, please consider sponsoring adorable little Samuel who will be 2 on December 3!

Samuel attends DR-002, the same project that Antony attends (and where Stuard attended!). It's a great project and Albert Pujols does baseball camps there! To sponsor Samuel, click here.

Project Director's Letter: Dominican Republic (DR-309)

In the spring, Compassion sent us a bunch of project director letters! I'll be sharing them over the weeks! Enjoy!

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This letter is the project that Ana attends! And the photos are from Compassion's Dominican Republic Album.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health.

I am Ruth Delania O. A., the Project Director of [DR-309] attended by your sponsored child. We are connected to the church IBCEC which located in SPM in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for sponsoring Ana.

I thank God very much for all of the sponsors of our children, for your great support, friendship and love toward your sponsored child.

I want to tell you about one of our 7th grade girls who is a very intelligent and cooperative girl. Since attending classes and activities at the center, she has made significant improvement in reading and writing. One of her favorite hobbies now is reading, and this is reflected in her grades. She has good behavior and is respectful and friendly. One day, she wants to study medicine.

I also want to tell you about an 18 year old girl who accepted Christ 3 years ago. Thanks to the grace of God, she is firm in her decision to follow Him and grow in God's grace. She helps out with the children on Saturdays, and she's part of the team that helps with the audiovisual technology in church. By nature, she's loyal and kind, and admires people who do not give up. She knows English, and one day she wants to study Industrial Engineering.

Recently we received a very special gift, and we are so grateful to God for this. We received a fridge which we needed to preserve the food that we use for meals and snacks for our sponsored children.

The children are happy when they receive letters from their sponsors because they are full of details that make them feel valued, loved, and that they have friends who are concerned about them. They are thankful that their sponsors care for their well-being, and that he or she takes the time to write beautiful words of motivation and encouragement for them.

Something that inspires me to continue my work in the center is my love and obedience to God because He called me to this ministry many years ago. I had the opportunity of studying Pharmacy in college but God, by His grace, chose me for this ministry. Proverbs 22:6. The children who come to us are very intelligent, and quickly learn the Bible stories, songs and prayers. Then, they put them into practice. It satisfies me very much when I hear the parents saying that their children ask them to pray before eating or that they share something from the Bible with them.

Please always pray for the staff at our center so that the Lord will give us the wisdom and the strength that is necessary to carry out this excellent work for His glory and honor.

I send you my regards with much love, and want to assure you that I am very thankful to God for you and for your partnership with us. Thank you, again, for sponsoring Ana. May God continue to bless you richly and abundantly.

Sincerely,

Ruth Delania O. A.

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If you would like to sponsor a child from the Dominican Republic, please consider sponsoring Harlanna. Harlanna attends DR-309 with our Ana! And Harlanna is turning 18 on November 19.

Halanna lives with her father and her mother. Her father is employed as a laborer and her mother maintains the home. Halanna works at home making beds, running errands and cleaning.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Halanna participates in church activities and Bible class. She is also in high school where her performance is average. Volleyball, listening to music and playing group games are her favorite activities. To sponsor Harlanna, click here.

Sebastian in Dominican Republic

We began corresponding with Sebastian in August 2014, and he moved away in October 2017, to an area where there is no Compassion project.

We have received 13 letters, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Sebastian. His birthday is February 7. Sebastian lives with his father and mother, Wilkins and Vanessa. His father works painting houses and Sebastian has one brother, Angel, who is deaf and mute.

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Project Info and Activities:

Sebastian attends DR-451 in Higuey

* Home to approximately 93,200 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is day laboring
* Average earning is $176 a month
* Regional Diet: beans, bananas, chicken, bread, beef & rice
* Common Health Problems: fever, flu
* Typical Houses: wood, cement floors

Center activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, first aid education, sports competitions, field trips, special celebrations, tutoring, music, computer and English classes and school uniforms.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: cars, other ball games, fried plantains with ketchup, salami, attending church, arroz con carne, painting, David & Goliath, Batman, Superman, pizza, fried chicken, dogs, playing at the park, playing in the river or beach, colors: red, yellow and blue, playing with his red car, soccer, hide-and-seek, math, songs and Bible stories at the center


* Dreams: to travel, to become a doctor, to meet a favorite baseball player, to visit France, meet his sponsor, visit an amusement park, travel on a plane

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Letter Highlights...

"He says he likes the story of David and Goliath but he doesn't know the one of Jonah."

"Please pray for his neighborhood friends, so that God helps them wanting to pray, because they don't like to."

"Sebastian is very thankful for your letters, he likes them very much. He learns a lot about animals and he loves pictures."

"I am well even though I had a surgery in my hands because I had a fall; the project helped me with the treatment. I want to tell you that my elder brother is sick with hemophilia and is deaf and mute...Please pray for me and my brother!"

"I am learning too much in school and am in 2nd grade."

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Artwork

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Final Letter

Hello.
It is a great pleasure to bless you in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am Mari Luz G., director of the DR451 center and the reason for my letter is to communicate that our beloved Sebastian is no longer with us, because his parents moved to another location, where there is not a center of Compassion. They are very grateful for the time you were supporting them through Compassion and the local church. We also say thank you for supporting us so that we can fulfill with this mission to support childhood who have the least opportunities. For this we count on the help of our God, using people like you who love and support childhood. We hope that the Lord reward according to his riches in glory. I say goodbye with much affection, wishing to keep count on you through our children.
Sincerely,
Mariluz G.

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Antony in Dominican Republic

My parents began sponsoring Antony in December 2015. We have the privilege of corresponding with him! I will continue to update this post as we hear from Antony. They chose Antony when their child, Stuard, left Compassion's program. Both Stuard and Antony are from the same project!

Due to the fact that my parents' receive the letters, I am not sure how many letters we have received from Antony, but I do have a copy of one pastor's letter and one country director's letter. His birthday is August 27. Antony lives with his grandmother and has 5 siblings, but lives with three of them: older sister, Lorin, younger brothers, Tony and Gregory.

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Project Info and Activities:

Antony attends DR-002 in Batey Aleman, San Pedro de Macoris

* Home to approximately 5,000 residents
* Most commonly spoken languages are Spanish & Creole
* Most common work is work is plantation work
* Average earning is $136 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, bananas, chicken, bread, plantains & rice
* Common Health Problems: malnutrition, skin diseases, flu, diarrhea, vomiting
* Typical Houses: cement floors, wood walls, zinc roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, medicine, birthday celebrations, self-esteem workshops, vocational training, and school uniforms.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, baseball, cars, marbles, math, basketball, pizza, blue, dogs, painting, biking, hero Jesus, math, language arts

* Dreams: to learn to read

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Letter Highlights...

"The child wishes God bless you greatly and he is happy to be able to talk to you."

"May the love of God cover each of you and your family. I am glad to write you again. Let me tell you that I am working hard in math and language art and the sport that I like the most is baseball...Let me tell you that I ride bike with my friend every day after I finish school."

"Let me tell you that I went to the pool on holy week with my family and I saw a lot and I got a lot of fun and I like the sweet beans (it's a delicious dessert with coconut, sugar, milk, spices, sweet potato, etc.)."

"I am fine and I take time to think about the greatness of God... Would you like to visit DR?"

"My family is doing fine and in school they teach in Spanish and 3 days in English. I tell you that to have fun I play with my friends in the basketball court and we play hide and seek and tag. I want you to know that in school I'm doing good and the favorite thing in school for me is sports."

"This is Antony's cousin writing to you, he cannot write this letter because he is in another city, the center will be doing a transfer to the nearest town. He is fine and healthy, he thanks you for your letters, prayers and he wants you to pray for his grandmother who is also my grandmother, she had a knee surgery, everything was fine thank God. Antony asks you to pray for him and the town where he is. He wants to know if you have ever moved to another city. He says goodbye with love."

"I infom you that Antony moved with his mother to another city...and we are investigating if there is any center nearby to make a transfer... Please I ask you to pray a lot for the life of Anthony, for his studies and for his future plans. I say goodbye hoping you can continue to sponsor Antony and be part of his life."

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Artwork

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Extra Photos

We also have this wonderful extra photo of Antony from when another sponsor visited his project a few years ago!

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Stuard in Dominican Republic

My parents sponsored Stuard from 2012 to December 2015. We had the privilege of corresponding with him!

Due to the fact that my parents' receive the letters, I am not sure how many letters we have received from Stuard, but I do have a copy of the pastor's letter! His birthday is August 4. Stuard lives with his parents and his siblings.

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Project Info and Activities:

Stuard attended DR-002 in Batey Aleman, San Pedro de Macoris

* Home to approximately 5,000 residents
* Most commonly spoken languages are Spanish & Creole
* Most common work is work is plantation work
* Average earning is $136 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, bananas, chicken, bread, plantains & rice
* Common Health Problems: malnutrition, skin diseases, flu, diarrhea, vomiting
* Typical Houses: cement floors, wood walls, zinc roofs

Center Activities: Bible teaching, medical checkups, medicine, birthday celebrations, self-esteem workshops, vocational training, and school uniforms.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, baseball, cars, running, flying kites, rolls with chicken, black, King Solomon, dogs, strawberries, soursop, pineapple

* Dreams: to have a dog, to be a police officer

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Letter Highlights...

"I would like to have a little dog to feed it."

"I think it's very fun that Juanito likes to play toy cars like me."

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Artwork

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Gifts & Visits

Our friend Judy was able to meet Stuard when she visited his project on a sponsor tour in 2014! She graciously gave him gifts out of her extras and took some great photos of him! You can read about her meeting Stuard here.

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Extra Photos

Stuard also sent my parents these fun photos of him with some letters we sent:

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Stuard is no longer attending the Compassion project because his family situation improved! While it is always hard to say goodbye, we are so happy for his family. And my parents' sponsored another child from Stuard's project…check back in two weeks to read about Antony, their new child from DR-002!

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Project Director's Letter: Dominican Republic (DR-436)

In the spring, Compassion sent us a bunch of project director letters! I'll be sharing them over the weeks! Enjoy!

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This letter is the project that Jefry attends! And the photos are from Compassion's Dominican Republic Album.

Dear Eric and Hannah,

Greetings and blessings.

My name is Joel H. I am the Center Director of the CDC [DR-436] of the church ITBC. We belong to the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where your sponsored child attends. Thank you for sponsoring Jefry.

We are thankful for sponsorship and the support that a is given to our children. It is our desire that God will continue to bless their life richly and abundantly. Sponsorship has a made changes in the lives of our boys, girls, and teenagers. We are now celebrating the second basketball tournament. Other children are doing the basic course of pantomime, singing, guitar, piano and drums with the intention of participating in the activities of the church. Thanks to the medical help and the assistance of the program, we have been able to counteract the flu that was affecting our community.

Finally, this year was a great blessing for us because our personnel went to the streets with the children to grow closer and share with the community. It was so wonderful that many families came out and brought us candy, water and other foods. We are proud to know that a teenager finished her studies in high school and now she's helping out at the center. She will soon be starting her studies in the university. She will be studying Systems Engineering. She is baptized and she participates in the pantomime ministry. She also directs the women's worship services and has had the opportunity of preaching the message of the Word of God. We are very happy and proud for her. She is committed to the Lord's cause.

We want to highlight the importance of the letters that the children receive from their sponsors. Many children that see others receiving letters start asking why don't they receive a letter too. The letters can cause a greater sponsor child relationship. We encourage sponsors to write to their sponsored children.

The work in the community is hard because the majority of the families live in extreme poverty. They have many needs regarding health, education, family orientation, food and recreation. These necessities don't stop us from continuing to support and to contribute to the community that God has allowed us to minister to. He has called us to continue our way of liberating the children from poverty in the name of Jesus. Another aspect that has impacted us is that our center has become a place of refuge where the children share, play, have fun, and learn about God's word. They also do their homework and play on their computers. The center is a blessing that has taken the boys, girls and teenagers from the streets.

Lastly, we ask you to pray because our congregation has grown a lot in the last few years and we have a prayer request. We need a new place to conduct our church services. Please also pray for a girl who will have surgery because of heart problems. Pray for the young people that are beginning their studies in college and for the violence in the families that is affecting our community. Pray for the juvenile delinquency and especially for the group of brothers and sisters of the center who minister to the lives of the sponsored children every day. Pray that God will guide them and illuminate them in this hard work of releasing the children from poverty in the name of Jesus.

Thank you again for sponsoring Jefry.

Sincerely,

Joel H.

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If you would like to sponsor a child from the Dominican Republic, please consider Danny, who will be 9 on September 13. He has been waiting over 225 days for a sponsor.

Danny lives with his mother. At home, duties include carrying water, running errands and cleaning. His mother is sometimes employed as a laborer.

As part of Compassion's ministry, Danny participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Basketball, playing with cars and baseball are his favorite activities. To sponsor Danny, click here.

Ana in Dominican Republic

We began corresponding with Ana in August 2014 and I will continue to update this post as we hear from Ana.

We have received 21 letters, one project director's letter, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter while corresponding with Ana. Her birthday is September 27. Ana lives with her parents, Sergio and Ana Cristina, and two siblings. Her father works as a free zone worker.

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Project Info and Activities:

Ana attends DR-309 in San Pedro de Macoris
* Home to approximately 176,700 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is factory work
* Average earning is $176 a month
* Regional Diet: beans, chicken, bread, beef, plantains & rice
* Common Health Problems: flu, parasites, stomach ailments, colds, fever
* Typical Houses: cement floors, tin walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center Activities: bible teaching, medical checkups, health education, nutritious food, field trips, special celebrations, vocational training and school uniforms.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: dolls, play house, pink, dogs, pizza, playing at the beach, visiting her abuela, fried chicken, chicks, going to the park, art, blue, parrots, playing at the beach, baseball, marbles, ice cream, going to the beach

* Dreams: to get to know her country, attend the university, be a doctor, meet a favorite singer

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Letter Highlights...

"She wants to tell you a little about her… Her hobby is to jump and to hop. She likes to eat everything. her favorite color is pink. Her favorite animals are dogs."

"The girl wants to tell you that one of the things that she likes to do the most is eating pizza… She loves eating fruits… She would like to know: do you like eating pizza?"

"Have you ever thought of visiting the Dominican Republic?"

"I give you so much thanks for your beautiful letters that you send me. I always feel very happy every time I read them with my dad."

"I did very well on my exams. I don't know if I passed from grade since I haven't seen my results. I am going to look for it next 29th. Before taking the exam, I was praying and I didn't know what to do, then God gave me wisdom and opened my mind and I was able to write and then the teacher told me to stop and then I stopped, but I don't know if I passed."

"Thanks for sending me your letter. When are you coming? I haven't seen you personally, just through photos."

"May God bless you, I want to inform you that I have already passed the course and am a meritorious student, I go to 5th grade and I am very happy. I thank God for everything that has helped me to achieve it, because He is always by my side and gives me wisdom."

"When are you coming? I want to see you, I want to see you very soon."

"I have been doing very well at school, where I have learned a lot. I am in the dance group at church, and at school I am a member of the choir, and also of the pantomime group."

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Artwork

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Gifts & Visits

We were able to send Ana a small doll in 2015!

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Nicole in Dominican Republic

We were Nicole's correspondents from April 2013 until October 2013.

We received 1 letter while corresponding with Nicole. Her birthday is November 11. Nicole lives with her mother and grandparents. Her grandfather works as a driver.

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Project Info and Activities:

Nicole attends DR-406 in Gurabo, Santiago
* Home to approximately 50,000 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is factory work, although the majority is unemployed
* Average earning is $100 a month
* Regional Diet: maize, beans, bananas, chicken, bread, beef & rice
* Common Health Problems: flu, parasites
* Typical Houses: cement floors, cement walls, corrugated iron roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, vitamins, medical and dental exams, nutritious meals, recreational activities, library visits, and parents' school for the parents and guardians.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: group games, volleyball, singing, jacks

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Letter Highlights...

"I think you for the letter, I loved it."

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Artwork

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Nicole is still enrolled in Compassion's program, but her financial sponsor was unable to continue and we weren't able to pick up her sponsorship. My hope and prayer is that she has a new sponsor who writes to her!

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.

Jefry in Dominican Republic

We have been Jefry's correspondents since February 2015. I will continue to update this post as we hear from him.

We received 14 letters while corresponding with Jefry, one project director's letter, one pastor's letter, and one country director's letter. His birthday is September 29. Jefry lives with his parents and one sibling. His dad works as a laborer and his mom is a housekeeper.

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Project Info and Activities:

Jefry attends DR-436 in Barrio Capotillo, Santo Domingo

* Home to approximately 3,700 residents
* Most commonly spoken language is Spanish
* Most common work is work is street vending
* Average earning is $90 a month
* Regional Diet: bread, plantains, rice
* Common Health Problems: parasites, malnutrition, skin diseases
* Typical Houses: cement, corrugated iron roofs

Center activities: Bible teaching, recreational activities, vaccinations, dental care, birthday parties, painting classes, field trips, and literacy classes and vocational training for parents and guardians.

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Miscellaneous Info from Letters:

* Favorites: basketball, running, other ball games, La Plaquita, Spanish, NBA team Cleveland Cavaliers

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Letter Highlights...

"I want you to know I pray for your family. I hope you do the same for me."

"I want to tell you that I pray a lot for you. I want you to pray a lot for my family and for my house since they are building it but haven't finished yet."

"I send you kisses and hugs for your pretty babies Jose and Rosie and Juanito."

"My favorite sport is the ball, what is yours?"

"I'm helping my grandfather in a business in which he sells underwear, and I help take care of the customers...It was me who told him I would help him when I was free from school."

"I play basketball. I like ride motorbike and going to the beach to share with my friends."

"I ask for your prayers for my family and my studies...I'm glad to have you as my friends...someday I would like to meet you personally. Basketball continue to be my passion...I practice at the Center...in my neighborhood there is a basket run on the street and we play a lot with my friends."

"I want you to know that there is a river near my place and sometimes I swim there. Sometimes I pray for you so that God continue to bless you. I would like that you pray for my studies and my house and my family."

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Artwork

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Recipes

I like to eat rice, meat and beans. I can see that my mom adds cooking oil and she adds a little bit of salt when is hot, she adds a little bit of water depending on the rice, then, when the water boils she puts the rice, she leaves it dry, then she lowers the fire and covers it well, turns it on and adds oil, the beans; after they soften, she adds seasoning, vegetables, garlic, soup, sweet pepper and the meat puts it to season and then to the fire.

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Gifts

We were able to send Jefry a utility tool! We did not receive a photo from that gift, but his financial sponsor also sent him a gift and we received this fun photo in return:

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To read the other posts in this series, click here.