We met out sponsored goddaughter Sandy yesterday ...

Yesterday Delaney and I travelled to meet our 'goddaughter' Sandy (that is what they call our relationship when we sponsor them) in her own Home. We went with an interpreter who really helped to break the ice and her social worker.

 The whole family was home to welcome us. Mom, (Maria) was lovely and gracious, and we laughed about our daughters and all they have in common. The are truths that prevail through cultures, girls love puppies and animals, love to dance, like to read and NO boyfriend until 16! Sandy is a soft spoken, pretty petite girl of 12 who smiled all the time. She seemed nervous to meet us too, but once she saw the common threads with Delaney, they became "las hermanas de dos paizes" , sisters from two countries. She promised to work hard to stay in school and graduate secondaria (our high school) and will write us lots of letters. We will send them pictures of our visit and of snow (nieve).

 In each photo she was sure to stand by Delaney and she always leaned toward delaney for the picture. So sweet. In Guatemala physical touch is a sign of affection. We brought gifts for all in her family , including sister jennfer(7) and Edwin(3) and both parents. They appreciated all. It was fun to describe why the MN Twins are called this to them, they loved the baseball jersey. We got nail polish for all the girls, play dough for the younger two, hair accessories and lip gloss for the girls, scarves and chocolates for mom, and a barbie for the little sister. Lots to color and draw and write with too.

 As we left we all hugged and Maria is now mi amiga tambien. What a wonderful, rewarding visit! This family is positive, using the maximum benefit of programming form Common Hope and really trying to Better themselves with very hard work.

 Their home was clean but truly not much more than a cinder block room with corrugated steel for a roof, the oven outside on the back porch... They were lucky to have their own toilet and shower. They have a small plot of land in a fenced back area, maria is going to plant roses and herbs, she loves to cook. So much to process, but we had a positive and lovely connection with this family. We are Blessed in so many ways.

 More another time, Lorene Freehill

                                                 Sandy, Lorene and Delaney at Sandy's house

                                                       Las Hermanas Nuevas, the new sisters

 In the kitchen that leads outside, Yoli (social work), Delaney, Sandy, Maria, Lorene, Jennifer and Edwin Sr. 

                                   Delaney, Sandy ans Lorene

                                  Delaney met some new friends on the way home from Sandy's house.