Update on Joao's house

Slowly, Joao and Vera's house is getting built. It has taken longer than Daniel's. Daniel did most of the work on his own house. Joao has had some difficulty, he does not know how to build a house. He hired a man for meals and a little money to help him when Joao had work, and this person was not always available. Also there was a problem of some missing blocks. Joao was terribly upset and was crying that someone had stolen some blocks. It is such a desperate situation there. We had some funds left and we were able to replace the missing blocks. Daniel offered to help Joao build his house, he said "I was helped and now I will help." Over the next few days Daniel will be available. They will at least complete a room so the family can move back into the house and no more blocks will be stolen. Joao's outside kitchen, as shown here will be a thing of the past (first picture). Of course he has to purchase an oven and a refrigerator. Hopefully we can raise some money for this. Now that we are in the USA for a while we asked a friend to take pictures of the house as it develops.

Children of Cascalheira and Projeto TAMAR

Last Saturday we took six children of Cascalheira to Projeto TAMAR in Praia do Forte. It was prearranged with TAMAR and we had our own educational guide. He was great with the kids. To see the children out of their very poor and sad element was touching. They were able to run around, touch a stingray, view other sea animals such as sharks, turtles and different fish. Before going into TAMAR we had lunch. What a bunch of hungry little ones. Later walking through town we met up with some clowns who were out to make some children happy. Of course ending the day with ice-cream was special. A fabulous day we all had. Our dear friend Sueli has been incredible, by now she too knows the children and being from the same area she has been tremendously helpful. It truly felt very good to make a difference in some children's lives, even if it was for one day.

School Supplies for Children

February is a new school year in Brazil. We were at Cascalheira visiting and catching up with Joao's house. Unbeknownst to us it was a few days before school started and the children were begging to please get school supplies for them. The next day we went school supply shopping for about 10 children, purchasing notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners and backpacks. It has been our experience that whatever we purchase is never enough, because there are so many of them. So we did buy some extra supplies (and it still it was not enough). The following day the items were given out. Parents and children were very happy. Some of them asked for shoes, most of them do not have proper shoes, just flip flops. One boy, Bruno asked me privately if we could please bring him a pair of sneakers and if we could meet him early before school started so he could wear the shoes to school. We told him he will have his shoes. Unfortunately it could not work out to meet him early, but he did get his shoes. After the school supply distribution many children came up to us with little notes with their name and list of supplies (pictures at the end). It would be nice if the schools would give these basic tools to these children.

Joao & Vera

Joao, Vera and their three children live in very sad and poor conditions. Dark, dusty, a mostly empty refrigerator (few items in there probably just to keep the bugs out) that is very rusty and barely working and their beds are what makes up this shanty home. On January 9, 2009 construction materials were delivered to them to build their house. Their home, made of pieces of scrap wood and metals hopefully soon will be no longer. Vera and her children seem to be sickly each time we visit. Looking at their environment it's understandable. Two friends and neighbors are helping Joao build his house. They are unemployed, Vera will make some meals in exchange for the labor. One of the helper's asked if we could help him by buying him a mattress. This was so disturbing because I couldn't imagine where he was sleeping if he had no mattress. Of course we purchased a simple mattress for R$60. He was happy. Pictures of the construction of the walls of the house was taken on Sunday, January 25. It is coming along.

Cesta Basicas--Food Baskets

Wednesday, January 14 we delivered 12 food packages, "cesta basicas". As usual it is difficult to decide who gets one. We have been alternating, one month one list the next month another list. This time, with Sueli's help we had to be more specific, informing the people if they have a job to please do not receive one and allow the ones who truly need it. They were cooperative, standing by in case they had a chance for one. Honestly, they all need it. Food should never be denied to anyone. We are so grateful for the ones who have been donating so this program can continue. All donations are always welcome. Each food package is about US $10, depending on the exchange. Obrigado!

50/50 Raffle

Thank you to those who participated in the 50/50 Raffle. Also, thank you Wendy for hosting it. The total amount of the donations was $400. The drawing ticket went to L.A., which means $200 to Cascalheira and $200 to L.A. Thank you L.A. for donating your half back to Cascalheira. As usual the money will be used to help feed and help the people in Cascalheira.

We are back in Bahia, Brazil and soon we will continue with the construction of the next house that is being built. Will keep you posted.
Please continue to send any amount of money. 100% goes to help Cascalheira.

Wendy picking the winning ticket!
Obrigada and Happy New Year!

Beautiful Children of Cascalheira

The past two Sundays we took four children each time to the mercado. We picked them up from Cascalheira at 8 AM. They were truly in their Sunday's best. Clean, combed and dressed and so very happy. Eating was first. Bellies full we continued on. They were excellently behaved, gentle with each other and with the goods. Look at these pictures, they are like any other child. You would never know they were from poverty and no opportunities.

How sweet is this? Stephanie cleaning Daniela's face.

A vendor with her son posing with us. She kept blessing us for taking these children to the mercado.

Flip flops for each one!

Daniel, Stephanie, Daniela and Francisco. Back home with their goods. We got the best hugs from them and they truly meant it.

First time on a trampoline for Regina and Tamiris.

After the trampoline they were ready to eat.

Odeilson and Felepe. Great boys with their new caps.

Another great Sunday for another great four kids!