Newsletter

July 2008- Summer News

We have received great news from all of our homes and all is going well. It is because of your generosity that many changes, both small and large are taking place at the homes. We truly appreciate all of you who faithfully support this wonderful cause. My hope is that many more will join us!

At Lynetta All Children's Home in India, school has already started. The boys are excited about the new academic year. All those who took the board exam in April passed with very good marks. Five more boys will be joining the home, which will bring the number of boys to 40. Work continues on the second floor slowly, as it is being funded only as money comes in. The weather this time of year is very humid and they need rain badly. Due to the lack of rain, the cost of groceries have almost doubled in the past five years. Thanks to contributions from you, we have sent $2000.00 this quarter to take care of these needs.

The children at Mants'ase Children's Home in Africa are all doing well except for the occasional cold or flu, since it is winter there. The children and staff were given complimentary tickets to go to the circus close by and they had a wonderful time. They also got a treat of a drink, popcorn, and candy floss. I'm told candy floss is like our cotton candy. The children had never had cotton candy before, so that in itself was an experience. I guess it was hard to tell what the favorite part of the day was; the animals, trapeze, or the day off from school.

Here they are starting to plan a dormitory for the older boys and girls. We'll hear more about that in the next letter. They also are in need of a new gas stove. For these needs, we were able to send them also $2000.00.

With more than half of the children in Karakol Children's Home approaching the age limit to leave the orphanage, they were facing a new challenge: What to do with these older children? In this part of the world 1/3 of older orphans who leave a children's home return to living in the streets, 1/5 end up in prison, and 1/7 commit suicide. Those in charge here knew they must make a better way for these orphans that they have already invested in. Therefore they have purchased a home close to the present Children's home, so they can assist these older children while they pursue education and training. They also wish to buy two cows to supply milk for the children. Then they would like to build a small chicken house, in order to have eggs for the children. The DHS Club has been a part of this orphanage since it started, and because of our loyal support we are now considered a partner with Cross Country World Missions in supporting this home. Therefore we have sent them $2800.00 towards these needs.

As far Casa Heidi in Guatemala, it is still under construction, so the "grand opening" of the home has been delayed. Once construction has been completed, we will be helping them to furnish the home so that they can start welcoming orphans in and getting children off of the streets.

As you can see, you make a difference. Please continue to support these children and if you have not done so yet, please become a partner with us.

Thank you,

Pat Burke