Two words I wish never went together. I am so emotionally exhausted from what we've seen today as we accompanied ICM on their home visits. ICM works with the poorest of the poor. If you are wondering what that means, here are the demographics of their recipients based on a recent survey:
- they earn an average of 37 cents a day
- 15% of mothers had a child die under age 16
- 34% say they go to bed hungry every night
- 24% are illiterate
- 45% have no directly electricity
- 71% own no furniture in their homes
- 15% walk at least 100m to get water
The first home we visited was a widow with 10 children. Later we met a 29 year old mother of 7. I don't have a lot of words tonight, but I did snap a few photos.
Riding the jeepney home from ICM we stopped to pick up two new kids that are moving into Arms of Love, Willy and Raymark. They weren't around their neighborhood so we swung by the dump and found them digging for scraps. When we called them they didn't go home, collect their belongings, or say goodbye to their families. They just got in the jeepney and "came home" with only the clothes on their back. This afternoon they were like caged birds set free. They ran back and forth between the houses, ate ravenously, and climbed all over us. They hugged and did not let go. I didn't want to let go either. Here are the brothers from left to right Willy, Raymark and Marvin (he has been here a year already).
Willy and Raymark need sponsors. If God puts it on your heart to sponsor them, you can provide for their basic needs of food, clothing and housing for only $35 a month. I know many of you already sponsor children through other organizations. I can personally vouch for how well the children are taken care of here and how far they stretch the sponsors' money. The kids love their sponsors and write to them regularly. Some told me their biggest dream is to meet their sponsor. If you are interested, please leave a comment, email us at jasonchrsitine17@gmail.com or contact www.armsoflove.org/
Hey Christine - sign us up! Is it $35 each? If someone else wants one of them that's fine, but we'd love to sponsor both. I love you cousin...will pray that God provides the balance between the pain of seeing poverty and knowing that He provides for even the smallest sparrow...you are part of His answer right now!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Nicole. If other people are interested in sponsorship there are other kids waiting for sponsors like Marvin and Rollie.
ReplyDeleteChristine...have you seen this?:
ReplyDeletehttp://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44116507/ns/today-today_people/t/photographer-reveals-kids-kingdoms-their-bedrooms/
I want Rollie! Sister, I love you!
ReplyDeleteI have alway wondered what it meant to be the poorest of the poor, you have clarified it by the example of the 2 boys. They were lost but NOW they are found. This was a tear jerker!!
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