One Heartbeat at a Time

You are changing the world,

One little heartbeat at a time

Making history with every touch and every smile

You may not see it now,

But I believe that time will tell

How you are changing the world

One little heartbeat at a time.

-Steven Curtis Chapman

In the last 2 months we had the pleasure of hosting two volunteer groups from the US helping us with some of the projects here. The first group came on Jan 27 from St. Luke Parish (and friends!)in Charlotte, NC. The second group came on March 2 from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish (and friends) in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

This blog is dedicated to the hard work, compassion, time and energy and support that these groups shared with us and the people of the batey Lecheria. Read on to see how these wonderful visitors spent their time with us....

SAINT LUKE PARISH

The group is observing the "juego de silencio" --"the quiet game" in the school. The children begin each day with this excercise.

Diane and Amber pose with artwork after beautifying the children's vaccination room. The colorful atmosphere make it easier to distract the children while they receive their shots.

Shhh! Jewelry class is in session. Many of the women of Lecheria show quite a knack for designing and creating some very nice jewelry. A small business may be emerging. The women have been able to sell much of what they have made. At present, 50% of the profits are being reinvested in the purchase of materials.

Erika, one of the St Luke photographers, poses with some of her fan club. She and her mother, Sandy, took photos of individuals to give to the people of Lecheria. Some of the photos were given to the St Luke youth group so that each youth had a photo of a person to pray for during Lent.

St Luke latrine builder, Doug, is assisted by the new owner and supervised by Fr Dave. (Photo courtesy of Doug & Diane)

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH

Dave and Bob demonstrate lartrine building from inside and out. 16 roofs were completed with the help of OLGC.












Two Lecheria mothers proudly display their dolls that they made with a pair of socks, needle and thread, some stuffing and yarn, and ribbon. Many of the women who were part of this project are hoping to make more of these "sock dolls".










Sue, a nurse from OLGC who was here for her 2nd visit, displays the best medicine given out by all our volunteers to the children of Lecheria.




In Lecheria, where 2 or 3 volunteers are gathered, a bunch of children will be in their midst.







As proud parents, we have to share these photos of our daughter, Melissa, with her boyfriend, Josh, and with her friend, Erin. The 3 of them came and worked alongside the OLGC group. It was wonderful for us to be able to share the week with them. Love you...











To all who came and shared themselves with us...



To all our family and friends back home who support us across the ocean...



To God, who makes all things possible...



We join the people of Lecheria in saying to you:

GRACIAS!!!