Friday, April 21, 2006

I had a problem with myDSl connection and it prevented me to access my favorites sites. I sent them a complaint message.

We did breakfast and had eaten with the kids before meeting Rose and Fred to meet Riel and Save The Children staffs plus our (BlogShares) sponsored child, Sarah Alea.

Staffs of the Save The Children - Philippines Field Office.

After meeting the staffs and Riel briefed us about Save The Children. We then meet Sarah and her family who were waiting for us at McDonald's. Sarah's mother works as a fish vendor but, it is a really low paying job which is equivalent of 4 -5 dollars a day. Anyway, I learned a lot about the program by talking to some of the Save The Children workers and Sarah's family. Sarah didn't speak English so I translated the conversation to Randy.

Randy, me, and Sarah.

Sarah with her mother and sister.

We then went to a community center where they were teaching job skills with materials they have available. Randy felt really bad as this was an extremely poor area, but the folks at the center were working hard, and there were many volunteers there helping them out.

Tomorrow, we will be taking Sarah out on a shopping trip to a mall. We were thinking of school supplies but after I talked with Sarah, I guess we will be going to do grocery shopping instead, as Sarah prefers grocery items and rice for her family. As a rule, we are not allowed to give any cash donations to Sarah or her family.

Anyway, after that it was time for the long ride home. My left knee gave me so much pain. Somehow, it is really nice to finally put a real child in place of the picture and letters.

We're excited to take her and family out for shopping tomorrow...