Don't you just love it when the unexpected happens in a good way?
I found myself visiting a new family that Violeta became acquainted with. This hard working mom spends her evenings doing what she can by working with the trash crews that drive through the city at night picking up garbage. Many feel that is a job only for men, however Celestina will do whatever it takes to put food on the table for her family.
It was nice to know her and her oldest child. They were a peaceful bunch as the youngest lie fast asleep in the hammock next to us. The oldest, we will call Tabitha, was very shy, especially of this strange American sitting in her living room.
As we started winding down the conversation I looked over at Tabitha and asked about her. What she loved about school, and if she had any things she loved doing. Well turns out Tabitha loves to dance, specifically as a ballerina. I could see the smile coming out as she mentioned it.
I realize we are in Iquitos, and this mom is trying hard, but even her hardest is not enough to afford some things. So I asked if she had shoes.
Oh you could see her thinking. She did not have shoes like the other children. The shoes she had were definitely not made for dancing. So I asked Violeta if we could get her shoes. Mom was elated and I could see happy tears begin to swell. Then as I looked at Tabitha I saw she was starting to cry.
I thought I had done something wrong. -_-
They were simply so happy to be able to have those shoes. I didn't want to cry, but it is a contagious thing at times. Right?
So we determined we would get her shoes. We even looked through the city for half a day to find them, so we will resort to Amazon or Lima.
Violeta let me know that they were all sleeping on the same bed, and at some point they would like a bed for Tabitha. I remember sleeping with my parents, or with my sister as a child simply because we did not have a lot of money. It was an amazing feeling to have ones own bed and eventually ones own room. We wanted this to happen for them.
Fortunately we received some great donations while I was in Iquitos. So we agreed to get her a bed. So many smiles and such happiness came to that family today because friends and family from a great distance cared enough to help this family and others like them.
Thank you again and again for helping this little girls hopes come true.
Please note: Celestina and her children are available for sponsorship. We see a good future for them, and know they will move from poverty to a better situation for their family. You can be a major part of this, and can read more about them on our sponsorship page.
https://www.btgcharity.com/sponsor-a-family
