Semillas de Amor: Cookies for the kids

The following post is form Izumi, an intern at Semillas de Amor:

As we all know, Semillas de Amor is a foundation that is made possible by the service and donations made by individuals who are willing to do what it takes to improve the lives of the children of Nueva Colombia. Everyday that the children are fed, it is because of the donations that are made. The food is helpful for the children's nourishment and well-being, but often times the children do not receive much more. This week, however, a local hotel in Cartagena took it upon themselves to provide the children with something a little extra, a bag of cookies for each child. It was literally Christmas in July! The best part was that they were even Christmas cookies. We are so grateful for the secret santas of the world.

Alegria de Vivir: Meet Jhon Felipe

The interns at Alegria de Vivir, Katy, Ryan and Izumi introduce us to Jhon Felipe: 

Introducing Jhon Felipe! This five year old boy has an amazing spirit. He has a wonderful smile and a cute and quirky sense of humor. In November, the Alegria de Vivir foundation was able to raise up enough money to send him to Bogota to receive a much needed surgery on his legs to help him walk. The surgery was successful, but unfortunately there wasn't enough money raised to be able to purchase a brace. Since November Jhon Felipe has been practicing walking, but without a brace he is unable to learn the proper leg movements. With the help of a brace and physical therapy he will be able be contribute to society with his sweet and caring spirit. With the help of Alegria de Vivir and Eagle Condor these children like Jhon Felipe will be able to live a happy and healthy life.

Katy, Ryan, Izumi

Semillas de Amor: Lunch line

Update from Izumi at Semillas de Amor:

June 8, 2012

Friday was a day to celebrate a new success. In the past, giving the children food was a chaotic and a highly disordered process. As the children would arrive, they would frantically hand us their bowls as if they were afraid that if they did not act quickly enough, they would not receive their fair share. We, as interns, decided that we could begin improvement on this part of our day at Nueva Colombia. To accomplish some kind of order, we established a lunch line in which each child would hand us their plate one by one and we would serve their food. It was amazing how much more efficiently we were able to distribute the food. The children also ate more quietly. Even though there are still some things to work through, this definitely has been a great triumph with the kids.