A Fun Day for Carlos

Over the last few weeks, we started sponsoring a second family. Carlos (age 17), Virginia (age 15), and their Dad, Julio.

Their mother suffered from mental illness and passed away a few years ago. Their father has had trouble holding a steady job since he injured his knee. Currently, they live in a 2 room house (kitchen and bedroom). They share running water with their neighbors (approximately 4 other families). Again, this is only the facts about their past, but certainly does not speak to who they are. Carlos, a special needs child, is an incredible person. He always has a smile and is always one of the first to greet you with a hug. Two years ago, he was on the soccer team that won 4th place in the Peruvian Special Olympics. He asked us, which trophy was better - his special Olympics trophy or the Inti Olympics. Since he just missed winning bronze at the Inti Games, we made him feel better by telling him that the Special Olympics medal was more prestigious. Carlos continues to ask when the next Inti Games will be.

A couple weeks ago, we took Carlos out shopping for new jeans, sneakers, socks, underwear, a football jersey, and a warm coat.



We bought his Dad a couple pairs of socks. The entire afternoon Carlos kept checking to make sure we had his Dad's socks, which shows what type of kid he really is. Because of this, we decided to buy his Dad a jumpsuit too.

After, we took Carlos food shopping . . .

When we brought the stuff back, his Dad was extremely emotional and overwhelmed by all of the food and new clothes.


We also bought the family paint for the front of the house, their kitchen, and bedroom.

Last week, we found out that Carlos needed glasses, so we used donation money to buy him a pair.

This past Sunday, we spent the day with Carlos' family. We brought the mattress that Marcin donated and slept on for the 2 weeks he was here. A tip for Marcin, next time buy a lighter mattress. We struggled carrying it through our tiny door, down the 50 stairs, on top of a cab, and up the small and rickety staircase to their bedroom. Honestly, it’s a great quality bed for Carlos who has back problems.



We took Virginia shopping to buy new jeans, shoes and a jacket. Actually, Jackie decided to buy a new jacket too.

After, we took them out to lunch and really got to know the family more and how much Carlos can eat. Carlos ate two salads (his own and Tim's), soup, his meal and finished off two others, and his ice cream and half of his sister's, all washed down with a liter of Coke (he thanked Jackie after every course and glass of Coke).


Again, thank you for all those that have donated and helped make a difference in these kid's lives, even if it was buying an extremely heavy mattress.