Update From Dumolog November 27

I went to Dumolog this morning and saw the kids. It’s been one year and I was shocked to se that so many of them seem to have lost weight. The price of rice is quite high. Many of their meals consist of rice with salt or sugar – and often a little fish. But it would seem that some rationing has been done to make the small amounts of rice they can afford last longer. It was a bit heartbreaking.

I made an executive decision to use the small reserve we have and some of the toy funds to purchase 650lbs of rice for the families – about $200. Each family will get a 50lb sack while the largest family (11) will get a 100lb sack. Hopefully this will be enough for them to get a little ahead for a month or two.

My original plan was to film the kids picking out gifts, but this may be problematic as I was informed I would need a permit to film in the store. Che Che is trying to contact the manager to bypass this. In any case I will film them receiving the rice, gifts and we will also buy the families some chicken or pork (depending on the prices perhaps some fresh fruit) as a change from the usual and a nice X-Mas dinner.

Unfortunately 4 children have discontinued school. Mary Grace, Marilou, Roldan, and Eric. However, I was approached by the families asking if I could find sponsors for 5 more kids. Ronalyn, Elmar, Jass Marie, Rose May, and Jerica. So I will be replacing the spots with these new kids and introducing them through photos to their sponsors when I return. I’ll try to get them started with vitamins, tooth paste etc. I know it is upsetting that some of these kids have decided not to continue school. However, I can see that sometimes, for the families, it makes more sense to have more hands during the day. It’s an unfortunate reality we may have to face as we move through this. I will always welcome them back into the program but the funds collected will be used for those families and kids furthering their education – it hurts to even type that as I know tomorrow I have to act upon it. I truly appreciate your support – thank you again.