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Monthly Appeal - May 2012 |
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Dear Pan y Amor Sponsor,
Although it has been over 3 months since my visit to the orphanage and home for children called Hogar Carlos de Villegas in La Paz, Bolivia, the visit is still fresh in my mind. Sister Rosario Arnao, the Administrator accompanied me to the nursery section of the home. It is always a lively place. There were many toddlers and I was able to have some photos with them, along with some of the babies. There are approximately 30 children in the nursery at any given time.
 The group photo includes Sister Rosario Arnao, a Sister of the Love of God – Amor de Dios. Sister has been a Missionary from Spain and has served at this home for children for over 30 years. Along with Sister is one of the Ladies on the Nursery Staff. She is holding Pamelita. I also include a photo of me holding Pamelita. Sister Rosario told me about Pamelita’s physical problems and recently sent me her case history.
 She entered the orphanage shortly after her birth. Her parents were teens who are alcoholics and also addicted to consuming illegal drugs such as inhaling glue and paint thinner and other substances. Due to these factors, Pamela was born with many physical problems. She is totally blind in both eyes from corneal glaucoma, both hips were out of socket due to the abuse of alcohol, and she has a congenital heart defect. She requires much individual attention and is permanently on prescription drugs. Caring for Pamelita requires a great deal of time and attention. When she entered the orphanage she weighed only 2.2 kilos (4.84 pounds) but now weighs 5.5 kilograms (12.1 pounds).
The photo of Pamelita and the photo of the other toddlers whom I was able to greet during my visit may help you to appreciate how much your support for these children is making a positive difference in their lives. The Bolivian government makes available only about 80 cents/day for wards of the state. Everything else needed must come from other sources. Sister Rosario Arnao is deeply grateful to all of our Sponsors of Pan y Amor.
May the Lord bless and reward you for your sacrificial gifts and ongoing support to assist these little ones.
Gratefully in Our Lord,
Monsignor Francis X. Blood
Director, Pan y Amor
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Monthly Appeal