Music: dredg
Mood: Giving

When I made my hurricane Katrina donation online the other night, I found myself researching several relief organization web sites. I stumbled on the World Vision site and ended up sponsoring a child. I feel wonderful about this commitment. I've been moved to do this for years now because several of the christian artists I've seen such as Sonicflood, Delirious, Steven Curtis Chapman, Switchfoot, and the Cornerstone Festival support and promote World Vision and their mission. I've just pledged $30 a month to provide a child things like clean water, nutritious food, health care, opportunity, and spiritual nourishment.


I'd like to introduce Ada Luz. She is three years old and I chose this age on purpose so Kyla could feel a little more connected to her and maybe they can share art projects, letters, and toys. Ada lives with her parents, 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. Her parents struggle to provide for the family. Her father is a peasant farmer and her mother takes care of the household. Despite their efforts, it is difficult to meet the family's needs.

Ada is growing up in a rural community 130 miles from Lima, the capital city of Peru. I lived and went to school in Peru for about six months so I'm pretty familair with some of the poverty needs there. Typical family homes in Ada's area are very rustic and are constructed mostly of wood. The local diet is high in carbohydrates like rice, bananas and root vegetables. Temperatures average 80 degrees with high humidity. Beautiful mountains and deep valleys surround the heavily forested area where the community is located. Maybe I'll get lucky and go visit her someday. I've been looking for an excuse to visit Muchu Pichu again.

Ada Luz is not in school at this time. She likes to play with dolls. She helps at home by learning to do small tasks. She is in good health.

My sponsorship commitment will help provide Ada and her community with clean water and improved health care. Parents will learn how to keep their children healthy. New farming techniques will help families increase food production. New schools are being built and children will be provided with learning materials. In addition, with Christian witness, these precious families will have the joy of knowing God's grace and love.