Food and basic needs for the poor.

We wanted to feature 3 young girls whose families we have adopted in recent years. We believe these young ladies, each with a story, have a brighter future. 

Each of them celebrated their quiceanera this past year. In Latin culture, a young girl is celebrated when she turns 15.  And you may be able to tell from the photos that there is a big fuss about it!   

Angelica, shown in the photo with her parents, was diagnosed with cancer when she was 11. We were able to support her family with some of the extra costs involved around her treatment. After having the tumor removed from her forehead and undergoing chemo treatments, she is healthy and thriving today. Angelica was recently excluded from her public school, as she did not make the lottery.  In Tijuana, the schools are so crowded, that even with running day and night class shifts, there is still not enough room to include all of the children of her age.  Having encountered this before with another child, we knew that she could be placed in a private school, if the funds were available. We put the need up on Facebook and a few of you quickly replied! Thank you to those who sponsored her entry, books and uniform fees. Special thanks to one of you who is sponsoring her monthly tuition!!!

Jasmine, with Wayne and her entire family in the photo, had the full formal affair, starting with a church ceremony, and celebration afterwards.  Jasmine’s family is one of our adopted families. We provide weekly food for them, as well as school supplies and Christmas presents for the kids.  5 years ago, Jasmine's sister Karen died just after her quinceanera. Her family lacked the funds to provide the medical care she needed. We created the mercy medical fund, “Karen Fund” in her memory. Through sale of Carol’s worship CD’s, and designated donations, we have been able to help other medical needs as they come about, to fulfill our commitment to never let another medical need slip through the cracks. 

Genesis, in photo with Kurt (VOB board member) and Wayne, is our Tijuana partner Vicente’s middle daughter. She most recently turned 15.  We wrote you about her 2 years ago, when she expressed an interest in playing the saxophone. Her school teacher said she had natural talent, but would not advance while only practicing on the school instrument shared by other students. Through a special donation by a couple of you, Kurt (an accomplished sax player) ordered Genesis a sax online. Additionally, one of you sponsors her for weekly sax lessons. Her teacher (a professional with the Tijuana Symphony) says she is progressing well. She even delivered a solo performance at her quinceanera service, to surprise her dad and Kurt! 

We thank the Lord, that we get to be a part of Angelica, Jasmine, and Genesis’ lives.  Empowering young women, & giving them a chance for something different, in a 3rd world nation, is an honor.  Thank YOU, for your part in helping change the lives of these three young ladies, & thank you for being a part of the mission of VOB, to extend the kindness of the Lord, wherever possible!  Your help through this project with Global Giving is a partnership that we value greatly!