This was their bathtub and kitchen sink all in one :(
This slum was built on top of a trash dump.
Today we went into another slum school that was quite smaller than the last. It was very hot, no ac, only fans. We did the same thing the kids, taught them a song, fed them, and found out what the teachers needed from us.
One of the young teachers had a really sad case, but it is the same for MANY if not MOST of the women in the slums. Her husband is an alcoholic, does not work, and she is expected to support the family on her own. What is the worst is that she only makes 20 dollars a MONTH! So, she invited us to her house in the slums. Now, we have seen some really bad things, but this was the hardest for both of us. She walked us through the slums, which were built on TOP of a garbage dump, filled with stagnant water, mud, and tons of trash. When we got to her house, I could not believe my eyes. The entire house was MAYBE 10 by 10 feet. There were no beds, and a tub of water was used for cleaning themselves, clothes, and dishes. The "wall" that divided them from their neighboor was just a large sheet.
This teacher has a son who is 4 and a daughter who is 12. The daughter is one of the best students in the school that she is in, but the mom is having a hard time keeping her in the school because it costs money each year (it is a little better than regular public schools.) And guess what?? It is only 150 dollars a YEAR! Thats it. To us, that is nothing, but to this teacher that is everything to keep her in the school. I thought it was crazy that this woman had to worry about such little money! I am hoping that we can bring this back home so that some of our friends/family/coworkers can sponser a student if they want. When we were leaving we gave her some money to buy groceries for the week, and she was so happy.
So, that was our day today. It was heartbreaking seeing all the children actually in the slum homes. The pictures I took look like they belong in National Geographic. We were so mentally exhausted that we came back and took a nap.
Anyway, the wi-fi is still an issue in the hotel and the light of hope is getting dimmer every day so keep that in mind as we are trying to contact everyone! I can not upload pictures from my zip drive right now for some reason so I will try later! Check back because they are the best ones so far!
Love and Light!
One of the young teachers had a really sad case, but it is the same for MANY if not MOST of the women in the slums. Her husband is an alcoholic, does not work, and she is expected to support the family on her own. What is the worst is that she only makes 20 dollars a MONTH! So, she invited us to her house in the slums. Now, we have seen some really bad things, but this was the hardest for both of us. She walked us through the slums, which were built on TOP of a garbage dump, filled with stagnant water, mud, and tons of trash. When we got to her house, I could not believe my eyes. The entire house was MAYBE 10 by 10 feet. There were no beds, and a tub of water was used for cleaning themselves, clothes, and dishes. The "wall" that divided them from their neighboor was just a large sheet.
This teacher has a son who is 4 and a daughter who is 12. The daughter is one of the best students in the school that she is in, but the mom is having a hard time keeping her in the school because it costs money each year (it is a little better than regular public schools.) And guess what?? It is only 150 dollars a YEAR! Thats it. To us, that is nothing, but to this teacher that is everything to keep her in the school. I thought it was crazy that this woman had to worry about such little money! I am hoping that we can bring this back home so that some of our friends/family/coworkers can sponser a student if they want. When we were leaving we gave her some money to buy groceries for the week, and she was so happy.
So, that was our day today. It was heartbreaking seeing all the children actually in the slum homes. The pictures I took look like they belong in National Geographic. We were so mentally exhausted that we came back and took a nap.
Anyway, the wi-fi is still an issue in the hotel and the light of hope is getting dimmer every day so keep that in mind as we are trying to contact everyone! I can not upload pictures from my zip drive right now for some reason so I will try later! Check back because they are the best ones so far!
Love and Light!
Sorry I haven't commented on your blog, we just got home late last night. Reading your blogs is very bittersweet. I feel so sorry for the children and their families, but I also feel so blessed to have never had to worry about being able to go to school. I think next time I am about to complain about work, I will think about what these teachers have to go through each day. Hopefully, that will help keep things in perspective.
ReplyDeleteLove you and miss you lots. Stay positive!
Megan
Hey everyone, Linda here again. It's almost 3 pm on Wednesday and I am finally feeling awake and pretty good but today Lindsey is having stomach pains. We had a very short day and she is laying down trying to take a nap to see if she will feel better. Please pray that she begins to feel well. It has been raining for days now but not real heavy yet. However they say it might flood the next 2 days. None of my friends or family members have posted comments. I feel so un-loved. LOL. I know it seems complicated to join to blog but you just need to create an account by giving your email address. you do not actually have to create a blog. I am going to visit with Mrs. Weehunt and Melinda a teacher that has moved here to teach at the orphanage. I will write by tomorrow morning if Lindsey is not feeling well. Everyone have a good day.
ReplyDeleteLove, Linda Lou and Lindsey too
Linda,
ReplyDeleteJust figured out how to blog. Tried sending one earlier in the week but didn't work because I didn't have an account. It was very easy to set up an account. You and Lindsey are doing a wonderful thing. Stay positive and I am keeping you and Lindsey in my prayers. God bless you for what you are doing! By the way.....you are loved!!!!
I may not be able to blog. I will be in Florida for three days. If not, I will check in on Saturday. Love ya,
Darl
Linda,
ReplyDeleteIt's Darla....not Darl! Sorry!
First of all let me just say how in awe of you two. What you are doing is so amazing. I know that you are seeing a lot of bad, but when you look at those beautiful little faces you can't help but smile. I would love to see about making this a schoolwide project to help this teacher this next school year. Tell Lindsey that the Lizinator hopes she feels better! You are missed and I can't wait to see all the pictues and hear all the stories. Take care. Love ya Liz D.
ReplyDeleteHey Linz! We finally figured this thing out! Shows you how old we are!! Love your blog, what a neat way to keep everyone up to date! We are so proud of you! Hope you are having fun amidst all the sad stuff you're seeing. Just remember the good you are doing, the impact can only be positive. :) Can't wait to see the next post! Love you!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love reading your blog so please continue to share. I know some of what you experience must be so hard but my heart is so full right now for those children and teachers that you are helping. I pray you feel better soon, Lindsey.
ReplyDeleteKelly G
Lindsey you can bring me a little girl home or even 2..im so proud of you for what your doing sorry you've been sick glad your better
ReplyDeleteLove Ya