Warm Greetings from Guatemala,
We are gripped today by sadness at the loss of a dear young mother of six. In our Christmas Newsletter we told you about the sad plight of this woman and her family. Her name was Leticia, and she was a woman who struggled to the end to try and hold things together, despite insurmountable pain and suffering.
As a result of our letter four caring individuals stepped up to offer to be part of the solution, and so today we went to give Leticia the good news, and ask how Oneness could best be of help. We were shocked to hear that Leticia had died two weeks ago, as a result of complications caused by infection of the numerous ulcers that were covering her body. The children also told us that their father disappeared four months ago and they have not seen him since.
Since the death of their mother, the children are living with their grandmother and extended family. The two eldest boys who were struggling with drugs and alcohol, are now working in the fields seven days a week to help support the family, for less than $1.00 an hour. The four youngest children have returned to school.
Right now I am feeling numb. What does the future hold for these six wonderful children?
We believe their only hope to escape this life of poverty is through education. Oneness would like to commit to making sure that these children have the opportunity to go to school, so that they will be able to support themselves and have the chance to have meaningful and productive lives.
Christian is 19 years of age. He dropped out of his last year of high school, majoring in business administration, because of the family stress and despair of the last year.
Wilfred is 18 years old. He also dropped out of school for the same reasons.
Eddy is 16 years of age and has managed to stay in school and work for $7.00 a week to help support the family.
Karen failed for the first time. She was in grade 7. Marlon is 11 years old in grade 5 and Fatima is 10 years old in grade 4.
We are asking you to consider helping Oneness to put these children through school. If everyone just gives a small amount each year we can do this.
If you feel you would like to contribute to this educational fund for the children donations can be made in two ways:
1. If donating on-line:
The link below will bring you to our donation page. Read the directions carefully. When needed the Fund/Designation will be Oneness Fund with Leticia’s Children identified in the Message/instructions for HORIZONS OF FRIENDSHIP box.
Click here to donate online.
2. If donating by cheque the payee would be Horizons of Friendship with Oneness Fund – Leticia’s Children identified in the memo line and mail to
Horizons of Friendship: Oneness Fund
50 Covert St., P.O. Box 402
Cobourg, ON. K9A 4L1
Leticia was a loving mother who cared deeply and worked tirelessly to provide her children with the opportunities that she never had.
The ending to our Christmas Story is not a happy one, but if we are to continue to be people of hope, we can have dreams for these children. I remember little Karen the first day she came to my classroom twelve years ago. She was so shy and so timid. She didn’t say a word for weeks. She is now a confident beautiful young woman in the prime of her life. This family has so much potential, but they need the opportunity. Together we can make a difference.
In Love, Peace and Gratitude,
Richard and Susan
Thank you