Louis dribbles on Siempre's basketball court
Greetings!
We grow up taking so many things for granted that the kids
of Siempre can't even imagine. I have a tough time thinking of anything
that I wanted for growing up. We had so much that has left memories I
wouldn't trade for the world... like evenings on the driveway out back shooting
hoops or playing horse with my Dad, brothers and sister. It was nothing
special. Just a home made backstop with a rim nailed to the garage... but
there it was for great times together as the sun went down. Like many of
you, I was blessed with an abundance of simple experiences like this that
today just seem to overflow into our work at Siempre. This Christmas
the kids might get a backstop and hoop from me... have to get that concrete in
first!
We built a leaky house!
The walkways around the second floor are holding water and
leaking into the bedrooms down below and into our upstairs room through the
walls. Alejandro said he spent all night during the storm first putting
out buckets, then sweeping rain off the decks above as puddles quickly
flooded. Anyone ready to spend a day at rain repair? It all needs
to happen before the next storm. This is one good time that the flooring
has not been put in yet. Good news is that there was not a single leak in
the roof! If you've got time, know how and a willingness to keep the kids
dry- let me know- we're getting a work party assembled.
Alejandro and Aracelli- our directors -entertaining the kids
God has blessed us with the best leadership we could ever
ask for and we're so very thankful. Someone recently dropped off some
gifts and in them was this puppet. Alejandro has mastered the marionette
and is now teaching all the children how to use it. All of the kids
love their time with Alejandro and Aracelli, probably the way I loved the
evenings in the backyard playing basketball with my dad, and the little ones in
particular are enthralled as Alejandro "walks" the puppet
towards each of them and bobs it's dopey eyes in their direction. Arturo
was hilarious. Each time the puppet, larger then him, came near-
he'd give it a cautious eye -then when it was close enough he'd lunge
at it and grab it with both arms. One time the strings got wrapped
in his legs and he was certain the puppet was striking
back! I'm telling you, you're missing some amazing afternoons.
Arturo- the little guy in the middle- ready to attack!
Kitty, Neftali and Karla- the last one's left in a hand
slapping game
Kitty joins us about once a month, usually to cut kids hair,
this week, everyone's hair looked great so she found herself a place in the
corner on the floor and played with the kids all afternoon. She taught
them a few elementary school type games and they taught her some that she was
trying her best to keep up with. There was lot's of noise and laughter
coming from that side of the house and it was evident that Kitty was having way
too much fun! Memories... they're not only made in childhood, some
of our best ones are being created on Wednesday afternoons.
Some of the kids mug for the camera as Danny was our
photographer of the day
I've had a number of you contact me about taking a group or
your family down for a Saturday or Sunday over the holidays. I've talked
with our directors and they're ready to welcome you with open arms but would
like to know when you are coming. We have groups already requesting
Saturday, Nov. 12 and Saturday, Nov. 19. If you're hoping to go down for
an afternoon, day or weekend, give me a call so I can help our leaders at
Siempre prepare. Never feel shy about just dropping in when you're in
A turkey for Siempre!
Our group photo for the day- notice the mud- lodo in
Spanish- as in "mucho lodo!"
Thanks for your love and support for our work with the kids of
Siempre. Look forward to you joining us some Wednesday afternoon.
With so much heartbreak around the world it's such a blessing to have the
opportunity to focus the overflow of our love and blessings on children so
close to home. God is good.
Mark your calendars! Wednesday, December 21, will be
our Christmas Party for the kids of Siempre! We have triple the children
we had last Christmas not to mention an entire village that has learned to look
forward to our love. Invite your friends, neighbors, small groups, work
place and friends with toy factories to join the day. Plan on coming with
us. We'll decorate the house and take down a Christmas tree on Wednesday,
December 7, if you want to help put up lights, etc... We've got a second
floor now .. if you have old lights you won't be using- donate them and we'll
put a smile on a kids face.
Children of the Pokot tribe in
A group of us are returning to Africa February 1-13,
2006 to build a school building/medical clinic for these children in rural
Kenya. We're going with the teams from Saddleback church led by Pastor
Steve Rutenbar and it promises to be two weeks that will change your life and
the lives of an entire village forever. Contact me if you'd like to go.
Siempre,
Eric M. Denton
951-689-5806, office
951-907-9100, cell
Want to play horse... or would
that be caballo? (that's Louis)
You can support a child on a monthly basis and begin to build a
lifetime relationship or support Siempre Para Los
Ninos for
a day, week or month. Without you our doors would close. To learn
how you can rescue kids in poverty go to siemprekids.org
it's easy and can be auto deducted from your bank account or from your credit
card. Or give me a call with questions. Or mail your donation
direct. Make checks payable to Siempre Para Los
Ninos.
I'm open to speak to your church, club, group or business
concerning Siempre support.
PS
I add everyone that crosses my email desk to this list. If
this is your first unsolicited update- welcome! I'm more than willing to
accept your rejection if it means one more might join me in loving these
kids. If you prefer not to receive our weekly updates just let me
know. No problem.
Thanks so much to those of you who
forward this to your own friends, family and associates.