Seeing is Believing

My first thoughts upon entering La Chureca; becoming comfortable in a place like this would be impossible, and everyone should have a shot at a better life. The inhabitants of La Chureca and other dumps around the developing world, stay in close proximity to the trash because in some cases it is their only economic and food sources. Every time I enter such a place I become less sensitive to what I see, though accepting the existence is hard. As a program director with Manna I was able to experience my first "milk day" last week. We systematically checked the kids weights, heights, and asked the mothers if there were any other concerns. The heights and weights are compared with prior appointments, to see if the kids are growing at an acceptable level. The mothers are informed of future doctor visits to the clinic and then they are on their way. Before the families leave, vitamins, oatmeal, and enriched milk are distributed to the children in our child sponsorship program. We may be skimming the surface of an ocean, but collectively with amazing people and organization such as the Manna Project International, a major difference is in order. It is the greatest pleasure of my life to see the progress first hand and to be part of the change.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."...Gandhi