Our wonderful travelers, Richard & Karol Popkin, have sent us an update from the field:
At the Girls Shelter in Granada, it is quite clear that the work of the Psychologist continues to pay huge dividends. For the first time, when Karol and Margarita handed out new dresses to each and then had a "Fashion Show," we had zero girls standing off in the corner or otherwise acting out. Three years ago, there were half a dozen or so. By last year, only three. This year, one hundred percent of the girls had huge smiles on their faces and participated happily and wholeheartedly. It was wonderful to see. What a difference. In all, we brought them about 200 pounds of brand new clothing, plus medicines and school supplies, and an incalculable number of hugs!
Below is a letter from the shelter's Sister Ligia and Sister Esther:
Estimado Señor Richard.
Gracias por su comunicación, efectivamente hemos recibido la cantidad de $2,400 dolares para 6 meses para salario de la Psicologa, realmente ha sido una ayuda muy positiva para las niñas,ya que tienen garantizada su atención psicologica que les ayudara a ir saliendo de sus traumas psicologicos y patologicos, por los que fueron ingresadas al Hogar de niñas Madre Albertina.
Cada seguimiento psicologico que hace la Psicologa con las niñas, es secuencial,practico y efectivo y los resultados van en dependencia del grado de la secuela que le ha quedado a la niña de acuerdo al trauma, pero en lo general, les ayuda a ir recuperando su salud mental y emocional.
Nos gustaria saber cuando nos volveran a visitar y compartir con las niñas, seria un gusto volver a verles.
Que nuestro buen Dios les bendiga.
Sor Ligia y Sor Esther
A Summary translated into English
Dear Sir Richard,
The hiring of the psychologist has paid off well! Positive changes have been noted within the girls. They are finally getting the help and attention to their personal traumas within the Home and by the aid of the groups and help of the psychologist. Each follow-up with the psychologist is very sequential, practical and effective. They are focused on helping improve the mental and emotional states of each girl's health. Due to the amount of support, there are positive reports!
May our good God bless you!
Sister Ligia and Sister Esther
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.