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Caring for Colombian Children and Training Their Parents
Smells of fresh paint and plaster drifted through the open windows of CDA's (Corporation God Is Love) God Is Love Daycare and Nursery. The late Colombian summer breeze inspected newly purchased carpet, cribs, tables, toys, and chairs. Bottles, sheets, and diapers lined the shelves. Missy Rose Christie and her staff were ready for the children to come.
Six months have passed since this OBI supported daycare opened its free doors to Bogota. At first twenty children attended on a regular basis, but as word spread throughout the Las Cruces area, more than forty children ranging in ages from just a few months to four-years-old arrive raring to go at 7:30 every morning. After kissing their children good-bye, most parents attend CDA's Technical Training Center. They're able to study the culinary arts, knitting and sewing, or computers and office management.
"Having the nursery allows us to increase the number of students at the Technical Training Center," comments Missy Rose Christie. "We are providing an opportunity for women especially, to improve quality of life through training or enabling them to go to work while their children are cared for."
One mother writes, "Having my son at the day care allows me to be at peace while I am studying Computers and Office Management at the Technical Training program. Attending CDA has helped me not only to learn a skill that will help me get ahead in life and improve my income, but also learn that the true meaning of life is knowing our Lord. Thank you for the opportunity received. I can see a difference in my child since he began attending the day care. Before I had to leave my child alone at home and it broke my heart."
Toddlers such as this woman's son, who had to fend for themselves while parents were at work, were very aggressive and underdeveloped when beginning daycare. After a few months, they are now showing signs of improvement. "Sometimes, all that is needed to change a life is a kind word or an expression of love," comments Missy Rose Christie.
"When I began Knitting and Sewing at the Technical Training program, I had many doubts in my life," shared another mother named Mayriam. "Everything seemed to be wrong. I had a knitting machine and didn't know how to operate it. Having to care for my children never allowed me the time to learn how to use it. Having the opportunity to train at CDA and take the children to daycare has enabled me to work. The people I have met at CDA have made a difference in my life. They have taught me about God."
Hearty laughs trickle through the walls as parents come to pick up their children every day at 3 PM. With clean hands, full stomachs, and playful hearts, the children greet their parents. Equipped for 100 children, God Is Love Daycare and Nursery's staff has a lot more love to share with incoming infants and toddlers.
Thank you OBI partners for helping us fund the remodeling, furnishing, and daily operations of this much needed Colombian daycare! CDA and its' projects are no stranger to OBI's outreach programs. You also have helped in funding the Technical Training Center last year.
Please help us in continuing to support CDA and other projects like this around the world!
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