Looking through his new glasses, 7-year-old Jairo's brown eyes memorized all of the new sights and sounds of Virginia so he could tell everything to his friends back at the orphanage.

Traveling from the warm climate of Managua to the cold winter weather of Virginia, Jairo commented, "Muy frio (Very cold)." He came with Guillermo Solorzano (Bill) to raise support for sixty Nicaraguan orphanages. "The various orphanage's needs include milk, diapers, cooking pots, and first aid kits," Bill relayed.

The two stopped in to say hello to their OBI friends. Bill volunteered his translation skills during OBI's medical mission in August 2000. Last month, all of the orphans from Jairo's home had visited OBI's temporary medical clinic and received vitamins as well as treatment for parasites and lice. Jairo also was fitted with glasses, and can now play his favorite sport kickball better. He said, "I saw bad before, now it's good."

When Jairo was just 3-years-old, his father was killed in a conflict with the Sandinistas, and his mother was unable to care for her five sons. More than 60% of Nicaraguans live in poverty. Like many other Nicaraguan children, Jairo and four older brothers were soon placed in the orphanage. As the years passed, Jairo began school and enjoys learning English in the third grade.

Speaking English is quite another adventure! Jairo was shy and spoke little during his visit, but OBI staff's hearts were warmed to see a child helped through the medical services program. "As part of both mission teams to Nicaragua, it's great to see that all of the long days in the clinic meant the world to patients including Jairo," commented Cathy Brubacher.

Help children like Jairo through Medical Services or Bless-A-Child. Your contribution could be used to treat a children's painful problems with parasites or to provide warm blankets for those living in orphanages worldwide.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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