Close to my heart

For those of you that read my blog (or the blog of the Kluges) on a regular basis, you have heard two names often—San Miguel and Mololoa. They are two communities directly beside each other; they are so close that most people consider the entire area to be San Miguel. However, the church property sits in Mololoa. This area is where I have spent a great deal of time the past several months.

In this location, child neglect is a problem. Sometimes, it is a problem because the father wants to spend all his earnings on alcohol. Sometimes, it is a problem because there are seven people in the family and the family’s daily income is $2 or work is not even available. And, sadly other times, the children aren’t given love or care because they are not wanted.

Franklin is usually dirty and barely clothed. When we had the VBS, he was wearing a pair of pants with both back pockets torn out, leaving holes at his bottom. The bad part was that he had no underwear—so we kept being flashed his little bum.

This little baby is often seen naked. He is shy and doesn’t come around much. When my mother game him bananas and cookies, he was ecstatic.

Can you imagine not knowing where your next meal would come from? These children are innocent and helpless. They are unable to provide for themselves and have no one to care for them properly.

Some are forced into adulthood. Lesby is six years old, yet she cares for her younger sister and brother. She loves spending time with the Kluges because she gets to actually be a kid and play.












Walter is eleven years old. He has dropped out of school, because he is the wage-earner. His father is in jail, and he now has new responsibilities as the eldest child. His mother (who is pregnant) has bad asthma and can barely go anywhere on the mountain. She stays at home taking care of her other children and making tortillas. Walter then takes the tortillas into town to sell.

Stories like these are how the idea of a food kitchen came to fruition.

The feeding center will provide one meal (lunch) each day of the week (Monday-Friday) to children. It will not be necessary for the children to attend the church or be members. However, we will encourage and model Christian behaviors, as well as invite children to worship.

The building construction is being funded by an anonymous donor. The funding for the payment of workers and the purchase of food is still open for donors. Based on a similar program in another community, the estimated cost of food for one month is $1,000. We also have a need for items to be used. Below you will find a list of one-time donations and continual purchases. Think LONG-TERM. If you are able to help in any manner, we would be glad to hear from you. Please post a comment or send an E-mail.

Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwaves
Food processor
Mixers
Water cooler that holds 5 gallon jugs
Commercial size pots and pans
Mixing and serving bowls
Cooking utensils
Cutting boards with heavy duty knives
Plastic plates, cups, and bowls (for approx. 400 kids)
Silverware
Paper products (paper towels, etc.)
Salt and pepper shakers (plastic)
Dish drainers
Plastic storage tubs (all sizes)
Plastic Tupperware (all sizes)
Ziploc bags (all sizes)
Large trashcans
Trash bags
Liquid anti-bacterial hand soap (lots)
Dish soap
Fire extinguisher
Shelving units to store food and supplies
2 big Igloo drink coolers with spouts
Mops, brooms, buckets
Cleaning products (liquids and scrubbers)
Towels, rags, hot-pads
Hair-nets and disposable gloves
Aprons
3 pad-locks with the same key

Continually requesting your prayers,
Jennifer, the Kluges, and the children of Mololoa