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| Sponsors visit to India - 2007 |
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| Dear Sponsors, |
December
2007 |
| My name is
Stephanie Haumueller and I was born and raised
in St Louis, MO. I am a graphic designer in San
Francisco and have lived here for 10 years. |
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| I've been blessed
to have traveled to India two times ( 2005 and
November 2007 ) and each trip has opened my eyes
to the beauty, grace and hardship that is India.
I'd long been drawn to India before my first trip,
the strength of people's spiritual devotion was
fascinating to me. In my own busy life in America
I often find my spiritual life taking a back seat
to the pressures of work and the fast pace of
life here. I wanted to see firsthand how the people
of India make spirituality a priority and weave
it through every aspect of their daily lives.
I saw this immediately in all the projects that
Foundation for Children in Need has created, daily
prayer and spiritual awareness are a very important
part of every single day. |
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Upon one's first visit
to India what strikes you from the very first
moment you step off your airplane, is how little
the majority of people have in this country.
It's shocking in comparison to the smallest
conveniences we take for granted in the United
States, access to clean water, to education,
indoor plumbing, and the list goes on. Yet that
stark reality will also be immediately contradicted
by the kindness and generosity of the Indian
people. They have so little yet their warm hearts
are there to greet you with a smile or to offer
a helping hand. Tom and Geetha are living examples
of this, what they've accomplished in the villages
where their projects are, is amazing. I have
to admit I was nervous to make a trip to rural
India, very far from the usual tourist route
that I was familiar with! Tom and Geetha, along
with the family of FCN, quickly put my fears
to rest and I couldn't have had better hosts
to help me feel comfortable arriving in a place
that was very different to the life I know in
the United States.
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| I was so impressed
by the team that Tom and Geetha have put together
at FCN. I arrived at one of the busiest times
of year for them, holiday letter writing season.
Every member of the staff was working hard to
help each student craft a meaningful letter to
their sponsors. It's a very important task and
taken very seriously by each individual. Tom and
Geetha make sure each student knows how much we
all love to hear from them and know how they're
doing. I got to help out while I was there as
well, by typing the letters that had been translated.
I loved seeing what each student wrote, stories
about their lives and families and their gratitude
for the help they receive from all of us. |
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| One of the
highlights was getting to meet my sponsored child
Kiranmai Kalluri. I was eager to meet her and
Tom and Geetha took me to her school the second
day I was there. I was overwhelmed with happiness
when I met her, it was such a special moment!
The idea that I can potentially help change someone's
life by giving them the opportunity for education
is amazing to me. Even though I'm the one who
donates money, the gift I receive in return is
more valuable than I can describe in words. Getting
an education in India is not a given, many children
never have that chance. Especially in rural India
where a child may have to work from a very early
age to help families afflicted with poverty. By
educating the children in these villages Tom and
Geetha are helping break the cycle of poverty
that is so common in areas like this.
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| One of the
best days I had was visiting the school my sponsored
child attends and having art class with the kids.
Even with the language barrier the kids and I
had a wonderful time. I also taught them a few
songs and games, they were so excited to have
a visitor! |
| Education is
also just one part of what Tom and Geetha do,
they also built the wonderful St. Xavier's Home
for the Elderly, and Geetha regularly goes from
village to village conducting free medical camps.
In addition to visiting the schools I had the
chance to spend time with the elderly at St.Xavier's.
Even though I don't speak Telegu (the local language)
and most of the elderly spoke no English, I laughed
so hard everyday with everyone there. We had a
great time! The men and women at St Xavier's are
an inspiring bunch, I can't imagine the circumstances
they had to go through before arriving there.
Now they have the opportunity to live out the
remainder of their lives in a beautiful setting
around people who care about them. The staff was
incredible at St. Xavier's, I can't say enough
about them, it takes a special kind of person
to work with the elderly and Tom and Geetha found
a team perfectly suited to do so. Sister Lucy,
along with her staff, keep the elderly engaged
with chores and social activities encouraging
friendships and camaraderie. All of these people
would have no where else to go if it weren't for
FCN. |
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| I also have
to mention my faithful friend Narayana (a staffer
at FCN) who took me where I needed to go, would
go on walks to town with me to make sure I didn't
get lost and also spent time attempting to teach
me Telegu. Just another example of a generous
soul within the Foundation for Children in Need! |
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| We have so
much in this country and it was incredibly humbling
to travel through India to see how people struggle
to take care of themselves with so little. Yet
they have such strong beautiful spirits, so much
faith and will always greet you with a smile.
I'm proud to be a contributor to help give someone
a chance at a better life. |
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| I could certainly
go on about all the amazing things that I experienced
while visiting FCN! I was touched by Tom and Geetha's
tireless dedication to all FCN projects, they
work so hard to ensure the success of all involved.
My visit with them was something I will never
forget and I hope to be fortunate enough to continue
making visits to India and helping in any way
I can. |
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| Sincerely |
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Stephanie Haumueller
with her
sponsored child, Kiranmai |
Stephanie Haumueller
with the elderly |
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| Dear Sponsors, |
September
2007 |
| My name is
McKenzie Jones. I am nineteen years old and I
live in Oregon in the United States. I met Geetha
a few years ago in Durango, CO while visiting
my aunt Melanie. Ever since I had the desire to
visit India. This year I had the privilege of
visiting Tom Chitta and Geetha Yeruva for a month.
Though there are many things I would love to share
with you about my experience I feel I do not have
the rhetoric to describe its beauty, innocence,
and chaos. However there is one part of India
which I feel not only touched by but obliged to
share. To further elucidate allow me to elaborate
on the major effects of FCN which your donations
help fund and run. FCN focuses on three major
efforts: education, free medical care and service
to the elderly. I encourage you to look on their
website and learn more about the many projects
taking place. Though the website is very well
developed and accurately depicts the organization,
it does not capture the integrity nor the appreciation
of those you help. |
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| Let me take
you to my very first week in India at St. Xavier’s
home for the aged, Shantivanam. Though I light
heartedly joke about the language barrier that
I faced on my journey it was very easy to see
the determination in one lady’s face when
she insisted that fifty rupees (a little more
than a dollar) she saved would be for offering
mass for her sponsor the next day. This adamancy
is not just found in one person, every week one
elderly person offers the Sunday mass in gratitude
for the health and well being of their sponsor
and family members. |
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There is no gap in comprehension
of your sponsorship between the aged and the
children. Everyday the children say the rosary
in memory of their beloved aide. I had the honor
of reading some of the student’s letters
to you – their sponsors- and there is
no exaggeration in their love and appreciation.
Their gratitude for you is depicted through
their study habits and desire to succeed. From
the bottom of my heart please know these children
fully understand your sacrifice and the vitality
of your donation to continue their studies.
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| With the twenty
dollars donated per month there is absolutely
no waste nor room for luxury. Your blessings adequately
provide a nutritious diet, housing, education,
and medical care in a loving environment. Tom
and Geetha’s mastery of frugality is practiced
with precision. It is a miracle in itself how
basic needs in a nurturing home can be provided
on such a limited balance. |
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| It was truly
an honor to witness the unending prayers and the
undying love they have for you. In conclusion
I would like to leave you with this thought. Through
God’s grace your blessing will be forever
duplicated not only by your sponsored, but by
their families, and the future of India. The education
you provide will help this new generation provide
for their poverty stricken families and deliver
the same kindness to others that has been bestowed
upon them. |
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| Witnessing
it first hand they are undeniably deserving and
overly grateful for your blessings. My hope is
that your life is as blessed as the people’s
at which you are helping. |
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| From my self
and the people of India, thank you and God bless
you. |
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| Sincerely |
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| September 19, 2007 |
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McKenzie
with the children of prema nilayam project |
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McKenzie
with the elderly at st.xaviers home for the aged |
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Tali
addressing the gathering |
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Tali
with her dance students |
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David
and Louise donate sewing machines |
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David
and Louise with FCN sponsored children at
Prema Nilayam |
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David
and Louise receive a certificate of appreciation |
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David
and Louise with the elderly at St. Xavier's
home |
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| Dear
Friends, |
February
2007 |
| We
were privileged enough to visit Tom
Chitta and Dr. Geetha Yeruva during
the month of January. The three of
us are nursing students finishing
our last year of school at St. Mary’s
College of California in Moraga and
Samuel Merritt College in Oakland.
Tricia met Tom and Geetha in San Diego
(her hometown) where they frequently
visited promoting FCN. Tricia’s
parents are sponsoring Rayappa through
FCN. Upon meeting them Tricia asked
if there would be anyway to visit
their home and help with medical camps.
Tom and Geetha responded with open
arms and the trip was booked. |
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| During
our time in Porumamilla we helped
run free medical camps. These medical
camps either took place at St. Xavier’s
home for the aged or we traveled to
different villages. Many of the patients
we saw traveled miles on foot just
to be seen by a doctor even though
their illness may have been very debilitating.
At these medical camps we saw illnesses
that have long been eradicated from
the US. We were fortunate enough to
work with Geetha, and see how caring
of a doctor she is. Our medical knowledge
expanded greatly as well. We also
spent time at Dr. Geetha’s health
center that was recently built, providing
free medical care. |
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During our
visit we spent a great deal of time
at St. Xavier’s home for the
aged, where we saw an excellent
care the elders receive by the staff.
Also Lisa was able to meet her sponsored
child there. We were able to attend
the groundbreaking ceremony for
the Casey and Melanie Barber Memorial
Chapel who were good friends of
Tricia and her family. We visited
two schools established by Tom and
Geetha and admire the good work
done by FCN in the rural villages.
We also went to the village to meet
the families of children sponsored
by Amy, Tricia and Tricia’s
parents.
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| Our
trip was an amazing experience. Visiting
a culture so different from the US
was difficult at times but extremely
interesting. Tom and Geetha were great
hosts and took excellent care of us
during out stay with them. We had
the journey of a lifetime during the
month we were in India and we know
that we will never forget it. Thank
you so much Tom and Geetha for all
you do. |
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| Sincerely |
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Tricia
Howell, Amy Hyder and Lisa Bowes
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| Dear
Friends, |
January,
2007 |
| It
is hard for me to put into words
the experience of my trip to India
with my 19 year old son Marcus and
my sister Linda. I met Tom Chitta
18 years ago shortly after my husband
and I adopted Marcus at 5 months
old from Calcutta. Every year Tom
would stay with my family when he
was here in Albany N.Y, while making
mission appeals. He would often
invite us to visit India, but I
never dreamt I would someday go. |
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| Through
out the years Tom would share with
us about the different projects
he was working on. I remember in
1991 looking at the many pictures
of the “Home for the Handicapped”
he built for the children affected
by polio. He was successful with
his efforts getting them treatment
along with a vaccination program
which has wiped out this problem
in his area in Mydukur. Another
year we heard about the tree planting
program which brought life back
to many barren areas. I was inspired
when he shared with us the new 100
concrete homes he replaced mud huts
at Karunagiri, a remote village,
along with new wells, school, orphanages,
a convent and prayer center. Tom
led medical camps and distribution
of food after the floods in Kadapa
in 1996. |
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In 2002 Tom
and Dr. Geetha have opened St.
Xavier’s Home for the aged.
They have built a school and orphanages.
They established several schools.
Dr. Geetha organized many free
medical camps. They have distributed
1000 food kits and blankets and
one hundred fishing nets to the
different villagers, along with
a free medical clinic after the
Tsunami.
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| On
my recent trip I was able to meet
my sponsored child, along with her
beautiful family. I was humbled
by their gratitude and reception.
I met two other sponsored children
of friends I know, who were delighted
to see us. With all smiles asked
me to thank their sponsors personally.
I was often moved to tears to see
first hand what I had only seen
in pictures. |
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| The
high light of the trip for Marcus
was when he was able to pass out
blankets and towels to the 120 orphans,
at Karunagiri with the money donated
by the teachers of his school. He
talks about playing Frisbee with
young boys in a very poor remote
village and gave candy to the children
while Dr. Geetha set up free medical
clinic. We went to the school that
Tom and Geetha founded and had a
wonderful time. We gave candy and
pencils to 250 kids and played with
them. We also spent some time with
young girls who are given training
in tailoring and sewing. It was
enriching to see that most of the
work that Tom and Geetha organize
is supported by generous friends
and sponsors from the United States
of America. Please be sure that
your dollars are put to good use. |
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| Marcus
has always been an important part
of our family. While there, they
made me feel as if I was a part
of India’s family. We will
miss our many new friends we made
in our 17 day journey. The people
are kind, polite and genuine. (I
invited them all to my house if
they ever come to America.) Indeed
it is a small world! May God continue
to bless all the wonderful work
that Tom and Dr. Geetha are doing
not only in India but a great inspiration
for all those who have the honor
of supporting them and their ministry
to reach out to the poor. |
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| Most
Sincerely |
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| email:
shiloh730@yahoo.com |
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Sister
Linda, Patricia and Marcus celebrate New
Year in India |
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Marcus
brings gifts for the children |
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Marcus
and Patricia distribute pencils for the
kids |
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Sister
Linda talking to the elderly at St. Xavier's
Home for the Aged |
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Sister
Linda, Patricia and Marcus visit tailoring
and embroidery Training Center |
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| Dear
Friends, |
January,
2007 |
| I
visited Tom and his wife, Dr. Geetha,
in India right after Christmas 2006
together with my sister Patricia and
her adopted son, Marcus who was born
in Madras, India. It was such a joy
to spend two weeks in India. I can
report first hand that their ministry
among the poor is outstanding, responsible,
forward-looking, “hands-on,”
energetic, highly respected, and full
of love and hope. |
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| I’ve
known Tom for eighteen years. No matter
the challenge, he meets it. At the
same time, he and Geetha know how
to pace themselves so as to avoid
being over-extended. They delegate
responsibly and invite others to join
them in their work. They see hospitality
to persons like us (or you!) as part
of their ministry. When one sees what
they are about, it is impossible to
not want to support them. |
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Education is
a key to serving the poor. We visited
two schools founded by Tom and Geetha,
both serving the poor. One very
large school serves the children
from the rural area. Besides a fine
education, they give the children
breakfast as well as a mid day meal
and evening snack each day! This
school has two orphanages attached,
one for boys and the other for girls.
The second school also serves the
village children. “Sponsoring”
a child’s education is one
of the key ingredients of the mission
appeal.
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| A
growing issue in India is the abandonment
of the elderly. Tom and Geetha have
founded an “assisted living”
home for those who need care. Without
a doubt, a nursing home will be the
next dimension of this work. |
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| In
the small town of Pormamilla where
their office is, they have a health
clinic from which Geetha gives direct
service to the poor in the villages
on the outskirts. I went with her
to one such a place… and because
of Tom and Geetha, this village of
25 families now has cement homes (2
rooms each) rather than mud huts.
Geetha did physicals and found one
child with ringworm and another with
pneumonia. |
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| Also
at their offices in Porumamilla, they
offer classes to young poor women
without skills. They learn to sew
and do needlework, creating the beautiful
saris that the Indian women wear with
grace. Another group learns crafts
that they can sell. I could go on
and on. |
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I
trust that as you continue to support
the charities, you will seriously
consider assisting Tom and Geetha,
and the Foundation for Children in
Need in their wonderful work. Please
contact me if you would like to know
more about their work or if you have
any questions about their ministry. |
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| Sincerely
and with Gratitude, |
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