I am Bramhaiah Chintakunta. My friends call me Brami for short. I am 18 years old and am in the first year of college. I am studying to earn my Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I first came to St. Xavier’s Home for the Aged four years ago to work in the garden. I had gone to school in my village, but had not passed my 10th grade standard exam. I took the exam two times but did not pass. I felt that this would be the end of my education. I wanted to continue with school but my family had no money to pay for my tuition. My father died of a heart attack when I was only four years old. My mother works in the fields, but only earns a small income. My sister could not help me because she is married and works in the fields. So it seemed that my dream was impossible.

While I was working at St. Xavier's Home I was living with other boys who were studying in the 11th and 12th grades in Porumamilla, with the support of FCN sponsors. I decided that I also wanted to continue my studies. But first I needed to pass the 10th grade standard exam. I told Sister Lucy that I wanted to take the exam while I continued working. I studied hard and passed the exam. This was a turning point in my life. But my dream only became reality because of the FCN sponsors who made my education possible.

When I completed 12th grade, I went on to college. And that is where I am today. I enjoy my studies and am working hard to get good grades. Again, my FCN sponsors made this possible. I am so grateful for a college education upon which to build the dreams of my life. There are so many like me who are grateful to FCN sponsors who give us the chance to reach our goals.

My name is Polamma Palakolanu. I am 80 years old. I come from a rural village in Porumamilla. I was married and have three children. We were too poor to afford school for our children when they were small. Now my children are married and live in far away villages working as day laborers in the fields. My husband died almost thirty years ago. Afterward, I lived with my son and worked in the fields to help support the household. As I became older, it became too difficult to work. My son worked hard but, without my income, he struggled to support the family on his small earnings. I did not want to be a burden to my son and so I went to St. Xavier’s Home for the Aged. There I spoke to Tom Chitta and Dr. Geetha and asked them for help. They understood my need and were kind enough to let me live at St. Xavier’s Home.

That was five years ago. Now my life is no longer a struggle. Everything I need is provided with love. I have healthy food and water. I live in clean housing with the other elderly here. Every day we pray in the chapel and walk in the beautiful gardens. I also enjoy tending the garden in the cool mornings and evenings. We receive medical care from Dr. Geetha and a qualified nurse who lives at St. Xavier's Home with us. Our daily needs are met by Sister Lucy, nursing candidates, and other caring staff. Thanks to my FCN sponsors I am living in peace.

My name is Hanumanth Ponnapati. I come from a poor family. My parents live on the farm. I am able to do first year of engineering because of my sponsor Elizabeth Jensen. I am very grateful to her and to FCN. Today many students in our area are benefiting through the efforts of FCN. May God bless all of you.

Venkateswarulu Avula was born on November 5th 1935 at Akkulayapalli in Kadapa District, A.P., India. His wife died 10 years back due to food poisoning. He has no Children. After the death of his wife, he started living alone in a rural village working as a day laborer. As the years passed by he started suffering from high blood pressure and poor eye sight. He found it hard to go for any work. He is staying at St. Xavier’s home for the Aged since a few years. He is most grateful to his sponsors, Glenn & Elleda Reiter and Stanley & Teresa Szott.

I am Chinnakka Avulu living at St. Xavier’s home for the Aged, Shantivanam, which is 60 miles from Kadapa. I am 72 years old. My husband died 38 years ago. I have a son and a daughter who are day laborers. They are unable to take care of me. God has brought me to this beautiful home in 2004 built and maintained by Tom Chitta and Dr. Geetha Yeruva. Sister Lucy takes good care of us. I am very happy to belong to this great big family. I am provided with good food, clothing and medical care. I am most grateful to my sponsors Mary Koeth-Shacklett and John & Clare McGee. Without your financial support I would have died long ago. Thank you for your generous help.