You have not lived today until you have done
something for someone who cannot repay you.
~John Bunyan
At two years old, Kenneth is severely underweight and has cerebral palsy. His mother Saida is due next month with another baby.
They are Cabecar Indians, the most isolated indigenous tribe in Costa Rica. Their home is a two hour drive and a day's walk into the jungle, far from the medical aid a child with cerebral palsy requires.
After Kenneth's birth, he and his mother stayed at the St. Francis Emmaus Center to recover. But when Kenneth's father said to come home, they did. Weeks later Kenneth was dying of malnutrition. They made the journey back to the hospital where they received needed medical care. They stayed at St. Francis and have lived there ever since.
Saida, Kenneth, and the soon-to-be-born baby's future are uncertain to say the least. I think of the challenges my own daughter faces daily with an almost two year old and an infant . . . forget a life threatening disability, mountain jungle, inaccessibility to medical care, and instability of family life. How will they ever manage?
This week the women of our team have taken turns holding Kenneth so Saida can work.
She is excellent at jewelry making and works with incredible focus. Of course! It's a piece of jewelry to us, but Saida knows her efforts will earn her a fair wage and create life changing opportunities for her family.
Your purchases and support of these organizations directly impact Kenneth and Saida and mothers and children like them.
Here are some ways you can join us in this good work!
- get involved
- purchase products and provide sustainable employment for women
Find us on social media at #lovcostarica
