BELIEVE YOU Can Make A Difference Series -------- It Takes A Village To Raise A Child

~~~~ "It takes a village to raise a child." - African proverb ~~~~

There are two very important elements in life which matters the most to us: Children and Family. And for many of you, it's the same. Nothing else matters most than raising a child to discover their full potential and most importantly, in a loving family environment. As children get older and begin school, attend to after school activities, make friends, get involved in sports or simply play outside or hang out, they become exposed to an environment outside the "comfort and safety" of their home. They become part of something much larger. It's called a community. And this community can play a major role in raising our children. It can either help or hurt our very best efforts.

At this very moment, throughout our biggest cities or our smallest towns, there are children being kissed goodnight and tucked warmly in their beds, while other children have no family or a place to call home. There are parents ending a long day at work, while other moms and dads are heading to their second and sometimes third job. There are children fortunate enough to be involved in after school organizations, when at the same time, there are parents worried about drug pushers and gangs in their neighborhood.

Also, at this very moment, there are dedicated people and volunteers coaching our children, tutoring and helping with homework and there are those who organize events to help kids stay out of trouble. Today, we had the pleasure of spending an evening with people with hearts of gold.

Lucy, coordinator of the Friday Night Kid's Club, at a neighborhood Church, spends every Friday night with 25-35+ children from the neighborhood. They range from kindergarten to sixth grade, along with a few teenagers who give her a helping hand. She organizes dinner and dessert for the children, along with arts and craft projects. This evening, they were making their own Christmas trees. Even with her own work, going to school and having a family of her own, she's always there for the kids on Friday night.


A few weeks ago, our cousins "Nacho" and Anna Pina, heard it was getting tougher to find volunteers to provide and make dinner for the children to keep the weekly event going. Bless their hearts! They offered to make enchilada casserole and rice for the kids. They don't even attend this particular church. Then, we overheard a conversation they were having about the event with other family members. We knew, this was yet another beautiful way for us to make a difference, so we offered a helping hand. Hugo and I made cupcakes for dessert and assisted with the chopping and prepping for the main course.

Needless to say, we had a wonderful time. Dinner was delicious! Then again, anything made with LOVE is always good. Seeing the children enjoy our dinner, rushing Anna for more cupcakes (a little startling for her because she is 8 months pregnant, LOL) and devouring every little bite, filled our hearts. Everyone was so thankful and appreciative for what we had done, but we were most grateful to be part of a blessing in helping to raise a child other than our own in a positive environment. Events like this keep kids from trouble when it's not so hard to find on a Friday nights. It provides children a safe place to be in the company of those who care, and most importantly, it strengthens the community in which they live.

Thank you, Lucy, for all that you do for the community and its children. And Thank you, Nacho and Anna, for letting us help out with dinner and dessert. You are all prime inspirational examples of how No One is too small to make a difference. It certainly does take a village to raise a child. And we're so blessed to have been part of that today.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~