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Nathalie's Testimony, part 1
You may recall reading in the September Que Pasa a feature about the 40th anniversary of ICC’s Las Palmas Children’s Village in the Dominican Republic. The impact of your support goes on and on in the lives of current children as well as those who have become independent. Following is part one of an edited excerpt of a testimony from Nathalie, one of ICC’s grown children.
Before my mother died, she asked a sister from the church to take me to the Las Palmas Children’s Village. She knew that I would not be in need there. I was four years old when I came to Las Palmas. One year later, my father also passed away.
The years went by, and by the grace of God I was blessed with very good house parents and received the best instruction for life. First, I came to know the God whom I serve and on whom I depend.
I received medical attention whenever I needed it. I had a reverse bite, and when I was 15 years old, I asked for braces for my teeth as a gift rather than to have a birthday party (Quinceañera) which is a Latin custom. Through the kind generosity of my ICC family, I was told that if the braces were a necessity, it would be resolved but that I did not have to choose between a party or a medical necessity. By God’s grace, I received both, and I know that my surgery is one of the things that I will never find a way to say thank you enough to everyone who was involved in the process to make me well.
From the age of eight, I worked so I could have some money of my own. My brothers teased me and said, “Nathalie cleans the house, the church, the school and the library and in the end only earns RD$500 (about £6.20).” But I know it all shaped my character.
At the end of my fourth year of high school I received the highest merit and had to give the speech. That day everyone congratulated me, and I felt happy and super proud of my achievements. However, the next day I was back on the campus of Las Palmas with a wheelbarrow picking up trash.
It made me realise that you should never feel that you are so high that you cannot fall. I understood that your achievements do not define your value as a person and much less the work you do. Your value comes from the simple fact of existing and being created by God.
Note: Next month we’ll bring you the conclusion of Nathalie’s testimony including how she felt when she was “ready to fly.” Natalie represents the many children who have successfully “learned to fly” because of ICC family members like you. Thank you for your loving generosity!
You Provide a “Place to Call Home”
(To protect the children’s identity we have not included any images of the children on the website, if you wish to view the images and read the story with more detail, please sign up to our monthly newsletter to get updates and images about the ICC children.)
Your support is having a tremendous impact on the lives of children at ICC’s Sweet Children’s Village in India. You are providing not only a place for basic needs to be supplied, but you are also providing “a place to call home.” Thank you for all you do for the children!
Your support provides a Place of Safety for orphan children. Two siblings have just arrived. They are scared and need reassurance that they have come to a safe place. The older boy has been at Sweet Home for some time. He speaks their language and is able to comfort them and explain that they have come to a safe place.
One of the young boys is proud to show you where he sleeps. He has adjusted to life within the Sweet Home family and has found a Place to Belong thanks to you!
You make it possible for the children to be surrounded by caring adults who enjoy providing them a Place to Learn. Nirmala, is sharing the story of Moses. Nirmala herself came to Sweet Home as a child many years ago. She serves as the Children’s Services Director and ensures the children are well cared for. We’ll share more about her in a future Que Pasa.
Just as you contribute to the well-being of the children, so they have their Place to Contribute to the well-being and smooth operation of their homes.
The children have age-appropriate chores and learn the joy and value of working together. We all thrive best when our minds and bodies are given adequate time to recreate. Sweet Homes provides the children with a Place to Play through a variety of campus activities and special outings.
We all thrive best when our minds and bodies are given adequate time to recreate. Sweet Homes provides the children with a Place to Play through a variety of campus activities and special outings.
You would be pleased to hear the children recite passages of scripture during their worship services. The children find Sweet Home to be a Place to Grow in their knowledge and application of scripture.
ICC family members like you help to provide a nurturing Place for Friendships. The children learn how to share, how to care, and how to look out for the interests of others. Friendships made at Sweet Home can last a lifetime.
Your ongoing generosity makes it possible for Sweet Home to be a Place of Quality Care. Some of the homes are in need of remodelling, they have been stood for years but due to wear and tare need to be redone. However, some of the homes have been remodeled thanks to the contributions of ICC family members who make it possible for quality care to continue
Sharon Fleck ensures that the children indeed are provided quality care. The Sweet Home family have a deep sense of spiritual commitment, and they include it in the daily aspects of life.Thank you for supporting the quality care of the children!
The ICC family is a family of faith in God. The children learn to trust their Heavenly Father. They have a Place to Worship: whether it’s in their homes, or courtyard, or in the church. The children are also given an opportunity to lead out in worship. “This is my story. This is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long!”.
Thanks to your support, the children have a Place to Prepare to live independently and start families of their own. Recently some of the Sweet Home’s older children who are in university have returned Home. They are grateful for the support you have given them and realize it as a great opportunity.
And what is a family without close ties that bring members back together? Your support of the children builds strong bonds and helps to provide a Place to Return. The children don’t all go to the same schools. Reunions are special times to reminisce, tell of current happenings, and remember God’s blessings.
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