Marya and her four children live in a friend’s half-open garage. They suffer from exposure to the elements, both hot and cold. The father deserted the family, and the poor Mom has a fatal tumor that is being treated in the Clinic. But she carries on and cleans houses when she is able. She encourages and supports the children to study hard and get good grades. The two boys, ages 9 and 12, take school seriously, and get such good grades that they are in the Scholarship Program.

This is the type of family that received food, a blanket, and toys at the Casa’s Christmas distribution. Those who receive the Christmas gifts live in the dumps on windy hills, have no running water, electricity is scarce and often provided via extension cords strung from house to house. “Bathrooms” are crude. Men, women, and children suffer from malnutrition and diseases caused by breathing the burning garbage fumes. This is truly third-world living right on our doorstep. They were comforted with a Happy Christmas feast! Continue reading →