Omar!

Omar is Luis Manuel’s younger brother and has the sweetest eyes. He is a little boy but is not afraid to hang with the big boys. A year ago he was a lot quieter and kind of walked in the shadows of his brother, but in a year he’s really grown up. He’s making his own friends in the club, always finding games to play, and participating in all the sports days he can – even when he’s clearly smaller than everyone else.

Luis Manuel!

Luis Manuel (aka Lima) was the first child I fell in love with when I started volunteering with DOVE. He’s very close, not surprisingly, to his beautiful big-hearted mother, Meribel. She is the kind of mother that others could really look up to. That’s probably why he’s a bit of a “Momma’s boy”. Among other things, he’s so bright and even won an award after the 5th grade recognizing him as the top of his class. He us (his sponsor family) with a copy of his certificate, framed with his picture. Their kindness and the fact that they wanted to share his accomplishment with us literally brought us to tears. Lima loves to play basketball and is brother to Omar.

July - Omar!

Hola!
Wow! What an amazing summer it's been thus far, and we're only halfway into it! We're shocked at how fast time is going but we're really enjoying spending so much time with the kids and all of the new classes we are able to offer. We know we aren't going to be ready for it's time for school to start back up again, and the kids certainly aren't going to be ready either! Here is Omar just hanging out at the club one day, after English Class with Jenny and Jencen. We love the summer season - Happy summering to you and yours!

July - Luis Manuel

Hola! The summer is halfway over and we're not sure where it's gone! We've been spending so much time in the club this summer with classes 5 days a week, the addition of new classes, and all sorts of new volunteers coming in from all over - we're crazy, packed busy! But it's been such a great time. The kids are really enjoying spending so much time around their peers, teachers, and the volunteers that often times, they aren't ready to leave when class is over. What more can you ask for! Here is a picture of Luis Manuel just hanging out at the club one day having a great time! Summer is most definitely treating us well!

September

Luis Manuel in the red shirt

Adorable Omar

Liz worded it best when she told the boys' sponsor, Patty... Luis Manuel and Omar are favorites. Omar needs to be our poster child. He has the most beautiful eyes and face. When you look at him it is pure love! I do hope you get to meet him some day.

*September 2009

Summer Photos

Omar, on the left in the yellow, with friend Jeffrey working on painted macaroni necklaces in the Dominican flag colours.


At the Club with volunteers Kristin, Cathy, and Meghan


Luis Manuel and his crown craft.


Cute little Omar


Luis Manuel, Jose Antonio, and Gustavo


With Jose Antonio and Gustavo on Playa Oeste (West Beach) where the kids play and swim. As you can see, it is pretty filthy.


Luis Manuel with his mother and friends Jose Antonio, Gustavo, and Heidy.


Close up of Luis Manuel on the basketball courts.


Both boys (Luis Manuel in orange and Omar in black) with their friends.


Omar with a volunteer, Jenny.


Going for a swim in a pool- a real treat for the kids who very rarely get to swim in pools!


Playing basketball with a friend, Richard.



Luis Manuel was able to participate in a wood working class, where he learned how to make benches. This was a great opportunity for the boys, as learning a trade is very important for their futures.

Their House

The Family

The boys are pictured with their mother and older sister.




*photos from June 2009