April 19, 2003
Mark Zier, our Executive Director left for Latvia April 1st to set up two potential camps for disabled children this summer. Whitney Hope Foundation will be working with a team of volunteers from Youth With A Mission for this trip. This will be a Whitney Hope Foundation CAMP HOPE. The camps will take place in August 2003 in the regional areas of Talsi and Liepaja, Latvia. This is a new international venture for Whitney Hope.

The children who will attend the camp live in an orphanage-hospital from birth to the age of 18. They have varied degrees of disabilities...from the physically disabled to mentally challenged. Most of these children have none or little contact with their parents...they literally are all alone. The staff at these facilities do love these children, but unfortunately there just aren't enough staff to give the personal attention that every child deserves (1 staff person to 8 children). They really do their best! We at Whitney Hope Foundation believe that each child is precious in God’s sight.

In one particular incident, Mark saw the child that was featured on last month's newsletter. Mark visited the orphanage in August 2000. The young boy was approximately six years old. He has CP, but seems to be a very happy child. When Mark saw him, their eyes met and he came up to Mark as though he remembered him. A big hug was given to the child! The little boy just smiled and tried to communicate with Mark. Mark understood those comments...and tears came to Mark's eyes. WOW...what a moment! What an opportunity! What a challenge!

Several people have asked about this trip to Latvia this summer. If you are interested in this trip, please contact Mark at (805) 658-1189 for more information. We are in need for sponsorship for this camp also.

Whatever you can do to help financially will be a real blessing! You can make a difference. Your donation is fully deductible with the IRS.

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