Be the Change: December 2015

Flood Relief Update

Thanks to all who have stepped up to empower Rising Star Outreach to respond to the needs of those afflicted by the recent flooding and monsoons in Tamil Nadu!

Dr. Susan oversees the distribution of rice

Dr. Susan reports that the staff has been blessed and have had their spirits lifted as they have been able to travel to some of the hardest hit areas of Tamil Nadu and provide relief to those who have been suffering. Immediately after the floods began to recede, Dr. Susan began conducting medical camps and delivering rice, beans, oil and medicines to Villivakam, which was devastated by the floods, and several other colonies we traditionally serve. Dr. Susan reported that many of the residents of these colonies who are often more serious and gruff where emotional in their responses to the service, thanking and even hugging those providing aid.

In addition, this past week Dr Susan reports the following activities that they were able to do because of the support of generous donors who responded to the call:

Flood Relief Camp was conducted in Thotanaval, Sadichivakam, Vadathavur, Allenchery, and Senthankulam villages around Rising Star. 249 patients benefited from the camp.
166 patients and students participated in the flood relief camp held in Venkatapuram Leprosy Colony and Gnanodaya School.
201 patients attended the flood relief camp conducted at Pudhupattu.
Conducted a flood relief camp in partnership with Pfizer and Americares at Irunagutukottai Gate and 250 patients attended the camp. On the same day a parallel camp was conducted in Malaipalayam near Madurantagam Lake which overflowed and flooded the village, where 353 patients were benefitted.
At Thandalam village patients visited our flood relief camp and at Satthammai village patients were present to receive the medical consultation and flood relief.

Rising Star at the scene

Now the work of restoration and rebuilding will commence. Thank you for your outpouring of love and support at this critical time of need! May your holidays be bright and merry, and may you be blessed as you have blessed these tender souls in India.

Sincerely,

Tyler

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Monday, December 28, 2015
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A World Away

Education

Sponsor-a-Child Spotlight: Ginny and Surya

"Sometimes the world seems like a scary place. But just knowing I have a little friend halfway across the world makes me feel better. I guess I think of Surya more as a friend, than a child I sponsor."

Ginny is a teacher, and grandmother, and a world traveler. She says her goal is: “To make the world a better place.”

Surya is a very active and talkative little boy who loves to get to know volunteers. He is happy to be at Rising Star with his brother, Karthik Raja who is in 6th Standard. Surya loves to color and draw and his favorite thing is playing soccer with all the boys his age. One day, all on his own, Surya painted pictures for each of his sponsors and carefully sounded out each name the best he could. He is so sweet and thoughtful.

When asked about her experience sponsoring Surya R., Ginny had the following to say:

Surya

I am a teacher. I know the value of a good education. I understand how important it is for children to have someone to support them in their education; morally, financially, emotionally. When two of my most trusted friends became involved with Rising Star, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help a child gain a good education. I didn't really choose a child to sponsor. How could I pick one out of so many wonderful children? So I asked to be given a child who needed a sponsor. That's how I came to be a sponsor for Surya.

I thoroughly enjoy the letters and artwork (especially the colorful pictures) Surya sends to me. I keep his photo and his artwork on my refrigerator, next to that of my grandkids. I try to paint a little picture of my life in America in the letters I write to him and I share some of the things he tells me about his life in India with my grandkids. I hope I'm building a bridge between their two worlds.

"I thoroughly enjoy the letters and artwork (especially the colorful pictures) Surya sends to me."

Sometimes the world seems like a scary place. But just knowing I have a little friend halfway across the world makes me feel better. I guess I think of Surya more as a friend, than a child I sponsor.

About our Sponsorship Coordinator

Rachel is currently a student at Brigham Young University and is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management, with an emphasis in Nonprofit Business