Eloida
Last week I received sad, frustrating news.
For the past several years many people, myself included, have been building what's called an internado in the small rainforest town of Ixiamas, Bolivia. It is a boarding house for children who previously lived too far out into the rainforest to attend school. Now, they can live at the internado during the week and receive and education.
Eloida is one of the young girls living at the internado. Several months ago a sandfly landed on her, bit her, and injected her body with the virus that causes leishmaniesis (spelling?). Usually, this can be treated with anti-biotics. But in impoverished countries with poor nutrition this disease can be fatal. The news I received about Eloida is that she is in the final stages and will soon die without treatment.
For those who live there, treatment is too expensive. But in a country where $1.00 will convert into 8 bolivianos, $1.00 goes a long way and we in America can easily afford the treatment she needs to save her life.
I remember the first time I met Eloida. It was the summer of 2003 and she had not yet been able to begin living at the internado. She lived in the small village of Cinco de Junio. We had made a day-trip out to her village to visit and were amazed as these people used almost all they had to give us a welcome feast. Eloida was quite and shy and would meekly look down while smiling at you; happy for your presence but embarrassed by her plight. A precious child.
I'm asking anyone who reads this and is so moved to help raise funds for Eloida. If you can give a dollar...wonderful! If you can give $1000.00...wonderful! There's no reason this young girl should lose her life if we in America can pay for her treatment.
I don't know the exact amount of her treatment yet, but when I find out I'll post an update.
If you want to help, put "Eloida Medical Treatment- Ixiamas" in the memo line of your check and send your contribution to:
Attn: Mission Team
Christ Community Church
1819 Midtown Drive
Columbus, GA 30906