In Spanish, compadre means the godfather of your child. It also means dear friend or buddy. That’s what we are, a group of friends with a common goal helping poor children and families of Sonora through F.A.I. (Save the Children Mexico).

Los Compadres came about during the F.A.I. Sponsor Tour of 2005. Our group of ten who gathered in Obregon that year were from all over – Georgia, Arizona, Arkansas, Texas, California, Indiana, and even Austria. We were school teachers, ranchers, housewives, engineers, librarians, professors, scientists, and one Hollywood actor. Over the three day visit, we were constantly amazed at the dedication of the F.A.I. staff. We agreed that we would like to become more involved in supporting the organization and spreading the word about their marvelous work.

In addition to the official newsletter from Save the Children Mexico, you are probably receiving Los Compadres quarterly newsletter. It goes to all 1800 American sponsors to tell them of our experiences on the annual sponsor tour. It’s gratifying to know you are helping by sending monthly contributions, but it’s a much deeper experience when you connect personally with a mother showing off her newfound business skills as a result of a F.A.I. micro-loan, see the pride in a father’s eyes as his child cuts the ribbon to officially open a new home he has helped to build, and especially and unforgettably, receive hugs and kisses from a child bubbling with excitement over a small gift.

Since its inception, Los Compadres has worked with F.A.I. to support projects that will make a substantial difference in people’s lives. During the sponsor tour of 2007 Los Compadres presented twenty bicycles to three rural communities with no secondary schools. The young people who received these bikes will now have the chance to commute to a larger town and complete their high school education. The bikes will be passed on to younger kids as the older ones graduate. Our goal is to provide another twenty bikes next year so no child will be left out.

In our visit to the tiny village of Bacusa we saw a neat playground the villagers had laid out, with colorful flowers growing inside painted tires and one small swing set. We’ve decided to work on providing building materials for a large jungle gym, slides, and swings for the children. We visited an early childhood development center in Quiriego which needs bilingual and Spanish books. Some families in the poorer neighborhoods of Obregon lack money to buy or make school uniforms, which are required for their children in the public schools. Several of us are also designating a portion of our monthly donation for a local children’s shelter which houses 28 children, from ages 2 to 15 years old.

Perhaps our most exciting new project this year is our “adoption” of the community of Providencia on the outskirts of the city. At present, Providencia consists of huts of tin and blankets with no roads, running water or other facilities. We got “down and dirty” one afternoon learning to make adobe bricks for a modest new home going up for a mother and her five children.

Obviously, there are many needs to be met. No one person can do it all. But together, we can make good things happen. What we contribute to F.A.I. is repaid many times over by the love we see in our sponsored children’s eyes, by knowing they will live healthier lives, have a chance to have a good education, and build a better future for themselves and their families. Your contributions DO make a difference. Come join LosCompadres next time and see for yourself!