News from FFCC!

November 29, 2012

THANKSGIVING 2012 WAS FULL OF GRATITUDE!

Our FFCC supporters, partners and volunteers all came together in a big way this year and provided enough donations for us to share food with 520 local families (or about 1800 people)! We were also able to provide many of them with a grocery gift card to buy what they desired. Our version of assistance is a favorite with local families in need since it gives them the opportunity to cook holiday foods in their own homes, with their own families by their side to assist and make holiday memories.

Here's a message of thanks from a single Mom with 2 boys:
This food truly was one of the most awesome blessings I have seen- what a great thing to be thankful for this THANKSGIVING. My family and so many countless others in the community are very blessed!

And a message from a 12 year old boy whose family has been assisted by FFCC throughout the year:
You help our family a lot. It really helps my Mom by making it easier for her and that helps me have a strong connection with my family. Food is really high priced so its very helpful to get it so we can save money to help pay the rent. You always support us over the holidays and everything you do helps us bond together. I really love that about what you (FFCC) do!

ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS

FFCC is already working towards holiday support for families this Christmas. Anonymous wish lists are being provided by local families that can't make ends meet at this costly time of the year. Please contact Becky at bpalenske@san.rr.com if you would like to shop or provide funds for the FFCC holiday program by or before December 11.

Ayiti Academy Fundraising Event at Vintana in Escondido November 29th, 7:00 pm

Contact Norma Silva at njsilva@yahoo.com for information.
Download the invitation here!

RECAP OF HAITI TRIP #13!

One week in Haiti, five doctors, five nurses, eleven support volunteers, two clinic sites, and 630 Haitian children and adults equals a lot of healing and hope. Our team had an incredible trip!

Each day the sick and injured would line up outside our clinics. Unfortunately, each day we would have to turn people away as the needs were more than there were hours in a day to meet. For the 630 patients we did see, we were able to provide medication, education, love, prayer, and even a goodie bag of hygiene items and food packages on their way out the door. We made lasting friendships with our Haitian interpreters and even inspired a few to consider a career in medicine. Below is a letter that Phil received after we returned home. Villard is one of our Haitian interpreters who over the last couple of years has become a dear friend:

Dear FFCC Team, I know the Lord is with you and you have made it back home safe and sound. May He continue to shower you and your family with blessing. Somehow I always find myself lost for a day after you depart, but I keep with me the wonders that you always do for us Haitian's each and every time that you come to see us. I also realize your praying is getting better and stronger every day.

Mister Claudy is doing well, except for more medication the doctors are asking for daily. Give my thanks to your family's and those that support your efforts.

Sincerely,Villard & family.

Our next medical trip to Haiti will be April 19-28. If interested, contact Tina Socha (tina.socha@san.rr.com) as soon as possible. Flights are filling fast!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 'TOP DOCS'!

The San Diego County Medical Society (SDCMS), working collaboratively with San Diego Magazine for nine years now, has continued to identify board-certified physicians within the county who are held in highest regard by their peers.

This past month, Dr. Eunice Sanchez-Mata and Dr. Cyril Light were awarded the "Top Doc" in San Diego award. This year, more than 1,000 physicians voted. These individuals have been identified by their peers as physicians to whom they would entrust the care of their own family members and patients. There is no greeter compliment one can receive from one's colleagues. Dr. Sanchez-Mata & Dr. Light have both traveled multiple times with FFCC as part of our medical teams going to Haiti and both were a part of this recent November trip. FFCC is proud to have them as part of our volunteer family. I am sure I speak for everyone in congratulating both of them on an award well deserved!

CHRISTMAS IN A TENT!

For a third year, FFCC is partnering with Aaron and Nathalie Nelson of Shepherds House Ministries (SHM) to celebrate Christmas with the children of Haiti. This year, SHM wants to continue to do something special for the kids who are still living in the tents. We all have been touched by the suffering of thousands of children who have been affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake and the Hurricane Isaac and Sandy storms. The goal is to extend a hand of love to 900 children. We believe that they will never forget such a moment.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

We are inviting you, your friends, families, churches, organizations, and your co-workers to help the kids in Haiti celebrate Christmas this year with a $10.00 donation.

YOUR $10.00 GIFTS WILL PROVIDE:

1.) Back to school uniforms, shoes, scholarship for kids living in tents.

2.) Professional therapy service for those who have been sexually abused

3.) Christmas gifts

4.) Drama

5.) Games and shows

6.) Transportation

7.) Food and supportive services to help children develop character and courage they need during those difficult times.

Donations can be made to FFCC. Please note in the memo section of your check or the special instruction box of the PayPal page, 'Christmas in a tent' and so we will know how to direct your contribution.

ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO BE A BLESSING FOR CHILDREN IN NEED!

For the past couple of years, the Mata family has sponsored children of the Door of Faith Orphanage in Baja California, Mexico. This holiday season, the Mata's would like to invite our FFCC community to join them as they work to provide a shoebox of gifts for each child. All donations and gifts need to be collected by December 13^th. If you would like more information or you would like to sponsor a child with a shoebox, please contact Dr. Eunice Sanchez-Mata at smsparadox@sbcglobal.net and she will provide you with a picture of your child along with their age and clothing sizes. She will also provide a list of suggested items for your shoebox and instructions as to how it needs to be packaged. The gifts will be delivered on Sunday Dec 16^th. You are welcome to join them to deliver the gifts just contact her for the details.

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