(...)
The handing out of the presents continued as children kept on coming into the pension upon having heard that I was back in the village centre. The first one to be handed out the presents was little Jefferson, whose toy cars sent by Carla made his delight.
Eunice was the next one to collect the presents, the letter and money for the school needs sent to her by Katia and Luis, as well as the earrings, necklace and money Lurdes and I sent her sister, Elcy.
Ana Helena followed suit to collect the presents and money for the school needs sent to her by Sofia. I was surprised to see a smile on her face, because from whatI knowof her she rarely expresses her joy.
The siblings Jocelyne and Ivanilde Elena were visibly happy with the presents and money sent to them by their "godmothers", Marie Hélène and Rosa respectively.
And so was Josefine with the outfit and matching earrings, together with the money for the school needs sent to her by Cecilia.
Nolita couldn't hide her joy as she was handed out the disposable camera, a bracelet and some earrings she had asked her "godmother" Filipa for, not to mention the money for her school needs.
Jessica and Lola were the next girls to get the presents and money sent to them by Lurdes and Carla Carreira respectively and again joy could be seen in their facial expressions.
I was fortunate enough to have been able to count on the precious help provided by Beta, who gave me several dresses to be handed out to the girls, whose "godparents" hadn't provided me with anything, as well as Mr. Breitenstein's financial contribution, which ended up being used to buy presents and books for children who aren't supported by anyone yet or the ones whose "godparents" forgot to send them anything, this having been the case of Eviline, Márcia, Carla Verónica, Helber and Ismael (amongst several others).
Dulce and her daughter Eviline holding the dresses I was gently handed out by Beta for Eviline herself and her sister Márcia.
Carla Verónica holding the dress kindly given to her by Beta. Her school needs were equally payed by someone else rather than her "godmother" (Amigas de Portugal - a group who put some money aside to pay for the children, whose school needs were not ensured by their supposed "godmothers").
The cousins Helber and Ismael holding the T-shirts, books and colouring pens bought with the money provided by Mr. Breitenstein.
I believe some people are not aware that once they have "theoretically" committed themselves to a "cause" they should stick to it, if for no other reason than the moral commitment at least to ensure they meet the children's expectations, the ones they "built up" when they decided to become their so called "godparents".
It doesn't take much to make a child happy and even less to ensure that they are provided with the necessary support to keep on attending school. I will always be indebted to those who have gone beyond their own "obligations" and further helped me with this project.
(To be continued)
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