ffq-lar Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 I'll try to make this short. Over ten years ago Dennis (who makes and sells plans for a machine that grinds mirrors for telescopes) was contacted by a young man from Trujillo, Peru who ordered plans so he could make a mirror and then his own telescope. Jorge was poor, a student, and eager to learn. Over time they became email buddies and friends. When Jorge couldn't find a mirror blank (a thick piece of glass which can be ground and polished to use in a telescope) Den found one and sent it to Peru. The corrupt officials need bribes to deliver any items, especially from outside the country and it cost Jorge quite a bit to get the blank. It had been opened and a huge gouge was found on the back. Luckily it didn't affect the other side so Jorge ground his mirror. While Jorge would be considered middle-class in Peru (his extended family of five shared a three-room mud-brick house with electricity and water) he had trouble saving enough and continuing classes. Dennis would send him money a couple of times a year. I know---red flags! But Jorge sent pictures, small gifts, and it made us feel good that $100 would let the family have some luxuries they couldn't afford. That amount is almost a month's wages in Trujillo. His girlfriend became pregnant, delivered a little girl, and they named her Linda Nicole. Wow. Two years later they added a little boy to their family. Named Dennis. We were honored and laughed that we now had grandchildren! Jorge sent us a link to a youtube today showing little Dennis graduating from Kindergarten and being elected "el Presidente" of his class. So cute! The school system is very structured and the kids wear caps and gowns. We get lots of photos of cultural celebrations with the kids and family. Jorge asked today if we would consent to being the kids godparents. They're Catholic and it's a serious and sobering commitment in the Church. I guess we really are grandparents! Just thought I'd share our favorite Christmas story for this year. What a great feeling to connect with people from far away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apylinski Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 What a wonderful heartfelt story Linda. Especially at this time of the year. Bless you and Dennis for helping Jorge and his family out all these years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neher-in-law5 Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Great story, are you saving your pennies for a trip to see the "grands" now. I hope so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Awe Linda what a great story! Just goes to show that sometimes you just have to take a chance on people and go with your heart! I love when the heart wins!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enchanted Quilting Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 Goosebumps!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg Posted December 21, 2014 Report Share Posted December 21, 2014 What a great story....I needed that today. Imagine how many missed opportunities there are for those of us who run from 'red flags'? Good for you, Grandma Linda! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat C Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 What an awesome story! There are so many good people in this world and these are the stories that we need to hear about. God bless you and Dennis. The family in Peru sounds like a wonderful family also. I hope you can all meet some day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janice Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 What a nice story. It is very heartwarming knowing you have helped someone. Bless you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zora Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 How nice to be asked to be godparents. We were stand-ins for godparents who were unable to attend the Christening..or is it Baptism for the Catholic church. Anyway, it was a nice ceremony and we were honored to fill in even though we are not of that faith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
On Pins and Needles Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 What a lovely Christmas story! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbnt9999 Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 What an inspiration ! Thank you for uplifting my day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethDurand Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 What a great story, and how wonderful to see good things in the world. Thank you for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corey Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 That is love, thanks for sharing Linda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoryJM Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 Such a great story!! So glad it has a happy...not ending...happy continuing??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K. Szymaszek Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 I think that is the number 1 feel good story of the season. Awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K. Szymaszek Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 I think that is the number 1 feel good story of the season. Awesome Oops I hit post twice sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peglu Posted December 22, 2014 Report Share Posted December 22, 2014 This is so awesome! It restores my faith in humanity that there are kind, generous people out there who will do what they can with no expectations. And this time, Dear Linda, you have been rewarded with a wonderful friendship! Good for you! Merry Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonbon Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 You two really are wonderful and giving folks. Glad to know you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharond Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 Congratulations! Wouldn't it be wonderful to see them all in person! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tamarack Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 Lovely story Linda, thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted December 23, 2014 Report Share Posted December 23, 2014 Isn't life wonderful sometimes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyT Posted December 24, 2014 Report Share Posted December 24, 2014 You just made my day! Thanks for sharing a feel-good life story with us and showing us that taking a chance can sometimes lead to better things! I hope someday you may cross paths in person! God Bless you and Dennis! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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