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Dreams of Soccer and a Better Life
In Brazil, World Vision works with many children, like Márcio, who come from a background of violence. By incorporating activities like art, music, and sports – like soccer! – into school curricula, World Vision encourages children to stay in school and off the street.
Read Márcio's story!
A bed and a video game are the presents that Márcio dreamed of having last Christmas. With an infectious smile and a curious look, this 10-year-old boy is attentive to details and interested in learning about new things, such as the camera that snapped his picture.
He also can't wait to start participating in activities through World Vision's Okan Erê community in Salvador, Brazil. There, he'll be able to play football (soccer), learn how to read, and take music lessons.
Márcio is eager to be part of a football team, the sport that his paternal grandmother keeps him from practicing. "My grandmother does not let me play, and then I'm indoors. I do not like being alone at home," he says, dejected.
Now, thanks to World Vision, he will spend his afternoons doing different activities that will help his social and physical development. "I'm not alone anymore in the house," Márcio says, celebrating. He strongly believes that he will learn many things in the new community and adds, "I believe in that with faith in God."
Though he goes to school, Márcio can't read or write, but he doesn't hide his desire to learn and has revealed that his teacher only teaches those students who learn fast. Those with learning difficulties, like him, are left behind.
His cousin, Manuela, 26, believes that Márcio's learning difficulties may be the result of problems during his mother's pregnancy. "She used a lot of drugs, I believe that it had serious effects on his learning [abilities]," she says. But Manuela emphasizes that he will be a great man, because he has a big desire to be someone in life.
At present, Márcio doesn't like the classroom of his current school; he only likes the playground. Now, he is excited to study in another place and be part of the tutoring classes that will be offered through World Vision. He thinks that this project will be better for learning and promises that he will participate in all the activities.
Márcio's hope and joy from having a new place to learn is the best reward for this family, as he has not had many reasons to smile.
He grew up in a scene of destruction. When he was only two, his mother died, so the little boy went to live with his maternal grandmother, who at that time was already caring for an orphaned grandchild. When Márcio was seven, his loving grandmother who was raising him became another victim of the area's urban violence: she was hit by a motorcycle in the neighborhood where she used to live and died in the hospital.
Since then, Márcio has lived with his paternal grandmother, a woman he barely knows. Unfortunately, his relationship with his grandmother is not built on emotional bonds, love, and care, as there should be between grandparents and grandchildren.
Currently, Márcio's father visits on weekends, a man who is a drug user as well. "Nevertheless, I think he's a very beautiful child, full of expectations!" adds his cousin Manuela. "I have the habit of saying to him: 'You'll be a great man!'" she says.
Márcio goes out only on weekends, when his father comes to visit and takes him for a walk. He has two sisters from his father, one older and one younger than him. Asked whether he will take care of his younger sister, he replies: "Yes, I will! If I'm alive." Fear and doubt of not knowing if he will be alive to see the little sister grow up haunt Márcio, who by now has no more smiles in his face. He shows the concern of one who, in such a short time, has suffered much tragedy.
The constant violence in the neighborhood, which also struck Márcio's family, is present in the testimony of this 10-year-old. "My uncle died, he was shot, and my grandmother was hit by a motorcycle. I saw it," he says sadly. "When the news came that she was dead, I didn't want to eat anything," he recalls.
After many losses, Márcio shows in his eyes the hope that this year will be better through the new community. "What I like the most is playing [football] and being with my family," he says. "I won't be naughty, I'll be a good boy."
Curiosity makes him dream and create his own expectations for the future: "I want to learn how to speak English and Spanish to see if I am someone in life. Maybe I can be a photographer," says this boy who repeats "That's cool!" every time the camera zoom lens moves.
He adds, "[I want] to be a football player or pianist."
By Débora Oliveira
(Photo: 2012 Debora-Oliveira/World Vision)
World Vision works with vulnerable children like Márcio and their communities all around the world, working to help bring smiles back to their faces through protection, education, and more.
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Ensuring your pet maintains a healthy weight is one way to help keep Fido or Kitty in your life for a long time.
This week included the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day. Many us spend countless hours worrying about the health of our pets, but many of our pets are overweight or obese. "What's one more treat?" The reality is those extra treats add up and can lead to some serious health issues for your dog or cat. Those extra treats, too much food at mealtimes, and lack of exercise all contribute to obesity.
It is so easy to over-feed your pet without even realizing it.
A decrease in exercise due to poor weather conditions (snow, ice, or persistent rain storms) without a corresponding reduction in the amount of kibble in your dog's bowl can quickly lead to a gain of a few extra pounds. Even using an inaccurate measuring cup can be a source of overfeeding. Weighing your pet's food with a kitchen scale, or using a measuring cup specifically designed for your pet's brand of food are ways to be sure the amount is correct. Ask your veterinarian for help calculating how much food your pet should receive if you are unsure.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Pets that are overweight or obese can end up with serious health problems and their life expectancy can be reduced.
Risks associated with obesity are:
- Increased risk during surgery including complications due to decreased lung, kidney, or liver function
- Increased risk of diabetes.
- Increased risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to increased risk of heart disease and kidney disease.
- A decreased immune response leading to difficulties in fighting infections.
- Reduced endurance and exercise intolerance, worsening the problem.
- Increased risk of arthritis, torn knee ligaments, and spinal problems.
- Gastrointestinal problems including constipation.
- Increased risk of cancer.
- Increased risk of skin disorders.
Some steps to take to reduce the bulge with your pet:
- Ensure you are feeding the appropriate amount of food. Carefully read the food bag or can to determine the amount your pet needs each day. The instructions on the container are average guidelines; every pet's requirements will be different. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for help.
- Eliminate treats, at least until your pet's weight is reduced. Then consider what you are feeding your pet as treats. Is it "junk food" or healthy treats? Many fruits and vegetables are safe for your pets and make great treats – ask your veterinarian what the best treats would be for your pet.
- Exercise! Take your dog for an extra walk in the day, or extend your walks by a few minutes. Remember that the pace at which you walk will impact how much exercise your pet is actually getting. A slow meandering stroll around the block will not burn nearly as many calories as a brisk walk or jog of the same distance. Play fetch or chase games with your cat or dog for 15 minutes each day to increase exercise levels.
Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best feeding plan for your pet. Different life stages require different feeding regimes. Your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic diet to help get your pet back on track with his/her weight. We all love our pets, want the best for them, and want to keep them in our lives for as long as possible.

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to Sports Yoga M2 studio! We offer a small class setting where each student feels welcomed & accommodated. From the moment you come in to the studio, you can feel the warmth and acceptance from our other students. Your teacher is Yogi Satnaam, and his focus is to help find your comfort level in healing with yoga. A regular routine can restore your health to a nurturing, natural, and beneficial life.
As a member of the studio we offer yoga mats, straps, blocks,and lockers all available for use during class. Our Classes are typically 60 minutes long but can occasionally run 75 minutes. To prepare for class please remember to avoid eating 1-2 hours before, wear something comfortable, arrive 5 minutes early, and be ready to work. We recognize things change with your body and you may need special considerations, before class, please inform your teacher of any previous injuries or physical limitations.
Our staff is trained to assist all skill levels and first time yoga students are ALWAYS welcome. We close each class with the term Namaste; it refers to honoring the light in you by honoring the light in others. Please feel free to try a class & see if you find a place in our family. We hope to see you soon!


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The Rewards of Giving Back
Our Eagle Managers just returned from the opportunity of a lifetime. Those of you who haven't been out on open water, whether in a small boat or a large vessel, are truly missing out on something amazing! When I think of what our Eagles experienced – the wind whistling past their ears and the taste of salt water in the air – it takes me back to a very special time in my life.
Around the time I was 20, I took a journey to a place that has become very dear to my heart: Samoa. We sailed for two weeks on the open water. What started as a voluntary mission trip to a place very different from my home created in me a desire to learn more about other cultures and, even more, a passion for giving.
In the many years since I left a piece of my heart in the Samoan islands, I've had the opportunity to return time after time. We've been blessed to restore the home of the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson and turn it into a museum, which is still one of the leading destinations for Samoa tourism. We have also been able to preserve Samoan lands from being timbered, ensuring that more people would be able to visit and enjoy these beautiful islands. There are countless other projects that we have been proud to be a part of in Samoa over the years.
I'm often asked, "what was it about Samoa that captured the spirit of a young man for a lifetime?" There are, of course, many answers to that question: the people, the culture and the food just to name a few. But ultimately, it's the same thing that has ignited my passion over the years at Forever: the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact.
Many of you have had an opportunity to get involved with some of our various pursuits with Forever and Forever Giving. Our Pack for Phineas campaign in South Africa last year still amazes me. All the clothing and toys we collected for the people of Soweto exceeded our wildest dreams and left an impact long after we left. I know over the last year many of your countries have hosted meal packing events for Rise Against Hunger, and have helped feed families all over the world. Did you know that we are well over our 1 million meal goal for 2017?
Events like these are important because by giving back we get an opportunity to share and support those that need help and empathize with and learn more from the world around us. I've found that giving enriches my life and the connection I made to Samoa so many years ago and continued throughout my life was greatly in part because of how much it opened my eyes.
I hope in those moments when you are standing on the deck of a ship on a trip you've earned, driving a new car or enjoying a quiet afternoon with your family, that you take the time to ask yourself, what can I give to others today? Because as they say, when you give, you receive many times over.
Forever Yours,
Rex Maughan
CEO, Forever Living Products
Rex shared his story of Samoa with the Eagle Managers this year. Watch his message below.