SUBJECT: Odessa from Paruima

AUTHOR: Heidi Burgdorff, Age 15, lives with her parents, 2 sisters, and cousins in the village of Kaikan, Guyana, near the Venezuelan border.

DATE: May 13, 1997

Odessa (right) singing with friend Nansha in Paruima

When I went to Paruima in the beginning of April I made several new friends. One, in particular, was a 14 year old girl named Odessa Percy. I spent one night with her and found out more about her.

Odessa was born on February 22 in Paruima to Laverne and Lawrence Percy (her parents). She had an older brother, but he died a few years ago when he was 12. She now has a younger sister named Maunisa (6 years old) and a brother, Keizer, who is 3. Her father works in the mines and on their farm to support the family. He would like to send Odessa to the U.S. so she can be exposed to the American culture, but they probably won't be able to get the money.

Odessa speaks Arekuna and English. Her favorite color is red. She likes dogs more than any other animal. She is in

Historical Mission House in Paruima

Form 3 (same as grade 8 in the US) in school, and her favorite subject in English. She is involved in Pathfinders and choir (she is a Voyager in Pathfinders). Her favorite song is one that we taught her: "I Want To Praise You Lord." Odessa loves to play soccer and swim. She has received 6 medals and 1 trophy for swimming.

Odessa is a really nice girl who loves the Lord and is actively involved in her church. She is outgoing and has a lot of friends. When I was at her house she was communicating through whistling to a friend. That night about 15-20 kids came over and we sang a bunch of songs, mainly the ones we had taught them. I had fun, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet her.

Your friend,

Heidi

You may write to Heidi at: gates@andrews.edu

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Last Updated: May 13, 1997