Long distance writing friendship continues for over 10 years

OTTAWA - It may be over 1,700 miles between Ohio and El Salvador, but Ottawa resident Barb Diemer, feels close to a pen pal she has had in this country since 1998.

Diemer was attending a mission at a Leipsic Church when those attending were asked to consider sponsoring a young child.

Diemer said she liked the idea and decided to do it. “At first I thought I might get a little boy,” she admitted, but she began sponsoring a young girl who was 4 ½ at the time.

Gabriela Betzaida Funes Perez was born October 14, 1994.

“That date means something to me,” Diemer admitted. Her eldest son Bobby Riepenhoff died in a car accident on April 13, 1984.

Diemer said she sends money monthly for the support of the little girl and hopes to meet her some day.

“As she grew older she started writing me and making her own stationary,” Diemer said. Since the girl wrote in Spanish, a translator with the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging translates the letter before Diemer receives it.

Each Christmas Diemer receives a handmade card drawn by Perez. “I’ve kept them all,” Diemer said. “They are very special to me.”

Perez also tells Diemer how she spends the Christmas money she receives from Diemer.

“One year she bought a chest of drawers,” Diemer said. “She said the top two drawers were for her and the bottom was for her younger brother.”

Diemer said she likes to share stories about her family and pictures with Perez. “I explain how we live around here and what our schools are like.

“It’s obvious here talents are coloring and painting. She’s very artistic,”

Diemer said she has always enjoyed having pen pals and finds it enjoyable writing to Perez.

“When I was in third grade I joined a pen pal club through the St. Anthony Magazine,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed writing and have always been interested in other people.”

Diemer said it is nice to do something that helps take care of another person. “I hope my letters and money are helping to fill a void in her life,” she said. Perez father has a monthly income of $150. Diemer said Perez sleeps on a craft matt and her mother cooks on a gas stove.

Perez is now 15 years old. “It’s been fun watching her grow in the pictures she sends,” Diemer said.