Think it might feel like Christmas by the time this all makes it to my sponsored child, Delia, in Ecuador. With money a bit tight, I spent several hours going through my house looking for good gifts. Most of the things I found were in great shape and very use able. I found a pocket size photo album and a couple bracelets and a silk scarf (things for her mother and sister.) I got a few household things at the Dollar Store. One of the gifts I am most excited about is a locket I found from when I was a child. It has Washington DC on it. It is a nice size and I was able to glue my picture in there. I hope Delia will wear it and that it will remind her that I love and care for her.
I also found Prince Caspian in Spanish and picked up a tiny stuffed lion to go with the book. Then there are binoculars for her father and an t-shirt for her brother. There's also an assortment of candy and gum for her friends.
It all went into this backpack that I had used many years ago. It is in great condition. That in itself probably works as a gift.But honestly, the best gift is the letter that is going along with it.
Do you have a Compassion Child? Do you write regularly?
A friend recently went on a Compassion trip. She said that the graduates told how much the letters meant to them. She was sad to learn that 30% of sponsors don't write.
That made me sad. To think of a child watching other children get letter after letter and never getting one.
Letters don't have to be big deals. You can do them on line even. They are life lines to hungry souls because they say, "I believe in you. I am rooting for you!" I try to write every couple of weeks even though I know that I will probably only get a letter back every quarter. Still, it seems the right thing to do.
Yes, all the things I'm sending are great. I love the opportunity because it makes her seem real in a new way. But, the best gift in the bag is the letter that tells her I love her and pray for her.
So, if you have a child -- write. Write about what you do in simple terms. Write about your church. Write about shoveling snow. Write about your pets. Write about how you came to know Jesus. Remember you are building a chain of hope in those letters.
6 comments:
How sweet! We sponsor three little ones through World Vision and are limited on what we are allowed to send. I'm jealous! I wish I could load up a backpack for our kids! We do enjoy writing to them, though. It's such a great thing for my kids to be involved in. (I love the pic. of you and your sis in the previous post--what dollbabies!)b
Your post today inspired me to sponsor a child. I selected a boy from Brazil who is the same age as my oldest nephew! I'm excited about the opportunity to be a part of this global mission!!
I have been struggling as of late to discover what God's plan is for me. Sometimes I wish God would send me an intinerary of what is in store :)
Perhaps this is the start of what God is calling me to do. I am also going on a mission trip to Guatemala July 22-31st (my 1st one EVER and the 1st time I will be out of the U.S.).
Patience is not one of my virtues...I have been praying diligently about this because it literally has been keeping me up at night!
We have one child thru Compassion and several others thru World Vision....I wasn't aware thast we could send things to our Compassion child....I have written to her but unfortunately not enough...after reading how much the letters mean to them, I will try harder. Thanks
"Your post today inspired me to sponsor a child. I selected a boy from Brazil who is the same age as my oldest nephew!"
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALK'N ABOUT.
Praise be to God (way to go Amy--keep'em coming sister).
cd
Thanks for the reminder! At She Speaks I signed up for a little girl. She's so precious. I will write her tonight. You know Alivia is all over this! ;)
Hi Amy!
The name of the boy I sponsored is Francisco. He is 10 years old. I can't wait to get my information so that I can send him a letter. I love to write letters!
As far as my trip goes.....here is some general info about when we leave and when we return (I'm sure I will blog about it in the coming weeks!) We depart from Milwaukee at 5:35 am (YIKES- I am NOT a morning person - pray that I don't miss my flight!) on July 22nd, travel through Houston and arrive in Flores around 5:45 p.m. I will be returning on July 31st at 3:30 pm. Thank you in advance for your prayers - they are much appreciated!
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