Last year Peyton and I took in The Compassion Experience. I wanted to teach my child about helping others and giving hope to those less fortunate. We went through the exhibit and learned about the lives of 3 children – Rueben, Brinda and Julia. I was moved by these children’s experiences. Because of Compassion International and generous sponsors these children were lifted up from poverty, saved from violence and given a chance at a better life. Peyton was surprised to see how other children lived in different parts of the world. It was difficult for her to comprehend the situations these three children had to deal with.
By the end of the exhibit, I knew we needed to adopt a child. I knew we needed to help a little one get a chance at a better life. We walked through the room and looked at the pictures of all the children hoping to be adopted by a sponsor. It was so hard to choose just one of those precious faces. I wanted to save them all. So I let Peyton lead the way, she wanted to adopt a little girl around the same age as her.
As we looked through the cards we noticed there were birthdates on each card. Once Peyton noticed this she wanted to find a little girl with the same birthday as her. Unfortunately, there was not one. So we decided to find a little girl with my birthday and Peyton’s birth year. That is how we came to find Maria. Maria is just a few months younger than Peyton. We filled out the card and waited for the process to began.
Over the last year and half we have made sure our sponsorship has continued with Maria. Every month we donate $38 to help with Maria’s medical needs, education and food. At Christmas time and her birthday I try to send a little extra. Every child deserves to feel special and be remembered on those days. I don’t write to Maria as often as I would like to. Time always seems to get away from me. But when I do, I let her know that she is loved and we care about her and her future.
I also receive a monthly newsletter from Compassion International. This month, they shared Olive’s Story. Reading it made my heart break. No child should ever have to endure what Olive did. I am so thankful Olive was able to leave the dangerous environment behind, fight a life-threatening illness and beat it. She now lives in the United States and helps other children.
When I read stories like Olive’s it makes me want to adopt more children. Unfortunately, that’s not a financial possibility. But I can share Compassion International with all of you. If you are looking for a charitable cause or to make a difference look into Compassion International. They have children of all ages waiting to be adopted. Your monthly donation will help these children get the medical attention they need, the education they desire and give them a foundation for a better life. If you are unable to commit to a monthly donation, think about a 1-time gift. These gifts help assist those children waiting for adoption.
No child should have to endure what these children see on a daily basis.
If you are able to please sign up to sponsor a child. You can write to child online or the traditional way. Your child will answer back. I cannot wait to see what amazing things my Maria does. I cannot wait to see what she becomes when she is older. And one day I hope to meet Maria and her family.
Make a difference this holiday season and give hope to a child in need.
janie vezina says
trying to bring so much of this home to my kids. a thought alot of us need to remember