Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Elizabeth's Annual Photo Update

As if my recent "extra" pictures of Elizabeth weren't enough, I also received Elizabeth's annual photo update this week!  I am loving these extra pictures!  It really helps me to feel more connected to my sponsored child, and reminds me that I should keep sending pictures of myself and my family!
My only concern with these photos is that I wonder where her new shoes are that I purchased her!


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Yet another letter from Willy

Willy, my little boy from WV Rwanda is quickly becoming my best letter writer!  Yesterday I received his 6th letter since I started sponsoring him in late August 2013.  That is averaging 1 letter each month!  I am absolutely thrilled with the frequency of letters from his project.  Willy's mother has started to write his letters, and that makes them much more personable.
I think it might be time to send Willy another package!

Monday, February 24, 2014

New photos of Elizabeth




2 wonderful sponsors were visiting Galilee Primary School last week, and I was lucky enough to get several extra pictures of Elizabeth!  Isn't she beautiful?  She looks so reserved in most photos, so I was happy to see her hugging on one of her friends in the photos above.  The children were enjoying lollipops from sponsors as part of a text book drive through plant-a-book.
I am so, so thankful for these extra pictures!

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Archita's photo updated!

I was so surprised to see that my Archita's photo updated at just over 18 months!  I've heard stories of some sponsors waiting 2+ years to see a photo update for their sponsored children.  The first photo I have of Archita was taken in July 2012.  Archita has grown so much since her last photo update!  I love seeing how the little ones change.  18 months is a very long time when you are transitioning from 4 years old to almost 6 years old.
I can't wait to receive her new photos in the mail, and I'm hoping her information updates soon, as well.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Elizabeth's new items!



Back in December, I shopped through Plant-a-Book's OLS shop to send school shoes, a hygiene pack, coloring book/crayons, and a jump rope to Elizabeth, my sponsored child at Galilee Primary School.  Whenever we buy our sponsored children items from the OLS, we get pictures of our child with the items after a couple months.  It is just awesome to see extra pictures of my Elizabeth!  She looks so happy, and I'm hoping that I am a little part of that happiness.  Elizabeth struggles in school, so I'm trying my best to be encouraging to her.
I also ordered Elizabeth a bookbag and school supplies earlier this month, so I'm looking forward to getting that picture in a couple months!


Saturday, February 15, 2014

2nd letter from Archita

I was pleasantly surprised to finally receive a 2nd letter from Archita, who is one of my very first sponsored children.  Archita is sponsored through Compassion in East India.  I received her 1st letter very quickly, but it took almost a full 6 months to receive her 2nd letter.
She drew this fantastic picture of her best friend, Manabi, and told me she likes to draw.  Archita told me that one of the things she and her best friend, Manabi, have in common is that they like to help others.  So sweet!
It's a relief to know that I won't have to put an inquiry in on this little one!  Fingers crossed that her next letter does not take 6 months to get here!  Ironically, this letter was written on January 7, 2014, so it really only took 1 month to arrive.

Friday, February 7, 2014

1st letter from Yeferson


I also received my very first letter from Yeferson this week!  This was the "getting to know me" template from Compassion Guatemala, and it included a picture of Yeferson working on the letter!  I'm excited, as this may mean that I will receive additional pictures throughout Yeferson's sponsorship.
The letter included a fingerprint, and he colored in the state that he lives in.  Not much other information, but I am assuming this letter was written when he was registered in Compassion's program, so I am hopeful that future letters will include more information.  I know this little guy was waiting a VERY long time for a sponsor.
Because Guatemala is a cheaper sponsor tour, I am hoping that I might be able to go on the next Guatemala trip offered, even if it's in the same year as the next East India trip.  Then (fingers crossed that Yeferson will still be in the program 5+ years from now), I would love to take my kids when they are old enough to accompany us on a sponsor tour!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

The "right" Alphonsine received the gift I sent!

Yesterday, I was very pleased to get my thank you note from Alphonsine in Rwanda.  Based on the picture, it appears as though the correct Alphonsine received my financial gift that I sent in November, which is a great relief!
Alphonsine and her Grandmother were able to purchase clothing for Alphonsine, beans, cooking oil, sorghum, salt, and a goat.
Now I see that I just need to send her some shoes in the next package I mail.  I wish I could know how big her feet are, so I could send her some crocs or something.