Melania and Irma are 16 and 13 years old. They are not only cousins, but best friends. I had sponsored Melania for almost two years at the time that I added Irma, and wondered if it would cause jealousy. I was relieved to receive a letter from Melania right before this visit in which she shared, "I know that you sponsor my cousin Irma, and for me it is a great joy, because now we are not two, but three. I prayed for Irma to have a good sponsor like you. I would like to spend time with you again, along with Irma." Her sincerity was clear, and my fears ceased.
Melania (left) and Irma (right)
Just weeks before the trip, though, I got the long-awaited opportunity to sponsor Estefani (see our story here and here.) When I arrived to our visit and began talking with Melania and Irma, it quickly became clear to me that they had not been informed of this. They seemed surprised and possibly a little disappointed that they wouldn't have me all to themselves, and whispered to each other about it. Still, they remained excited for every second we were able to spend together. We spent our first morning just sitting and talking. We had some amazing translators this year who constantly encouraged the sponsors and children to pray for each other throughout the visit, so we had some prayer time and shared our favorite bible verses.
I also got to take the incredibly long journey up the mountain to visit their homes. We went part way by bus, but had to get out and walk the last stretch that was too narrow to drive. On the way, the girls and I squeezed into the back of the bus and played with my handheld fan, which they thought was hilarious. Irma had been quiet up to this point; but when she started waving that fan around, she erupted with laughter. This was probably the highlight of my time with Irma.
The girls' homes were near each other and very similar in structure. Despite the challenges the families face, they did not cease to share their most precious gifts with us. Melania's family made us a meal of chicken and rice. Irma's family had bought cookies and Coke in honor of our visit.
In Irma's bedroom where she opened her gifts
During the home visits, I gave the girls the gifts I had brought for them. After giving Irma her gifts, she continued to thank me for the rest of the week, telling me she thought the gifts were "so beautiful". For Melania, who often writes to me asking questions about God's plans for marriage and expressing that she desires to wait for His plans for her, I brought a special purity ring that matches mine, along with a Spanish copy of "The Lady in Waiting".
Throughout our time together, their inner beauty and love for God was evident to everyone.
They even bonded with Estefani and were so patient and loving with her- swimming, coloring, and talking together. Irma especially took my lead and became so motherly to her. It was precious to me to see my girls forming a little family.
At one point towards the beginning of the week, my translator gathered our little group (my 3 girls, plus Irma's sister and Estefani's cousin who had joined us) into a circle. He had me pray over each of the girls, and then had each one pray over me. One of the most precious memories of my life will be the empowerment I saw in these girls as they prayed together.
Later on in the week at the swimming pool, before our final goodbye, Melania pulled me aside and wanted to pray for me again.
Melania and I had some very important talks about Godly friendships and relationships. She has a real desire for these things and for waiting for His purpose for her life. My time with these girls was so precious. I look forward to seeing them again in the near future. They have clearly been set apart for such great things.
What a precious time with your girls. Thank you for sharing it with us! Melania and Irma are beautiful and I love their caring hearts to embrace Estefani.
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