The Impact of Child Sponsorship

I traveled to Honduras this summer to visit my sponsored children through Manna 4 Lempira and to work with the other children in the sponsorship program.  I wasn't planning to sponsor any additional children during the trip, but also knew that was something I never really planned.  The first full day of the trip found us at a small church, doing profile updates and registering new children into the program.  As children were coming through the line, the bright smile of one girl caught my eye.  Something about her joy captivated me.  I soon learned that the reason for this joy was that she was being registered into the program for the first time that day.

While I think it's great to sponsor a child just because you have the desire to do so, I already sponsor so many that at this point, I was only adding more if I had a specific leading from God.  When this girl smiled at me, though, I didn't even think about it.  I walked up to her (with my translator) and asked if I could be her sponsor.  My friend caught a picture of this precious moment.

Her excited YES and jumping up and down was followed by many questions- What is your name?  How many children do you sponsor?  When are you coming back?  I already started writing a letter for my future sponsor, but it's not finished!  How do I get it to you?  Pure joy.

I learned that her name was Wendi.

I had brought gifts for my other children who I'd planned on visiting, but didn't have anything for Wendi.  My teammates and I all went through our stashes and were able to pull together a few gifts for her: A beautiful necklace with gems floating inside (so fitting for a girl who lights up an entire room when she enters), a shirt that says "Girls Can Do Anything" in Spanish, and a sweet floral sun dress.  

Wendi squealed with excitement when I gave her these gifts- the gifts that fit her personality so well, despite being chosen out of desperation.  I hadn't known she existed before that day, but God did.  Later that night, she showed up at the church service wearing her new dress.  And that's when God put all the pieces together.  At the very top of her dress was one single purple flower.  

singing in the children's choir

Those of you who know me, or have been reading this blog for any length of time, know that purple flowers are my personal reminder of God's promises.  When I saw the flower on Wendi's dress, I realized that God had seen her all along.  Maybe her sponsorship was an impulsive decision on my end, but God knew.  This became even more evident when I visited her home.  Wendi's mother shared with me that Wendi is determined to continue in school and is currently completing 7th grade despite the challenges her single mother faces to provide school supplies.  I was honored to share with her about the love of her Heavenly Father who brought us together to make sure she had what she needed.  I also let her know about the backpack project, and that all of her school supplies would be provided this upcoming school year.

Our next few days together were so beautiful.   I took her and one of my other girls, Angie, for a fun day at a local pool.  I have never seen someone more excited or thankful to wear a swim suit or eat chicken for lunch.  

I've always known the backpack project was a huge deal and gave children the tools they need to reach their God-given potentials in education for the first time.  Wendi's story made me realize that for some children, it does so much more.  For Wendi and many like her, receiving a backpack means receiving a physical reminder that God is a good Father who provides for His children.  It means realizing they are children of opportunity.  If you are interested in sponsoring a child like Wendi, or packing a backpack for a child who doesn't have a sponsor, please contact me or the Manna 4 Lempira page on Facebook.