Adiany and Emely

At the start of the 2020 pandemic while we were all completely quarantined, some friends and I were looking through the photos of newly registered children in the sponsorship program.  We decided to do something meaningful during such a weird time and each chose a new child to sponsor.  I was captivated by Adiany's sweet smile, and I quickly chose her.  

Adiany’s original profile photo

It honestly felt more impulsive than holy at the time.  Not because of Adiany of course, but simply because I hadn’t put much thought and prayer into it ahead of time.  Still, I prayed for God to use it; and I soon learned just how perfect of a match we really were.

From Adiany's very first letter, I knew she was a remarkable little girl with so much depth and so many things to say.  At just 11 years old, she was already inviting me to come to her 15th birthday party.   When she shared a bible verse with me and I responded telling her that the verse helped me during a difficult time, she responded wanting to know details of why it was difficult.  She used letters as a place to pour out her heart about trouble with friends, how she copes through music, how she was excelling in school, and how much she loves her little nephew.  Much like me in my teen years, she clearly found comfort in fixating on her favorite celebrities and confiding in older mentors.  From the start of our relationship, I understood Adiany better than I understand most people.

With the first backpack I sent her

In November 2022, I was finally able to meet Adiany in person, along with her younger sister Emely.  We had a great day playing with the program director’s pets, visiting the botanical gardens and cafe, and going out for lunch.  

With Adiany and Emely (right) & 2 of my other girls (left)

In person, Adiany was very quiet and reserved.  Also much like me, I learned that she expresses herself easier through writing when she has time to think about what to say.  I wrote her a letter shortly after our visit and assured her that I am this way too.

Soon after our visit, her younger sister Emely who had been on our visit lost her sponsor.  Knowing how close these girls are, I knew I had to sponsor her too.

In December 2023, I was able to return to visit Adiany and Emely again.  Completely different than the year before, this time the girls had warmed up to me and were extremely outgoing.  It was so fun to watch them sing and joke together, mimic their favorite cartoons, ask me to take selfies with them, and drag me (and our whole group) around town to show me their favorite places such as a library, soccer field, and historical fortress.

I never get tired of the ways God writes our stories and weaves us into each other’s lives so seamlessly.  Adiany and Emely fit so perfectly, and I can’t wait to see how our bonds continue to strengthen in the future.