Sponsorship is Life-Changing

Yes, I know that if you are reading my blog, you already know about the life-changing experience of child sponsorship.

Yes, I already know it too.

But, a few days ago, I really, truly grasped that concept, in an entirely new way.

For those of you that have been around for awhile, on my blog, you may remember the boy Antonio that I sponsored for about a year. Antonio's sponsor, David, traveled to the Philippines to serve in mission at an orphanage. Before he left, he found friends that could sponsor his children. I took on his Antonio, from Nicaragua. David did not know how long he would be gone, a few months, a few years, he was truly following where God led him. David returned to Australia (where he lives) after a year in the Philippines. When he returned, we both decided that it was for the best that Antonio and David reconnect. Antonio had asked about David in every letter he wrote to me. It was clear that they had a special connection.

Until last week, I had no idea how much of a connection that Antonio and his mother made with me. Apparently my frequent letters and photos made a large impact on Antonio's life.

David traveled to Nicaragua to visit Antonio and his family.

Apparently, Antonio talked about me several times on this trip and asked about how I was doing. To David's amazement, Antonio had kept all of the letters and photos that I had sent him. Here are Antonio and his mother holding a photo of me with two of my friends.

As if that wasn't great enough, Antonio wanted to make a video for me. This made me cry and laugh at the same time. If there is anything consistent in my life, it's that I am an emotional wreck, anytime I feel a powerful emotion. I blame my mom, I inherited this fun trait from her. :) 

Again, as if one video wasn't enough, Antonio wanted to make another one! He ran inside his home, grabbed the photo of me and talked about some of the letters I wrote to him. Then, he even gives me advice! He's pretty wise for an 11 year old.

I talked to David and he agreed to say hello to Antonio from me in his next letter. He's also going to send a photo I took of me holding his photo. I still have his photos and letters, too.

Sponsorship changes lives, you guys. It really, really does.