Five Letter Friday: Volume 25

It's time to get back on track with posting my letters. I said I would start up again in 2019 and here I am, keeping my promise. :)

We start the first letter post of the new year with a letter from Nico. He wrote his letter on the template titled My Hobbies & Pets.

Nico is 7 years old, lives in Indonesia, and this letter is dated October 26th, 2018.

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1. Some of my hobbies are: Drawing

2. I like to do my hobbies: By myself 

3. Do I have a pet?: Yes 

4. My pet's name is: Cat 

5. One day, I would like to have a pet named: Puss

Dear Kayla, 

Greetings in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. How are you? I hope that you are doing fine. Thank you for the letter you sent me and for sharing your stories. I'm so happy to hear from you. What are your daily activities? I just finished taking a school examination and I am happy to have good grade results. I always pray for you to be under God's protection. Please continue to pray for me and my family. That's all for me. God bless you. 

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Up next is a short letter from Jhoyra. Even in short letters, she's great at sharing details. I enjoy reading letters from her so much.

Jhoyra is 12 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter was written on November 17th, 2018.

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Dear Sponsor, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus. I thank you for the pictures and stories that are nice. I want to tell you that we had a parade saying "No to Halloween". Also on that day, we celebrated International Day of the Church. I am glad that Chloe and Gage are well. When do you celebrate Thanksgiving? Do you have a boyfriend? I will pray for you. I say goodbye with a kiss and a hug. 

Love,

Jhoyra

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Onto a letter from Brian, who I can't believe is getting so old! I have been writing to him for several years now. He's growing into a great young man. 

Brian is from Kenya. He is 17 years old. He wrote this letter on November 3rd, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping that you are doing well with all of your family. My family and I are doing fine and God has been our protecting. I received all the letters that you wrote to me. The stories were really enjoyable and the stories were amazing. We have closed our school for a long holiday. I plan to help my mother doing work and going to church almost every day. Before I wind up, I have a memory verse to share with you, Psalm 121:1-2. Thank you for your support and letters. May God bless you. 

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Now I will share a letter from Rebecca, my girl who is involved in so many activities and seems to enjoy and be great at all of them. I am looking forward to where the leads bring her and what her ultimate plan for the future will be. 

Rebecca is 11 years old, lives in the Philippines and her letter is dated November 3rd, 2018. 

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Dear Ate Kayla, 

How are you and your family? Here we are all okay. What kind of weather do you have there? We are experiencing hot weather, so the flow of water is slow. In our school, we had an examination and I got a high score. Next week, we will be having a Girl Scout encampment and I'm hoping that I can join. Help me to pray for that matter please. The story of the Elves and the Shoemaker is nice and I hope that all people will be like the elves. God bless you. Yes, I can helping you in praying for Gage and Chloe. 

Love,

Rebecca

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And this post will wrap up with a letter from Habtamu. It's great to hear from him!

Habtamu is 9 years old, from Ethiopia, and his letter is dated November 27th, 2018.

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My Dear Friend,

How are you doing? I'm doing very well. I'm learning my academics very well. Exams are coming up so I am studying hard. I got the letter you sent to me, so thank you very much. The drawing page made me so happy. I would like to give you Proverbs 1:7. I would like you to pray for my family, my academics, and my country. Until the next letter, goodbye. I love you so much. 

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Five Letter Friday (On a Saturday): Volume 16

Well, it seems like posting a day late is a theme for this week. It's been a pretty high-anxiety and difficult week for me, so I'm not surprised things like blogging have fallen by the wayside. I will get back on track next week.

But since the week isn't over yet, I can still post five letters for you all to read.

We'll start with a letter from Rebecca, who is being her typical chatty self. I love that, of course!

Rebecca is 10 years old, lives in the Philippines, and her letter is dated August 18th, 2018.

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Dear Ate Kayla, 

Good day! How are you and your family? We are fine here. I joined the A1 Child Competition and I won. We are done with our English test and also the test in Values Education and I got perfect scores. I don't know about the other results. I sleep on the wooden floor and I place my foam mat on top. The distance between my house and the learning center is 3 km. Our water supply comes from the water district. What's your weather there? Until now, my father has not found a job because of his rheumatism. That's what it's hard for him to find work. Every October, I attend Girl Scout camping. What people here usually do during vacation is go to the beach to swim, but this time we are having a family reunion. Please pray for me so that I can submit all of my projects into school, like a world map. Thank you so much and God bless you. 

Love,

Rebecca

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Our next letter comes from the same country, from Jhonrex. This young man is so ridiculously inspiring to me. Even though he's now an adult, he continues to try to succeed in school. I know that it's been insanely hard for him. His perseverance is something I aspire to have.

Jhonrex is 18 years old, lives in the Philippines, and he wrote this letter on August 24th, 2018.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hi, I am thankful to God that you always send me a letter and I am thankful that you are always praying for me. I am doing fine in my studies and I'm now in 7th grade. Please pray for good health, especially for my mother's pregnancy this time around. How have you been? What course did you finish? Til' your next letter. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Jhonrex 

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Next is a letter from Brian, who seems to really enjoy the stories I've been sending this year. :) 

Brian is 16 years old, lives in Kenya, and he wrote this letter on September 8th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

It has been good hearing from you once more. I am so happy to hear that you are fine. I hope that your family is fine too. As for me and my family, we're doing fine. In my country is sometimes hot and sometimes cold. I got your letter and I really enjoyed reading it. The story about the prince and the princess, I really enjoyed. It was so funny, I even read it to my cousins. They enjoyed it too. We are now heading towards the longest holiday, which is in December, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I wish you all the best as you celebrate. Read Philippians 2:6-10. 

Goodbye,

Brian

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We now move onto our only template letter for this particular blog post. It is from Samuel and he wrote to me on the My House template. 

Samuel is 7 years old and is from Honduras. His letter is dated September 5th, 2018. 

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1. In my house, I sleep in: A bed 

2. In my house, we get water from: A tank 

3. My house is made of: Cement blocks 

4. The floor in my house is made of: Ceramic 

5. My house has a roof made of: Corrugated Iron 

Hello Dear Kayla, 

It is Samuel's brother who is writing to you. I hope you are well in health, beside your loved ones. I want to tell you that my brother is doing well in his classes. He is going into 4th quarter. He is well in health. He wants to ask you what will you do for your next birthday? What will you eat? What is your favorite color? I leave you, wishing you that God blesses you each day of your life. I hope to have news from you soon. Please pray for my life and my family's life. 

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The last letter of today's post comes from Jhojaira. Just a short note, compared to other of her letters, but I cherish it, none of the less. Such a wonderful young woman. 

Jhojaira is 14 years old, lives in Peru, and her letter is dated September 15th, 2018. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus. I want to tell you that these months, I am well and am spending more time with my parents. I am excited because my 15th birthday is coming and here in Peru, it's an important day. I thank you for the story you wrote in the letter. I liked it a lot and it was the first time I had heard that story. It was funny. Do you like to read a lot? Please pray for me to do better in school and also for my family to be united always. I say goodbye with much love. 

Jhojaira

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Five Letter Friday: Volume 2

Another Friday, another five letters. Without further ado...

We start with a letter from Brian. This is an extra long letter from him, compared to his usual letters. In response to all of the stories I've been telling my kids, Brian responded with a story of his own.

Brian is 16 years old, from Kenya, and he wrote this letter on May 10th, 2018.

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Dear Kayla, 

Receive warm greetings in genius name, hoping that you are fine together with your family. My family and I are doing well and we give thanks to almighty God. I am happy to write a letter again. I received the letters that you wrote for me and I am happy to know new stories. I have one story I want to share with you. It is about three sons and their father. 

"There once were three boys and their father. Their father taught them goals and morals. So one day the father called them and gave each an egg. The father them each to hide it where nobody could see them. One of the boys hide an egg in a hole. Another hid it under the bed. The last hid the egg in a bush. When they finished, they went and told their father they had hidden the eggs. The father started asking, "who saw you when you were hiding them?" The boys said "no one was." The father said there was only one person who was looking at them. That person was God. From the day, the boys knew that God is everywhere and they were happy. 

Before I wind up I have a memory verse which gives me hope in my life and I want to share with you. It is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a better future." 

Thank you for your support and may God bless you. 

Goodbye, 

Brian

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The next letter is from my little Samuel. This letter is his very first letter to me and is written on the "My First Letter" template.

Samuel is 7 years old and lives in Honduras. He wrote his letter on May 8th, 2010.

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1. I want to tell you I live with: My dad Osman, my mom Lorena, my brother Abner

2. Near to my house, there is a: School, church, and police station. 

3. My favorite is: Chinese rice 

4. My house is located in: Francisco Morazan 

Hello, 

How are you, dear sponsor? This is Samuel's brother writing. I want to tell you that my brother is big and healthy. He really likes going to school because he has many friends. He likes to play soccer, eat fruit, and ride a bike. He helps a lot at home. We say goodbye with the blessings of God always in your life.

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Now I share a letter from Gary. I have been hearing in the news and getting notifications from Compassion that things are very hostile in Nicaragua right now, with many protests leading to injuries and deaths. It sounds very scary and my kids are starting to mention things like this in their letters. Breaks my heart. No child (or even older teen) should have to worry about things like that. 

Gary is 17 years old. His letter is dated April 27th, 2018. 

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Dear and Esteemed Sponsor Kayla, 

I hope you are in good health. Thanks for your sponsorship. I want to tell you that I am sick. I have the flu and I am coughing. I am already taking medicines. My family is fine, thank God. We are worried because there have been problems in my country. There have been many protests against the government. The social security policy has been reformed by the president. There are dead and injured people. There has been pillage. There have been protest marches searching for peace. We trust God to take control of the situation. I am still attending the project. There have been many activities. I want to tell you that I went to a lagoon and to a park. I have been playing soccer with my neighbors. I am so happy to know that you are working with children. I promise to pray for you and your students. You have a great job! Are the kids okay? I'm glad to know that you are a teacher. I want to tell you that it rained and my house was flooded, but we are okay now. What school class do you enjoy the most with your students? Are you still taking care of Gage and Chloe? I always pray for God to bless you. I ask you to pray for me and my family. I want you to pray for my country. We want peace. I say goodbye with so much love. God bless you! 

Gary

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I am so grateful for this next letter, from Celeste. It had been quite a long time since I heard from her. Long enough to have to put in an inquiry. This letter arrived just 5 days after I asked for the inquiry. Not sure what the hold up on her letters were, but I'm glad they answered so fast and had Celeste write a letter! 

Celeste is 16 years old, from Honduras, and wrote this letter on June 1st, 2018. 

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Hello Dear and Beautiful Sponsor Kayla, 

Thanks to God, my family and I are very well. I hope in God that you also find yourself very well in health. The story of Little Red Riding Hood is very cool and beautiful. I have already heard that story and have seen the movie Little Red Riding Hood. I have also heard about the Gruff goats. Even though I've heard them before they were still interesting. Thank you very much for these stories and I hope you continue to write me many more. I will be waiting for your story with much desire and I am eager to read them. I also thank you for the very nice pages to color. I want to tell you that I have doing very well in school and I am working hard since this is my last year. I plan to go on to study for a master's degree so that I can help others. I know it is a lot of work but I will try to do it and reach my goals, with the help of God. I ask for your prayers so that I can achieve it. Your prayers will be of great help. I say goodbye to you with lots of love, kisses, and hugs. I'll be waiting for your next letter. 

Celeste

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Today's last letter is from my young man Jule. He also seems to have some great goals. I hope he will be able to achieve them! 

Jule is 14 years old, from Rwanda, and his letter is dated June 6th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I am your child Jule. I greet you in the name of Jesus. I thank you for the way you care for me and pray for me. I am trying at school. I got 40% marks and was ranked 33rd in my class. Please pray for me to at least by among the top ten students. I like reading English books, which pleases my family. I thank you for the letter you sent to me, sharing your news. My family and I are good. It pleases me to hear that you pray for me. I am glad that your people who were sick got well. I share Romans 10:9-10 because is blesses me so much. God bless you! I conclude by thanking you. 

Jule

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Just Some Enjoyable Letters

It's been a lovely week with several lovely letters. Let's read them today.

Let's start with a letter from Sevenson. It's been awhile since I heard from him. Even with his letters few and far between, I love reading his letters.

Sevenson is 16 years old and lives in Haiti. His letter is dated December 16th, 2017.

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Dear Kayla, 

It is a great pleasure for me to write this letter to you. How are you and your activities and your family? My family and I are well by God's grace. I always succeed at school. My church is going well. What is the weather like in your country. Here it is cold now. When do you celebrate Christmas in your country? I celebrate Christmas every December 24th in my country. I thank you for the letter. Pray that I will succeed in everything that I undertake. 

Sevenson

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Next, a letter from Sunrei. Such a wonderful writer for such a young child. Love every detail in every letter. 

Sunrei is 10 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter was written on February 20th, 2018. 

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Dear Godmother Kayla, 

I greet you with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for the beautiful letter that you sent me. I want to tell you that I am enjoying summer. I went to the beach with my family, my tutor, and my friends from church. At Christmas, I had a good time with my family, set off firecrackers with my cousins, and had a turkey dinner with Russian salad, hot cocoa, and Christmas fruit cake. My uncle gave me a gift of a cosmetic set and my mom gave me perfume. How good is God?! Also, I took a boat ride with my family at the beach. I want you to read John 16:27, "No, the father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." Also read 2 Peter 3:1-8. We should look for God more. What is the name of your congregation? I ask you to pray for my mom and my sisters. I say goodbye to you with love. 

Sunrei

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Onto a letter from Brian. It sounds like he's really starting to think about his future, which I love. I hope he achieves all of his dreams. 

Brian is 16 years old, from Kenya. His letter is dated February 10th, 2018. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping that you are doing well together with your family. My family and I are doing well and God has been our protector. Also my family sends you greetings. I have another opportunity to send a letter to you again. Thank you for the letters you wrote for me. I was very happy while reading them. They are very interesting and it is interesting learning more about your country. I am working hard so that I can go to university and study civil engineering. I love the ideas the engineers use to make roads and wish one day that I can be like them. Before I wind up, I have a memory verse to share with you from Psalm 125:1, which says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mt. Zion, which can never be shaken or destroyed." My Christmas was good and I celebrated at home with my relatives. It was enjoyable and there was all kinds of food. Thank you for your support and may God bless you. Good bye. 

Brian

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And I will end this post with a letter from Marilyn, which she wrote on the My Dreams template. It so fun to hear about the dreams of our littlest kiddos, isn't it? I hope I get to write to Marilyn for a long time to see how her dreams grow and develop. 

Marilyn is 8 years old and lives in El Salvador. Her letter is dated January 30th, 2018. 

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1. When I grow up, I want to be: A teacher 

2. I would like to see: Snow

3. Someday I would like to: Travel on a Boat

4. Someday I would like to meet my sponsor because: To thank her for the benefits of being sponsored 

5. Someday I would like to meet: Jesus and the president of my country

Marilyn greets you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. She hopes you are blessed well and she hopes that in this new year, God gives you many blessings. She thanks you for your wish of finishing the last year well. She requests that you pray for her so that God always helps her. She says goodbye for you. Because this child cannot write yet, this letter is written by a third person. 

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End of 2017 Letters: Part 2

Let's read some more letters! Whoo hoo!

We'll begin with a letter from Enmanuel from the Dominican Republic. He promises a photo in his next letter. I really hope he remembers!

Enmanuel is 9 years old and his letter is dated November 1st, 2017.

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Hello Dear Kayla, 

God bless you. I want to know how you are. How are you doing? I'd like to know how you celebrate Christmas. You asked me a question and yes, I can send you a photo and I will send you one after my birthday celebration. Until then, I will do my best to draw a picture of my family. I ask you to pray for me and my family. I'll be praying for you and your family. 

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Now a letter from my sweet, not-so-little guy, Daniel. His letters are always such a joy to read. I've had a mystery connection with Daniel since the very beginning. There is just something special about him, to me. 

Daniel is 12 years old and lives in Colombia. His letter is dated October 24th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello dear sponsor. How have you been? I am glad to greet you again and to communicate with you nicely. I now answer your questions so you can know more about me. My favorite clothes are jeans and t-shirts so I can look young. My favorite foods are cooked plantains, steak with onions, and rice. God has blessed me with a beautiful place to live. I live with my dad and he is a tutor at the CDC. I also live with my mom, who works in a bakery. My siblings are Adrian, Ingrid, and Miguel. We all live together in a house that God has given us. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a big patio. Regarding my CDC, it has two floors. On the upper floor, there are 3 classrooms, toilets, an office, the file room, and the computer room for our homework. On the ground floor, there is a huge dining room, the TV room, the kitchen, and other toilets. What I like to do in my spare time is play soccer. What I most like to do is spend time with my siblings. I have spent many nice and funny moments with them. I do not remember the last time I attended a party, but I'm sure I had a good time. My best friend is God, however I spent the most time with my friend Julian. My advice for younger children is to not be rude. Thanks for keeping in mind my sister's 15th birthday. I will celebrate my birthday with my family and I will share snacks with them. I moved to another neighborhood and I started studying in a new school. There are 41 girls and 41 boys. Some of them are friendly and some others are complex. I see you had and saw an eclipse. How was that experience for you? I hope to watch a sun eclipse someday. I thank you so much for sharing with me. Pray for me so much. Read Psalm 23. I love you so much. 

Daniel 

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Next, a letter from Brian. The letter is lacking some detail, but the drawing he sent me is pretty great! 

Brian is 16 years old and lives in Kenya. His letter is dated November 18th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Receive warm greetings in Jesus' name. I'm hoping that you are fine together with your family. My family and I are doing well and God has been our protector. I love Jesus as my personal savior and I usually go to church every Sunday. I am working hard in school so that I can get good grades and attend a good university. Before I wind up, I have a memory verse to share. It comes from Proverbs 15:15, which says, "The days of the wicked are wretched, but the good have continual feast." I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Thank you for your support and God bless you. 

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How about a letter from Ronaldo now? :) 

Ronaldo is 20 years old and lives in Colombia. He wrote this letter on October 25th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

How are you? I love it when you write to me. I loved the eclipse photos. Here in my country, the sky hasn't darkened like it did there, but I have seen several eclipses. It is a unique experience. I would like to answer all of your questions, but I don't have much space. I want to tell you that my best friend is Josue. We like going to the countryside and playing our favorite sport, soccer. My favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone. I love eating seasoned rice with shredded chicken. I love the color blue in all its shades. What is your favorite color? My favorite activity is going to the movies. I am so grateful to you for helping me in the project. It is thanks to your support that I have so many friends and we have built a very good relationship. I have learnt a lot about the gospel of Christ. I ask you please to pray for my family. I say goodbye with this Bible verse from Ephesians 2:8-9, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. You can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things have done, so none of us can boast about it." 

Ronaldo

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We move onto our first template letter of this posting series. Acram wrote to me on the How I Have Fun template. 

Acram is 6 years old and lives in Tanzania. This letter was written on November 29th, 2017. 

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1. When I am outside I like to: Herd animals and play with friends

2. When I am inside I like to: Talk with my grandmother and learn how to draw

3. One sport I like is: Soccer

4. I play with: My friends and relatives 

5. When I am bored I like: To be quiet 

6. A fun thing I like to do is: Singing 

Acram and his family are very happy to get your letter. They say thank you. May God bless you. 

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I will close out today's post with a letter from Jhonrex, who is 17 years old and lives in the Philippines. Out of my many kids, I feel like Jhonrex really has had his share of struggles in life. I am so happy when I read positive letters from him! 

This letter is dated October 6th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hi! How are you this time? If you would ask about me, I am fine/good. Thanks for your letter. I really enjoyed reading it. Here are my answers to some of your questions. I enjoy eating pork and it is what we are eating here today. Our house is made of cement. Our center's atmosphere is beautiful and I enjoy playing basketball here. What makes me laugh are jokes or when I ride on my skates. Last year I attended a party in our center. The name of my best friend is Almaris. My advice for kids under my age is to obey their parents. I am learning so many things about the word of God in our center. I have joined also in a "cell group." Please pray for God to give me good health, for me to be able to continue schooling in the next year. Where will you celebrate Christmas? I have loved message in this verse here, in Psalm 139:14, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." God bless you. 

Jhonrex

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Just Several Lovely Letters

As the title suggests, I will be sharing several letters today. Let's get started....

with a letter from my daughter Faith. Love this girl so much.

Faith is 11 years old and lives in Kenya. Her letter is dated September 9th, 2017.

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Hello Kayla! 

It's my hope that you are fine. I'm fine too. God has taken care of me and all my other family members. I received the letters you sent to me and I'm so thankful for your remembrance. I am going to answer the questions you have asked me. 

I like wearing dresses mostly, red and white in color. Today for lunch, I ate rice, cabbage, and meat. My home is made of bricks and concrete and it has 3 rooms. In the compound of our project, there are flowers, trees, and many buildings. There are offices and classrooms. If I had a free hour I would go to the field to play. I like playing football very much. I last attended a party in May this year. My best friend is Monanie and we go to school together. I would advise other people to be obedient and love one another. 

I will be in primary school for the next two years. In Kenya, students go to secondary school at the age of 13 or 14. We experienced some drought in our place, but we thank God for he has kept us. In our country, the general elections were conducted, but due to some issues, the presidential election is to be repeated on October 17th. Just pray for us. Otherwise, thanks so much and have a nice time. 

Good bye! 

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Now a letter from another one of my preteens, my wonderful boy Daniel, who is from Colombia. Who wrote this letter on August 18th, 2017. 

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Hello Dear Sponsor, 

I am glad to say hello to you and I hope you're doing fine. I want to tell you about my friends. They are Jesus, Santiago, Buitrago, Sofia, and Camila, but my best friend is Jesus and I met him at school. What I like the most about him is the fact that he is friendly, responsible, and intelligent. I like to have friends because they always help me, they are friendly, they play with me, and they don't disappoint me. I want to give thanks to you for your letters and your sponsorship because it is a great help to me and my family. I want to tell you that I am doing well in school. I ask you to pray for God to continue to help me. I would like to ask you: Do you have many friends? Do you like to have friends? The Bible says, "A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for a time of adversity." I say goodbye for now with lots of hugs and kisses. 

Juan Daniel

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Next, a fantastic letter from Acram. He sent a template about his home and also answered all of the questions that I have asked him in letters. I tell you, sending lists of questions is the way to go! 

Acram is 6 years old and lives in Tanzania. He wrote this letter on September 23rd, 2017. 

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1. I get water from: The tap

2. I get food from: Our farm 

3. My house is made of: Concrete blocks 

4. My house has a cement floor. 

5. My house an iron sheet roof. 

6. In my house I do have electricity 

Acram is so thankful for your letter again. He is very happy. He likes to wears pants, shorts, and t-shirts. Today he ate spiced rice together with the other children at his Compassion center. He lives in a house with three bedrooms and a sitting room. There is also a place for keeping animals outside that is made of wood from trees. Their goats stay there. He uses his extra time to look after his goats. At home, he lives with his two aunts Sanifa and Saufa, his grandfather Hashimu, and his cousins Nansi and Nickson. Acram laughs a lot when watching cartoons. He has a problem with his nose that makes it hard for him to breathe. The last time he attended a celebration was in July. His best friend is Rama. He would like to advise children to study hard. Tanzania last saw a sun eclipse in September 2016, but Acram did not see it because it was far from where he lives. Acram lives in the Kilimanjaro region. 

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I have another template letter to share with you now. This time, from Bryan, who shared with me some of his favorite things. 

Bryan is 8 years old and lives in Nicaragua. His letter is dated September 9th, 2017. 

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1. My favorite sport is: Soccer 

2. My favorite activity is: Reading 

3. My favorite animal is: Dog 

4. My best friend is: My mom 

5. My favorite cartoon character is: Spiderman 

Hello dear sponsor Kayla, 

God bless you. I am the teacher of Bryan. The boy expresses that he goes to the park to play ball with other children and enjoys visiting with his parents. He says he feels happy sending you this letter. He says goodbye with a hug and kiss. 

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I think I'll end this post with this letter from Brian. The post opens and closes with letters from Kenya. Brian is 16 years old. His letter is dated September 16th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping you are fine together with your family. My family and I are fine and God has been our protector. I am happy to write you a letter again. I received the letters that you wrote for me. I read the letters and they were very inspiring and I am happy to know more about your country. I am working hard in school, where I expect to have good grades by the end of the year. Before I wind up, I have a memory verse to share. It comes from the book of Psalm 125:1, which says, "Those who trust in the Lord they are like Mount Zion, which can not be shaken, but endures forever." Thank you for your support. May God bless you. 

Good bye.

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From the Field Friday: Kenya

I have shared many of these letters over the past few months and I still have tons to send, but something about today's letter really struck me. In all letters, we are forced to see some of the worst things in our world; lack of clean water, abuse, gangs recruiting children, lack of education, etc. Then we get to see how Compassion is tackling these issues head on. I guess it has taken me three months to realize it, but it is Satan who is spreading so much hate and lies in these developing nations and their poorest communities. Compassion is standing against Satan and taking on these lies. They are changing these countries, from the inside out, through the children. The children are carrying God into and through their countries. Change is happening!

Today we hear from the man heading up the program in Kenya.

I have a whole slew of children in Kenya; Baraka, Brian, Lemayian, Faith, Hillary, Mulwa, Muuo, and Tumbu.

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Dear Kayla, 

My name is Joel Macharia, country director of Compassion International in Kenya. Compassion has been in Kenya since 1980. We partner with about 375 local churches, serving 108,000 babies, children, and youth. 

Joel Macharia with some Compassion Children

Thank you for your support and care for your sponsored children. Though sponsors' support, children attend school, learn to make good health choices, receive medical attention, find a safe place to play, build healthy relationships, gain essential life skills, discover and build their talents, and encounter the life-transforming message of the Bible. Compassion children receive learning materials, desks, school uniforms, and remedial tutoring. At child development centers in their communities, they find caring adults who encourage, support, and guide them. We invest to provide access to safe drinking water, sanitation, solar lighting, and treated bed nets, among other initiatives. 

Teenagers Studying at Their Compassion Project 

Children are often at risk of emotional, physical, and other forms of abuse or neglect, including early marriages. We work to prevent and deal with abuse through training and establishing robust processes. 

Terrible Living Conditions Often Lead to Abuse Situations

About 70 percent of our children live in rural communities that largely depend on small-scale subsistence farming and keeping animals, about 30 percent live in urban slums. In rural areas, families struggle to find enough food and water when rains fail. In impoverished urban areas, people live with poor or nonexistent sanitation, bad housing, high unemployment, predatory pricing, and violent. Often families are dysfunctional, and many people are too absorbed in their own struggles to notice or care for others. Public schools tend to have fewer teachers than needed, inadequate learning materials, inadequate or poorly maintained infrastructure, and high teacher absenteeism. 

An Urban Slum in Kenya

We continue to work at changing families' mindset from victims to thinking like empowered Christians. Discipleship is at the heart of forming this worldview. We want people to envision a better future and take the necessary action to overcome the odds and hold them. 

Children Sing Worship Songs in Their Compassion Classroom

Recently, we encountered a single mom who had lost both hands in a past abusive marriage. She and her child were in great distress. When the child was registered in the center, she was malnourished and sick. She received needed nutrition and medical support and now shows remarkable improvement. The mom was connected to a local women's group, where she has received needed support, including free legal services. 

Our church partners are an important center of community life. They run discipleship programs for different group and teach people how to improve their economic prospects. Some churches run their own school, health clinics, and vocational training. We empower church leaders to collaborate to address issues affecting their communities. 

Children Learn in Project-Run School

When a child gets a sponsor, it is a very special cause for celebration. It deeply affirms the child as unique and valued. Children long to connect with the sponsor to express gratitude and build the relationship. Receiving a letter, photo, or car from the sponsor encourages them and reinforces their feeling of being loved. While it's delightful to receive sponsor letters, some don't get them, and they wonder why. We encourage them to keep communicating, but they find it hard when the sponsor is quiet. Please write your children as often as possible. 

A Child Reads a Letter from Her Sponsor 

Thank you again for your friendship and support for your sponsored children. We say in Africa that it takes a village to raise a child. Our child-raising village is incomplete without you. Please pray that all our children will live to fulfill their God-given potential. 

Warm Regards and Every Blessing,

Joel Macharia

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