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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Letters from the Caribbean

I have three letters to share with you today from a wonder island in the Caribbean. Yes, it's one island, but two countries. :)

The Dominican Republic and Haiti! Whoo hoo!

The first letter is from Enmanuel in the DR. A lot of my kids lately are answering questions from the latest long list of questions. I always love when my kids answer questions like this. Most are simple, but it really helps me visualize better how they live their day to day lives.

Enmanuel is 9 years old. His letter is not dated.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello! May God bless you so much! I am very well, thanks to God. I am glad to write to you again. Regarding your questions: my favorite clothing is my school uniform. What I ate today was rice, beans, and meat. My house is made of wood and has 3 rooms. The project I attend is made of concrete blocks and has 10 classrooms and 4 restrooms. At recess time, I play. A joke makes me laugh. I ask you to pray for me and my family. 

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Now we move onto two lovely teens from Haiti. We'll start with Sevenson, who just has some basic info to tell me in this letter. 

Sevenson is 16 years old. His letter is dated August 14th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

It is a real pleasure to write this letter to you, in God's name. How are you? I think all is well, in Jesus's name. My family is fine, thanks to God. My school and my other activities are going well. Pray that I'll always be regular in the project activities. Wouldn't you like to visit Haiti? Thanks for the letter and information. Thanks for the photos. Pray that I'll always succeed at school. 

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And we'll end this post with a letter from Emanise. Over the last year, Emanise has really developed into a great letter writer. She seems very interested in topics like politics and geography. She enjoys when I tell her more about the United States. 

Emanise is 18 years old and wrote her letter on September 9th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla,

Good morning, Kayla. How are your health doing? How is your family doing? How are your activities going? For me and my family, all is well. I am happy to read your letter with excitement and I thank you because you take care to tell me about the weather and temperature in your country. Even if I do not visit the country you live in, it enables me to have an idea about the country you live in. In my country now, it gets hot and the schools are closed. But, as I write you this letter, it is the week that the schools will open again. It is always a pleasure for me each time that I find the chance to write to you and to learn more from you. Thank you for the tree pictures and thank you so much for the letter. Thank you because you always think of me. I ask you to lift my family in your prayers and I will do the same for you. 

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From the Field Family: Haiti

To start off September, we get to read a very special letter. This letter is written by the man who runs the programs in Haiti. Haiti just happens to be the longest-running current program in Compassion. The very first country that Compassion worked in is Korea, which has long since graduated and is now a partner country! There are also other countries have have opened and closed since then. However, Haiti's program started in 1968 and is still running today. Sometimes, progress is slow, but consistent. Positive change is being made!

I currently have three children in Haiti: Emanise, Sevenson, & Veronika,

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Dear Kayla, 

My name is Guilbaud Saint-Cyr and I have been serving as the Compassion Haiti country director for 13 years now. The ministry of Compassion began in Haiti in 1968. The Lord has currently blessed us with more than 100,000 registered children in partnership with about 300 local churches. 

Guilbaud Saint-Cyr

We are so grateful for the enthusiastic and generous contribution you have provided to your sponsored children. Our committed sponsors enable children to have hope and a future and to participate in effective programs designed to shape their lives so they can become responsible and fulfilled Christian adults. 

One vivid is a young man who lived in the poverty of Solino, one of the largest and most dangerous slums in Haiti. One of five children in a family that struggled to meet their basic needs, he became a Compassion-sponsored child at an early age. Through the programs, he had access to quality education, Bible training, medical and food support, and income-generating training. Eventually he attained a bachelor's degree in administration in a prestigious university in Haiti and a master's degree in discipleship from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Today, he is ministering to children in the community where he grew up, reaching out to gang members by modeling the way. He not only meets the needs of his nuclear family and extended family, but he also chose to sponsor two little boys through Compassion - one from his former child development center and another from Colombia. 

A Slum Neighborhood in Haiti

We have several priorities for the coming year. As a strong and growing ministry in Haiti, we plan to reinforce our partnerships by equipping our church partners with new technology for timely processing and delivery of child information to sponsors, and by helping them serve more children. We are also considering partnerships with new denominations in the regions we already operate in to serve the high volume of new children we foresee in the future. 

Children in Their Compassion Classroom 

We will continue to implement our WaSH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), started a year ago, consisting of providing water, sanitation and hygiene supplies, coupled with education and awareness training. We can save lives and enhance child development through WaSH initiatives. We are completing our pilot phase with 12 centers and can already see the great impact of the strategy. Our vision is to implement WaSH in all our centers throughout the country. 

Children Learning in Their Compassion Classroom 

We are developing a new youth-development strategy to enable all our eligible high-finishing students to fulfill their inner calling and potential through higher education, and transition the current Leadership Development Program model to a broader, integrated approach under the responsibility of churches. 

We are fighting tirelessly to eradicate poverty, this evil that takes away our precious children's hope, dignity, and joy of living. We firmly believe that what happens in the life of a child ripples throughout their environment now and in the future. Each sponsor letter and word of encouragement has untold impact on a child and gives that child back hope, dignity, and joy. Please write your children as often as you can. 

A Girl Writing a Letter to Her Sponsor 

Please pray that God's wisdom will lead us to be more effective in carrying out this ministry of releasing one child at a time from poverty in Jesus' name. Changed environments may help children, but transformed children will inevitably change their environments. Let us continue to band together to make this happen for the glory of God. 

Children Playing on the Playground at Their Compassion Project 

All these great accomplishments and initiatives have been made possible because of wonderful sponsors like you. Thank you again for your partnership and for your commitment to your sponsored children; this is a battle we can't win without you. 

In Jesus,

Guilbaud Saint-Cyr

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Sevenson's Updated Photo: 2017

I swear, my handsome Sevenson never looks any different, face wise in his photo, he just keeps getting taller! A friend looked at this collage said, "His face never changes! It just looks like somebody grabs him by the face and stretches him taller over the years!"

I think that's a pretty fair description. :)

My Teens are So Lovely

I just can't express in words how wonderful my teenagers are. They are each so talented and special and loved. They also write wonderful letters. I feel so honored to be a part of each of their lives, for as long as God allows. I will share letters from four of these lovely teens today.

I'll start with Marinelis. This letter was stuck in transit for awhile, but it finally arrived to my account. Better late than never because this letter has some great information.

Marinelis is 15 years old and lives in the Dominican Republic. The letter is dated March 4th, 2017.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello! How are you and your family? I haven't written back because they haven't given me the paper to write to you. I will now answer your questions. My house is made out of cement blocks. I live with my mom and my siblings. I sleep on a bed. Yes, we get water through indoor piping. The most common jobs in my community are car driver, motorcycle taxi driver, and caretaker. Compassion helps the community and helps the children do their homework. People in my community are located by motorcycle and bus. In the project, I like the word of God and the trips that they organize. The typical foods in my community are rice, beans, and meat. Yes, there are very well-known places in my country and people from other countries visit my country. Yes, I have been praying for Brandilyn and for her marriage. My family and I are very well thanks to God. Tell Brandilyn I say hello. 

Goodbye with Love,

Marinelis

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Onto a letter from my sweet Erick. In his letter, he is also answering many of my questions. It's fun to learn even the smallest details about our kids. Helps us see more into their personalities. 

Erick is 14 years old and lives in Honduras and his letter is dated June 26th, 2017. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

It is a pleasure to communicate with you today. How are you and your family members? I am very healthy. I tell you that I am getting on well at school and my favorite subject is natural science. I am thankful for the photographs, letter, and drawings that you sent me. They are very beautiful. My school is large and there are 300 students. Classes have begun and I am in 7th grade. What do you like to study? Here in Honduras, the weather is a little hot and sometimes cold. I ask you to pray that I do well in my studies and that I am able to pass the grade. I hope to hear from you soon and to read your letters and to know that you are happy. I will answer your questions now. When I am sad I like to read books. I am very afraid of snakes. I do not play any instruments. I look like my older sister. When I am older, I want to be an architect. I write with my right hand. My chores at home are to clean my room and clean my clothes. I like to sleep and play soccer. My favorite animal is the dog. My favorite color is red. My favorite food is Chinese rice. I support Honduras, but I like Real Madrid. I have two sisters. Jenni is 15 years old and Marbella is 9 years old. My grandmother likes to watch TV. 

With Love,

Erick 

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Now a letter from Sevenson. This young man went quite awhile without writing to me and I have recently been receiving letters from him again. 

Sevenson is 16 years old and is from Haiti. He wrote this letter on June 19th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I'm happy to greet you in the name of the Savior. My family and I are very well. I hope that you and your family are fine. My school activities are going very well. I always succeed in the exams. My favorite subject is mathematics. My church activities are going very well and I always participate in Sunday School. How are your church activities going? Thanks for the letter you sent me. Pray for me so that I can have a good school vacation. I'm praying God to bless you. 

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I will end with a letter from Jose. This letter was WAY stuck somewhere in cyberspace. It took over 6 months to get to me! No idea...

I asked my kids to describe their perfect day. I love Jose's answer! 

Jose is 18 years old and lives in Peru. His letter is dated December 9th, 2016. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus. I'm hoping that you are in good health. First of all, thank you for the letters you sent me. I'm in good health. I used to like balls and remote control cars when I was a child. Well, my perfect day would be one where I could sleep late, be at home helping my mom with the chores, spend the whole afternoon with my siblings, playing in the countryside, arrive home at night, watch TV with my family, and go to bed late with my siblings in one bed. My best friends are my siblings because we experience many things together. Once, we were raising sheep at my house and we took them to the field to feed them. We got distracted playing and the sheep got lost. It was very late when we realized that and we spent a lot of time trying to find them. Finally, we found them late at night. We returned home very late and my mom scolded us. We experience these kids of things together as siblings. My message to Taye is to continue studying to fulfill his dreams and to always be with God, because His arrival is very soon. Which were your favorite toys when you were a child? Which is your favorite Bible story? Please pray for me and my family, for our health, so everything may be alright with us. Goodbye with a strong hug and kiss. 

Your Sponsored Child,

Jose 

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My Teens Are Showing Up!

My last post was all about letters from some itty bitties, but in the last few days, I have been receiving letters from some of my teens. I love writing to all of my kids, but the relationship and conversation level that can develop with teenagers and young adults is so rewarding. I love that they share things in their life with me.

I'll open with a letter from Sevenson. This guy has been tough to get to know! He doesn't write often or say too much, but I still love him dearly. He's my "Man of Few Words."

Sevenson is 16 years old and lives in Haiti. His letter is dated May 12th, 2017.

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Dear Kayla, 

I feel happy to greet you in Jesus name. My family and I are very well. Thanks for the letter you wrote me. I'm glad to hear from you. My favorite subject is science. I always take part in prayer services with my family. What's the weather like in your country at the moment? It's rainy here at the moment. I ask you to pray that I'll successfully complete this school year. 

Sevenson

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Onto another letter! This one is from one of my newest boys, Jule. This letter make me laugh because at first, I had no idea what this guy was talking about! After thinking about it awhile, it is clear that he is responding to a letter that his financial sponsor must have sent him. Or a previous correspondent. It's clear that this sponsor sent Jule some "Spot the Difference" pages and Jule is reporting on the differences. So funny. 

Jule is 13 years old and lives in Rwanda. This letter is dated June 10th, 2017. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have two chickens and their mother died. My studies are going well at school. It is now sunny here and we are harvesting crops. My siblings are also doing well and we thank God for our being still alive. I live in peace with everybody. Concerning the question you asked me, the difference is that one is underlined while the other is not. I wish you blessings in the name of Jesus Christ. I thank you so much for the letter you wrote to me. My birthday anniversary was very nice. The 2nd and 3rd candles have no thread and there is no circle on the 4th candle. I end by thanking you for the questions you asked me. May God bless you! 

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Let's move onto some letters from girls! Let's start with Jhojaira. I just love that letters are coming so fast now. It's great to hear about Mother's Day just a few days after it was celebrated! 

Jhojaira is 13 years old and lives in Peru. She wrote this letter on May 22nd, 2017. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus, hoping that you are in very good health along with your family. I want to thank you for the beautiful letters you sent me, and also for the pictures. It is good to know that you are doing well. Where I live, it doesn't snow. But it does rain and it gets very cold. In this month of May, Mother's Day was celebrated. Here at the project we made a present for our moms. It was also celebrated at church. Many people participated. My mom, my grandmother, and I decided to go to a touristic center called "Tioyacu". It was very nice, though the water was very cold. What did you do for Mother's Day? I ask you to pray for my brother Alvin who is getting prepared to go to the university. I say goodbye in the name of Lord Jesus. Kisses and hugs. 

Jhojaira

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Now, to end this post, a letter from Lina. She's such a wonderful young lady. 

Lina is 18 years old and lives in Colombia. Her letter is dated April 18th, 2017 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you wishing that God blesses you. I hope you are well. I will tell you that the name of my project is Showers of Love. When I go to the CDC I have a good time. For that reason, I go every day. My project is big. It has an amount of 213 children and teenagers. The activities that I do when I go to the project are service activities and the trips they do sometimes. But among them, what I like to do the most is helping the teachers with the children, because helping is what I like the most. In the project there are the staff members. What I like most about them is that they're kind with me and my sister, and with the other kids at the project. When I am there, what I like to eat the most is lentils, salad, and chicken. I want to tell you that my dog Toby died on my birthday and I am a little sad about it, because I love him very much. But I also tell you that my grandma is home with us. She's much better now, thanks to God. Do you like animals? How many animals have you had? I want to ask you to help me pray for my dad, as he's in a little danger where he is now. I want to thank you for your monthly contribution and for your letter. I love you very much. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I want to share this Bible verse for you to meditate on: Jeremiah 31:3. 

Lina

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Long Time, No Hear. A.K.A It's About Time!. A.K.A Yay For Letters!

I have two letters to share with you today! As you may be able to tell from the title of this post, these letters have been long-awaited. It's so great to hear from these kids!

First up, I am sharing my very first letter from Jhojaira, who I received as a correspondent child in August. I am thinking that perhaps Jhojaira missed a letter writing day along the way, because she didn't write this letter until the end of the year.

Jhojaira is 13 years old and lives in Peru. Her letter is dated December 17th, 2016.

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Dear Sponsor, 

Greetings in the name of Jesus. Thank you for the beautiful letter you sent me. I liked it a lot. Now in our country we are celebrating Christmas. Also, for me, it is very important because I celebrate my birthday. I also want to tell you how I am doing in school. I am doing very well, getting good grades. The school closing is near and that is a little bit sad because we have to say goodbye to each other, and see each other next year, after the school break. I am thinking to travel to Lima, the capital of Peru, in my school break. It is a very beautiful city and especially big. I am going to visit my family. I say goodbye with a strong hug, hoping that you are doing well. I always pray for Marinelis, for her to be doing well too. Kisses and hugs. 

Jhojaira

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This next letter is from Sevenson. The last time I received a letter from this young man was a whole year ago, February 2016. After two inquiries, I received this letter. In this letter, Sevenson mentions that he last wrote to me in April 2016, but I have not seen that letter come through. It must have gotten lost. Even so, his last letter being in April is still a very long wait before writing again. 

Sevenson is 16 years old and lives in Haiti. This letter is dated February 7th, 2017. 

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Dear Sponsor, 

It is a real pleasure for me to greet you in the name of Jesus, the living one. How are you and your family? I hope everything is well with Jesus. I am happy that you think of me. That makes me feel like I mean a lot to you. My family and I are doing well. I looked in my notebook and saw that I last wrote to you on April 4th, 2016. I got your letter from time to time. I have your questions and information that you shared with me. I am still in the program. I like your pictures. They are important to me. It is necessary for a sponsor to write to his sponsored child because communication is valuable. I am in grade 2 in secondary school. I did well in the 2nd term exam. I enjoy taking part in youth activities. How is your country doing now? We have a new president here, while I am writing to you. I ask you to pray for my family and me to stay healthy. I will be praying for your progression in God. I love you. 

Sevenson

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February Photo Updates!

Photo updates have been rolling in this month and, of course, that's super exciting! No more chitchat, here they are!

Rujikorn from Thailand

Sevenson from Haiti

Swapna from India

I have some great looking kids, don't I? 

After Holiday Letters Part 2: Gentlemen

To continue my post from yesterday, I share my after President's Day letters with you. This time, the letters from my boys.

Up first, a letter from Enmanuel. He wrote on the How I Have Fun template, then wrote a nice message for me, with help from his tutor.

Enmanuel is 7 years old and lives in the Dominican Republic. This letter was written on November 17th, 2015.

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During my free time, I like to play with: My toy car

When I am inside, I like to: Play with my toy horse

When I am outside, I like to: Play in the sand

One sport I like to play is: Baseball

Hi Dear Kayla,

May God bless you a lot! Your boy says: I an my family are well and my studies are too. You mentioned that you want me to pray for one of the boys that you write to. I would like to know more about Jonatan Caleb. How is he and his family? My church has a bible school in the summer. I was sleeping when the eclipse passed. I thank you for your letters that you sent me. For Christmas, I will play with cars and share with my brothers. What do you do for Christmas? I ask for prayers for my relatives. 

With Love,

Enmanuel

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Next, a letter from Sevenson. I just received a letter from him a few days ago, so this was a nice surprise. 

Sevenson is 14 years old and lives in Haiti. He wrote this letter on December 9th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I feel glad to greet you in the Almighty name of Jesus. My family and I are okay, thanks to God. I think you and your family are okay. My school activities are not okay because I didn't pass the first term exams. Pray for me to pass the second term exams. My church activities are okay, thanks to God. I want to share this verse with you; Genesis 1:27. "And God created man in his image, he made his portrait, he created male and female." Thank for the letter and your prayers. I didn't see the moon when it was red. I like math the most. 

Sevenson

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To round out this set of letters, a letter from Elias. He's pretty chatty in this letter. :) He talks about being in 5th grade....still. He's been in 5th grade since I started writing to him two years ago. I wonder why that is? Anyway, I love hearing about how his life has changed! 

Elias is 16 years old and from Ethiopia. His letter is dated November 30th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

How are you doing beloved sponsor? My family and I are well. I am learning in 5th grade. I am attending Sunday school and my life has been changed. I have learned to obey God and love Jesus. I used to sing secular songs. I have since realized that secular songs are wicked and I stopped. Now sing only hymns. I am pleased that I have received your letter. I am doing good work at school. I help my family by doing household tasks and I play with my friends in my free time. How is the weather in your country? Bye! 

Kayla

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Letters from some Expressive, Young Men

Man, my teen and young adult men from around the world sure do write some great letters! They're engaging, detailed-filled, and ask wonderful questions. It's just such a blessing to communicate with these guys.

Over the last few days, I've received four letters from four of these young men. I will share them with you today.

First up, a letter from Sevenson. He is 14 years old and lives in Haiti. His letter is dated August 3rd, 2015. I have no idea what's up with the 6 month delay in delivery, but I'm happy to receive it now.

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in the name of Jesus, the almighty. I am doing fine with all my family. I am in my time of vacation and I now play ball with my friends. I always go to church with my parents. Thank you for the letter and the encouraging words and the prayers for me. What do you do as special things for vacation? I would ask you to pray for me to spend a good end of vacation. I love you. 

Sevenson

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Next, a letter from Florenc. He was full of questions in this letter. I will have to make sure to answer them all in my next letter. 

Florenc is 16 years old and lives in Albania. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I was glad I received your letter! How are you doing? Are you having cold? It hasn't snowed here yet, but according to the weather forecast, it's going to snow very soon. As for my class, I would say that we haven't changed much. We are still playful and mischief-making students, but I believe we will change. 

After the holidays, school started again with a lot of studies and exams. How were your holidays? Mine were fine. How is everything going with your job? I hope that you are satisfied with it! Is there anything interesting that you've done during these days? Do you have many friends? Can you tell me the name of your best friend? I'd like to receive your letter very soon! I love reading letters from you! 

Have a great day, full of love and family and harmony. Keep smiling and live long! 

Love, 

Florenc

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Now, a long, beautiful letter from Abbas. I can tell, through reading his letters, that he is a very intelligent, young man. He writes very eloquently. 

Abbas is 18 years old and lives in Uganda. His letter was written November 23rd, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I hope everything is okay on your side, because I know that God is always with you. How is your country and your family? I hope that my friend is doing well. Back to me, I am very well, the family is okay, and the country is well. It is preparing for the visit of Pope Francis of Rome. 

I am very happy to write to you again an, as usual, I thank you for all the support you give me, as you know them very well. Thanks for the letters you sent to me, which are good because of their information. I am very glad to hear that you had your annual Vacation Bible School. Through that letter, I got to know about Gods power for each day. Send my greetings to my friend in Tanzania. Ask him what he does in his leisure time. 

On the school side, we have completed our year of studies, so next year we are to be in the next class. I thank God for that and I pray to him to continue blessing me such that I next year in Senior Six, I also perform better and then join university. Our home is very well because all my family members are well. I pray to God to continue blessing them. 

As usual, the project is doing well for us. We have many good things, like we got new uniforms which are beautiful. We are going to have a Christmas party next month. I am very sure that the project loves us and because of its love, we can do many things. I told you that I do break dance. I cannot wait for our Christmas party because we are having a dance competition. I am going to show my talent. 

Though I wrote this letter to thank you for your letters you sent to me, the main issues I want to share with you is about the beauty of the Pearl of Africa (Uganda). Uganda is called that because we have beautiful things, like physical features, good fertile soils, formidable climate, and other things. Uganda is located along the Eastern part of Africa. Before 2008, Uganda had 72 districts, but now it has over almost 100 districts. This shows that it is a developing country. We have a presidents, many members of parliament, and also councils. Uganda has physical features like lakes, rivers, mountains, and others. It has a good climate. In this, I mean sometimes it rains and sometimes we experience sunshine. Our climate is favorable compared to other countries in Africa. Uganda also has good security, which also helps other countries in times of war and conflict. 

I would like to stop here because if I continue, I will not stop writing because we have many attractive things in Uganda. But the best thing is for you to come and take a visit and see everything with your own eyes. If I decide to write about all of them, I may use an entire ream of paper. 

Thank you. I love you from back to the moon! Merry Christmas and happy new year! May God bless you. 

Abbas 

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To end, a letter from Wendjy. Wendjy is another one of my super intelligent young men. He gets great grades in school and has big plans for his future.

Wendjy is 20 years old and lives in Haiti. He wrote this letter on November 26th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla,

As usual, it is a great pleasure for me to write a letter to you, each time I find the opportunity. As you and your family doing well? I am very well, by Gods grace, except for my sister, who has had an accident. But she is getting better now. Thanks for your letter and pictures. It is always a pleasure to answer your questions. I will still be in the project while I am in college, but just for two more years. My church has bible study and VBS. I always feel God's presence in nature and through what he has done for me. When I sleep, I am able to wake up again. I haven't found a job yet. I am more interested in my studies now. I was happy to read the stories you shared with me. I am glad you shared my birthday with me again. I wish you a Merry Christmas and may God bless you. 

Wendjy

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3 Letters from 3 Guys

I have another three letters to share with you today. I find myself with quite a few letters stacking up that I haven't had the time or energy to answer. I need to get busy because I know that these responses aren't going to write themselves. I seem to be in that letter-writing slump, temporarily.

Anyway, I'll share the letters now.

First up, a letter from Fongwin. His financial sponsor sent him a money gift (they do that a lot). Fongwin is never descriptive in what he buys. It's usually just "stuff" or "household stuff." He did the same thing in today's letter, but I got some pictures! Fongwin and his parents!

Fongwin is 12 years old and lives in Thailand. His letter is dated May 11th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla,

Hello sponsor. I'm very happy to write a letter to you again. Thank you so much that you still remember me and send me nice stickers. Thank you for the family gift. I bought some toiletries. We are doing well. How is everyone over there? During school break, I attended a camp. I have friends and I really enjoy myself with my friends. We had sports day and games and performances. Did you like to attend camp when you were a child? The new term will be starting soon. I will be in a higher level. I got meet new teachers and new friends. I will get to learn new things. It's getting hard. I will study hard. It starts to rain now. People here are farmers so they have to prepare to grow rice. Please pray for my studies. Finally, may God protect you and bless you. 

Love in Christ, 

Fongwin

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Now, another first letter, this time from Sevenson. I love first letters. It's that letter that kick-starts a relationship. Really cements in the love, for me. Looks like Sevenson has a gift giving sponsor, as well! 

Sevenson is 14 years old and lives in Haiti. His letter is dated May 26th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla,

I feel happy to write to you in the name of Jesus Christ. My family and I are well. I hope that you and your family are well too. My school is going well. Experimental science is my favorite subject. I ask you to help me pray so that I will have success on my 4th period exams. My church is doing well. I learned a bible verse, which is Jeremiah 33:3 "Call on me and I will answer you. I will let you know great and mighty things, which you did not know." What is your favorite color? 

Thank you for the gift. I bought a goat with it. Thank you for the letter and your prayers. 

Sevenson

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Last up, a letter from Emanuel. I think that Emanuel is a man of few words. But, it's nice to hear from him and I really enjoying writing to him. He's such a great guy.

Emanuel is 18 years old and lives in Tanzania. He wrote his letter on June 27th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla,

I greet you in Jesus name. My family and I are doing well. I hope you are healthy there. I'm doing well in school. I completed my mock exams. Thank you for the good letters you sent me. You asked about our church. At our church on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have prayer from 10:00 to 11:00, p.m. I want to give you a bible verse from Psalms 95:1. "Come and let's sing to our Lord, the rock of our salvation." Which story do you like in the bible? I wish you a good life to please God. 

Emanuel

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