Kalpesh's Updated Photo: 2016

My Kalpesh is a little boy no more. All of a sudden he has a man-face. Haha. They sure do grow up fast. I put his age as 14, because his birthday is next week, and that's close enough.

Here are all of the photos I have of Kalpesh. His first photo and his newest photo are on the right side. The other photos are the smaller ones on the left. Kalpesh and I have had some great years together!

You can click on the collage to view it larger.

Project Director Letter: BO-370

Happy Monday! It's time to read another letter from one of my kids' projects! This time, we hear from BO-370, which is the project that my boy Jhon attends.

Onto the letter!

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Dear Kayla, 

I am grateful to God that I greet you with the holy peace of our Lord and desire that you succeed in your jobs at the service of our Lord. 

I am Mario Diaz, member of El Redentor church and current Director of the Child Development Center in the city of Santa Cruz, Bolivia where your sponsored child attends. Thank you for sponsoring Jhon. 

Through this letter, I want to express my sincere thanks to all the sponsors who have been helping us in sponsoring our children, for your unconditional support and great love for them. Without your help, we would not have achieved the results we have achieved until this day, as we've been able to changes minds with biblical principles and to get the children out from their spiritual and economic poverty so they're not self-sufficient and healthy people. 

I want to tell you a testimony of a girl who is 15 years old, in whom we have seen the results that have been achieved with excellence in all four areas of development (physical, cognitive, spiritual, and socio-emotional). This child is the best student in her school. She has developed the gift God gave her to be able to teach in Sunday school in our church. In the same way, she is part of the group of girls that play the tambourine during church services. She is physically healthy. Not too long ago, we held medical check-ups and she is in excellent conditions. She relates to all her classmates at the center in a healthy way and she is always willing to help in the service of our Lord. 

I also want to tell another testimony of another 10 year old girl, who is very outgoing, friendly, and ready to serve (thanks to the work we do in the socio-emotional area). She goes to Sunday school in church and is part of the activities. She is also physically healthy and with good grades in school, thanks to the school support we give her at the center. 

I am very satisfied to see that these girls have had many achievements in the center and grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be part of their growth. 

I want you to know that when a child receives a letter from his/her sponsor, it is as if the child received a gift from a family member, because to the children, a sponsor is part of their family. They don't feel alone or unprotected, and they believe that there is someone who cares for them and their needs, besides God. 

I thank God for the opportunity He gave me to work with children and that He allowed me to use my potential to contribute toward the training of each child. This inspires me to achieve the expected results with more excellence and to affirm children on the rock that is Jesus Christ and fulfill the Great Commission (to go to the whole world and preach the Gospel). 

We ask you for your prayers for all of our children who have needs and face risky circumstances, and especially for our teenagers who are being bombarded by gangs. The more we want to bring them to church, other things come up that harm their lives. 

Thank you again for sponsoring Jhon. I also thank you for your prayers as they have been heard by our Lord. We are very happy that we have established our center in the church with more strength, with the collaboration and support of the committee and our beloved Pastor. 

I say goodbye to you, wishing you many blessings and rewards of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are forever grateful for you unwavering support. 

Sincerely Yours, 
Mario Diaz

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Letters from my Indian Teens

To be honest, typing that title made me gasp a little bit. I know how old my kids are, but saying "aloud" that they are teenagers made my heart skip a beat. They are growing up so fast!

I'll share a letter from Sagar first. His letter came with a lovely gift, as well. I will share a picture of it with you at the end!

Sagar is 13 years old. His letter is dated January 12th, 2016.

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Dear Kayla,

Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I wish you had a happy Christmas and a happy new year 2016 to you and your family. I pray for Jesus to shower you with blessings and joy and make this year as memorable as possible. 

I am so happy to write this letter to you today. I hope that you and your family are doing well. I loved receiving your Christmas gift. I was happy to receive a new colorful top. It is very beautiful. I like it so much. Even my parent is very happy to see my new Christmas shirt. Our parents also got Christmas gifts. They are very thankful for the same gift. We celebrated Christmas with arranged skits, songs, and Christmas drama. 

I am enclosing here a Christmas greeting card, which is prepared by me, with the help of an expert person and teacher. 

I am regularly praying for you and your family. 

Your Loving Child, 

Sagar

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Next up, a letter from Kalpesh. When I first started corresponding with him, I used to hear from him monthly, which was great! Then, for awhile, I started hearing from him only ever 4 months or so. Now, it seems like things may be picking up again! I just received a letter from him last month, so this letter was a lovely surprise! 

Kalpesh will be 14 years old this month and he wrote this letter on January 28th, 2016. 

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Dearest Kayla and Family, 

Greetings to you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ from me and my family. Once again, I'm very happy to write this letter to you. How have you been? How about your health? I recently received your letter. I am very glad to hear about Gage and Chloe. Both are enjoying their childhood. I pray that God gives them good health. I am very thankful to you for your lovely letter and your love for me. By the Lord's grace and through your valuable prayers, we are doing well. We hope and pray that you are doing well over there. 

In the last month, we had a very wonderfully celebrated Christmas at the project with all the project children with their parents, siblings, and friends from the village. Children presented some action songs and dramas. All enjoyed the cultural program and the Word of God. We hope you too wonderfully celebrated Christmas with your family and church members. 

I want to say thank you so much for your precious cooperation. Because of the project I got the opportunity to show my talents. My family sends best wishes to you. May God bless you. 

With Love,

Kalpesh

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Three Precious Teens Lost

Last week, I lost four of my correspondent children, due to an organization having to cancel their sponsorships of a large group of children. I logged into my account and saw four missing names, all of kids I've been writing to for a few years. It's always sad to lose correspondent kids, but it hurts even more when you really have gotten to know them over time.

One of the children that I lost was Chintada. He was the child I was was most upset to lose, because he will be graduating from Compassion in January, so he only has 8 more months in the program. I hated the idea of him graduating without a sponsor and I tried to think of a way to cover his sponsorship, but I could not come up with one, especially after my new sponsorship of Veronica last month. To my amazement, a fellow sponsor offered to pay off Chintada's remaining months in the program and allow me to continue corresponding with him until then. I am truly blown away by her kindness. The community of sponsors really is the greatest group of people I know. Having somebody willingly offer over $300, with no strings attached, to somebody they basically only know over the internet is nothing short of a miracle. I hope that there will be a way, someday, for me to repay this sponsor. I am so excited to continue writing to Chintada, and be able to encourage him as he heads off into the "real word".

However, I must say goodbye to three lovely children. Now that I know they all had the same financial sponsor, I can truly see how wonderful of sponsors they were. All three of these children received regular financial gifts and I received great pictures of gift items that were purchased. They really seemed to be great sponsors. I bet that they are heartbroken that they had to cancel these sponsorships. The economy truly is hurting many people.

I wish the best to Abbas, Elias, and Swapna. I will continue praying for them and their futures!

Project Director Letter: TH-943

Hi guys. It's time for another letter from one of my kids' project directors. This really gives me something to look forward to on Monday mornings. Mondays aren't so difficult when I get to think about one of my kids and their projects. :)

Today, we hear more about the project that my boy Fongwin attends in Northern Thailand.

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello! My name is Mr. Suwit Chaiwangyen. I am the project director of Mae Lao Child's Quality Development Center, attended by your sponsored child. This center is in the northern region of Thailand. Thank you so much for sponsoring Fongwin. 

Actual Photo of TH-943

The children have received support from their sponsors and they've been developed. He (a project child) always came to join the worship service and study in Sunday school. His family did not believe in God, but he had an interest in learning about God. He's very enthusiastic in learning different stories from the bible. He's joyful, friendly, and gets along well with his friends. He used to have a runny nose all the time, but after joining the soccer club, he got exercise regularly so now he has been cured. 

Another child who is 14 has also developed well. She's a student vice president in school. She had helped with different activities in school, and she gets along well with her friends. She shared the gospel to her friends in school until many of them were interested in God and came to study about God at the church. She cared for younger children and would lead recreational activities in the morning to prepare for them to go to classes. She also learned and practiced a career skill, such us how to raise a fish in a tank. Shes part of the worship song team before the actual service will start. She's a volunteer in checking blood pressure for the elderly people every month. 

We're always thinking of you in our prayers and we believe that God will bless you in your good deeds. 

Thank you for sponsoring Fongwin. May God bless you and your entire family. 

Love in Christ, 
Suwit Chaiwangyen

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First Sunday Advocate: April 2016

A new month, a new set of children to share with you! All of these kids attend projects with one of my kids, so I can tell you all about the project, if you decide to sponsor one of them. I will share each child's picture, their age and name, and in parenthesis I will put the child I sponsor that attends that project. That way, if you're interested, you can click on that child's photo in the sidebar, and be directed to all of the posts about their project and about the letters they've sent me.

This month, I have quite a few teenagers to share with you. Sponsoring teenagers is great! Their letters are amazing and full of details. It's easier to connect with a teenager than a younger child, in my opinion. Plus, if you're looking for more a short-term commitment, sponsoring a teenager is the way to go, because they will be graduating the program in just a few short years. Plus, it's a great way to encourage a young adult in their last few years at the project, and give them the encouragement to head out into the "real world". 

Of course, I have a few little ones to share with you too. :) 

Matias has been sponsored! 

Rosa has a sponsor! 

Anahi is sponsored! 

Raveendra has been sponsored!

19 Year Old Temesgen from ET-439 (Taye)

8 Year Old Bekiltu from ET-583 (Tamiru)

Midrede has been sponsored! 

15 Year Old Ingri from HO-352 (Carlos Alexander)

19 Year Old Arkey from PH-924

Jane has found a sponsor! 

Sweet Florenc

I got another letter from Florenc over the weekend. I'm not sure why I haven't written it out until today, but oh well! Better late, than never right?

Florenc is 16 years old and lives in Albania.

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Hello Kayla, 

You're so kind for writing such nice things and for thinking about me. Thank you! 

I hope this year will be a great one for you! From your picture, I could tell that you look great and you have an amazing smile. Gage and Chloe are very sweet kids. I think it's an amazing thing you working with children. I love your job. Do you sometimes feel tired because of your job? 

Talking about school, I can say all is going well. As usual, I have lessons, homework, and exams, especially because it is the end of the semester. 

The weather is gorgeous! The sun shines brightly, even though it is the winter season. However, I like it to be cold and have some snow. 

I think of you all the time because you're such a caring person. I'd like to meet you one day and know you better. I am looking forward to receiving your next letter and hear all of your news. 

Hugs, 

Florenc

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Project Director Letter: IN-964

Compassion sent out letters written by the project directors and I received them for several of my kids (20 total). I've received them from my sponsored children, as well as correspondent kids that I've been writing to the longest.

It's always great to receive and read these letters. It's wonderful to learn new things about the projects that my kids attend. I also really love the stories each letter shares about specific children in the project. These stories show the success stories that come out of Compassion's program.

I contact Compassion about receiving the letters for my other children, so maybe I will receive the rest at some point. I do wonder how they choose which letters I receive. I am missing letters from kids I've been writing to since late 2013 onward. I think that should be plenty long enough to receive one of these letters. Hopefully I will receive those soon!

Anyway, I will start sharing one letter a week, on Mondays. I'll be posting these with pictures I get from the Compassion site, or just from a random Google search, just to give a little imagery to these letters.

To begin, I will share the letter from IN-964, the project in India that my girl Sadiya attends. This project is located in an urban slum and many people live in deplorable conditions. I am so grateful for Compassion intervening in the lives of these children.


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Dear Kayla, 

Greetings to you in the holy name of our God! 

I am M. and I work as the Center Director of the Child Development center in New Delhi, India, where your sponsored child attends. First of all, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your generous support of Sadiya. This is a great relief for the parents because they are heavily burdened to look after the development of their children with their meager income. Most of the parents are migrant laborers living in rented accommodations. Because of the work of this center, we can see a great transformation in the lives of children. Here, every child is given equal opportunity for development. Thank you so much for your sponsorship. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity. 

God has done many miracles in our center. The children's lives have transformed tremendously. Here is a story of a girl, aged 15, who desperately needed help when she first joined our program. After coming to the center, her life has transformed. Today she attends the church regularly and is very active in church activities. She teachers other children from the Scriptures and is a leader for Sunday school children. She is well versed in the Scriptures and knows many songs. Seeing her behavioral changes, her parents are very proud that they sent their daughter to this center. She is a visible example of how God is rewarding our work. 

Here is another story of a child. She was reluctant to adjust to the teaching of our center. Now she is very interested in learning the Scriptures and regularly attends Sunday school and other church activities. She is very active in her studies also. Sometimes she brings her mother to the church. There is a vast change in her life and in her family. They, as a family, have a deep bond with the center and are thankful for the center and for the girl's sponsor. 

Regarding the letters, they help the sponsors and the children  to establish and renew their bond. Through their communication the children and the sponsors understand each other. When the child knows that there is somewhere who cares for him, he becomes very happy. 

In the past year, two families were given food items through a Complementary Intervention fund. This endeavor helped those two families immensely in their poor conditions. They are earning only a small amount by which they are unable to meet their growing needs. 

Personally speaking, I am encouraged and blessed to continue with this center because I see that many children, despite their background, grow in their knowledge of God. 

Finally, I would like to request your prayers that God will bless us to have place of our own for this center. At this time, we are running on rented premises. Also, pray that God will keep us secure in this area. Pray that our children will be a channel of blessing wherever they are. Once again, we thank all of you for your burden for the children for very poor backgrounds. We are very much indebted to all of you. Thank you again for sponsoring Sadiya. God bless. 

Sincerely, 
M. 

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Monday Mail!

I have another three letters to share with you today! I don't have any other introductions today. :)

First up, a letter from Ernest. I'm waiting excitedly for the day that Ernest will write his own letters. He still has a tutor write for him. That'll be a happy day!

Ernest is 10 years old and lives in Ghana. His letter is dated November 19th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla ,

Ernest says he is so happy to be part of your family and may God bless you. He says thank you for the pictures of the eclipse. He says he is doing well by God's grace and he is happy and healthy. He says he did not see the eclipse. He says it rained heartily in his community last week. He asks, what work are you doing now? May God bless and project your new job, says Ernest. He says, pray for God's blessing for him. He shares Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created heaven and earth." 

Ernest 

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Onto a letter from Rujikorn. She always tells he her name at the beginning of each letter. I think it's pretty adorable. 

Rujikorn is 11 years old and lives in Thailand. She wrote this letter on December 28th, 2015. 

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Dear Kayla, 

Hello. I am Rujikorn. My family and I doing well. I hope that you are doing well too. Thank you for the letter, the beautiful photos and the Christmas gift you sent to me. The project spent it on a blanket for me. It is a warm blanket. The weather in my place is very cold. I like to study the bible. I always listen to the stories about God. The most difficult subjects for me are social studies and history. My teacher in charge is nice to me. Please pray for me and my family. My family and I always think of you in our prayers. I didn't know about the eclipse on September 27th in my country. May God bless you with good health forever. 

Love in Christ, 

Rujikorn

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And, on the surprising front, I received another letter from Emanuel! I just received a letter from him last week, so this was fun to receive! 

Emanuel is 19 years old and lives in Tanzania. His letter is dated January 30th, 2016. 

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Dear Kayla, 

I greet you in Jesus's name. My family and I are doing well and are healthy. I hope and your family are doing well. I'm so happy for a good letter that you sent me. Through those letters, I learnt to use my fingers and thumbs to pray to God. Now I use them to pray. I pray for God to keep you and help you. I want to give you a bible verse from Psalms 95:5, "Come and sing to the Lord for he is our rock and salvation." Do you and your family read the bible? I wish you a good life to fear God. 

Emanuel 

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Christmas Celebrations in Colombia

After a long wait, I received letters from both of my CO-384 boys! The last time I heard from them was in November. Today, when I read the letters, I think I figured out why there was such a long wait.

These letters were both written in November and we talking about a Christmas celebration. My best guess is that the project celebrated Christmas in early November and then had a long break. I bet that all of the projects, as well as the country office, had all of December off as a holiday vacation. I think these letters were then translated and mailed in January, which is why I am just receiving these letters in March.

Good theory? It may not be right, but I'm sticking with it! :) Onto the letters!

I'll share the little guy's (who is not so little anymore) letter first. Jonatan Caleb is 8 years old. His letter is dated November 18th, 2015.

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Dear Kayla, 

The name of my community is: La Nohora

One of the most common jobs in my community is: To sell pineapple and construction. 

The weather in my community is: Warm

In my community and with my family, we celebrate Christmas and New Year's: At church and with my parents and siblings. 

My Christmas present was: A beautiful remote control car and a sports game. 

I know that you like to read the Bible a lot. Which is your favorite Bible story? In April, we have a lot of recreational activities for children. Yes, I have a soccer ball and I like to play with it a lot. That's my favorite toy. I tell you that I'm on my break from school and I passed my school year. I passed to 3rd grade and I was in 5th place. I thank you for the letter and pictures. I wish you a lot of blessings for you and your family. I give you the Bible verse from Psalms 144:1-2, with affection. 

Jonatan Caleb

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Daniel's also wrote about Christmas and New Year's. His letters are always so wonderful! He is really good at sharing details with me. When you read his letter, do you think that Daniel may enjoy eating food? Hahaha. 

Daniel is 10 years old. His letter is November 13th, 2015. 

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Dear Sponsor Kayla, 

I'm very happy to write you this letter. I want to tell you that the name of my community is La Nohora and one of the most common jobs in my community is selling pineapple or trade. The weather in my community is very warm, but sometimes cold. In my community, and with my family, we celebrate Christmas and New Year's with my parents and siblings. We have cookies, cake, pudding with fritters, rice with chicken, rice with pork, empanadas, and chorizo. My Christmas present was a beautiful remote control car. Thank you so much! Did you get any special present this year? What do you like to cook on New Year. In answer to your question, I don't have my own soccer ball. The story of Daniel in the bible is my favorite because we have the same name and he was a boy saved for God when he was in Babylonia and he wanted in his heart to not have the food from the king. I am happy to get your letter and the beautiful pictures with the children praying. I also want to tell you that I passed to 5th grade of elementary school and they congratulated me for my great performance. I say goodbye with a big hug and I give you the bible verse, from Isaiah 58:11. 

Juan Daniel

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