World Vision is one of our favorite charities. They are financially transparent and efficient and they help meet the physical and spiritual needs of hundreds of thousands of children and families. Here are some pictures of our three sponsor children – Dennis (Kenya), Oljana (Albania) and Sindy (Honduras). We’ve been writing Dennis for nine years and the girls for over five years. They have brought us tremendous joy as we’ve corresponded with them and their families.
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Today is the last day of my mission trip in Kenya and I am scheduled to meet with Dennis and his family. We got together during my last two trips and it was the highlight for me each time. Please pray that everything will go smoothly. I’ll fill you all in on the whole trip after I get back.
Dennis is an incredible young man. His father was murdered by thugs and his mom left him. His Great-Aunt is a sweet woman who takes care of him. He works very hard in school and writes us letters himself. He leads a prayer group at his school where they pray for people around the world. He is very humble.
When I arrived for my 2nd visit his Great-Aunt ran around the World Vision truck and gave me a big bear hug. She has a fabulous smile, though whenever the cameras come out she looks stern. I’m not sure if it cultural or just not being familiar with cameras. Either way, I’m determined to get a picture of them smiling on this trip.
I wrote about Sindy here. She has Down Syndrome so her mother has to write for her. Oljana has a beautiful, compassionate spirit and often sends us lovely pictures she has made.
If you haven’t considered having a sponsor child, please give it some though. World Vision is terrific and so is Compassion International. For only $28 per month you can see to it that they are clothed, fed, able to go to school and spiritually nourished with a Christian worldview.
If you have kids it is a great way for them to learn about the world and how other kids aren’t quite so fortunate. My daughters always write letters and draw pictures and such when we correspond with the sponsor children. We’re hoping to meet Sindy in Honduras someday. I haven’t heard of many mission trips to Albania but I suppose that is a possibility as well.
Sounds like an excellent charity. My prayers are with you as you travel.
Neil,
I must say, one of those pictures really moved me. I mean, they don’t have anything better to wear than a Houstan Texans shirt? Didn’t you have any Cowboys shirts?
No, I’m totally kidding by the way. I think providing the Texans shirt was truly awesome.
best of luck and blessings Neil!
Hi Neil,
You rock man! I’m so jealous (the good kind). Please do tell us how you get to meet your sponsored kids.
We’d love to do that too.
Edgar.
Hi Edgar – you just call World Vision and they arrange the visits and paperwork (background checks and such). The latest visit was the best yet – I got to spend nearly 3 hrs. with the family. More soon!
Hi Chance – ha! Believe it or not, even though I’m a Steelers fan I looked for a Cowboys shirt for that trip. But all I could find was Texans stuff. The funny part was when the great aunt put it on over her beautiful African dress.
I’m humbled by your commitment. I’ve known several people who have gone on short-time missions, including some in my own church who go to Nicararagua every year and have started a clinic for the deaf. I’ve personally have known two full-time missionaries, one of whom is now in Bangladesh. Bless them all, and bless you.