Finally Mail!

Was so excited this last week, to find, not only one letter, but two in my mailbox from my Compassion kiddos.

The first letter I opened was from my youngest, 5 year old Arsang in Thailand.

He is now using the form letters, with a new topic in each letter. In this letter he told me all about his friends. His best friend is a boy named Wittawat, who lives next door and sometimes attends the project with Arsang. His favorite activity is playing games because he gets to go to his friends house to play with him.

He drew me a very nice sunset on the mountains. He asks if  I'm excited about Christmas and he is excited because he will get presents. I can imagine a big smile and excitement on his face!

My second letter was from my oldest, 20 year old Denise from Rwanda.

I love how she starts her letter, 'I your child...' She tells me her family send their greetings, and goes on to talk about her evangelism training she has been doing. She says 'I am happy to see the Spirit of God enabling me to do it.' I know this girls will go far as she keeps her focus on Jesus!

Her prayer is for her to be able to attend college. She tells me she too is praying for this. As the oldest of a single mother, I pray God makes a way for her dreams to come true!

Will you join me in praying for Denise? What prayer requests have you received recently from your kids?

Monday's Mail

This week I heard from three out of my four boys. Those three boys do seem to write often, in which I'm grateful. Two of them are absolutely amazing artist, while the youngest I do believe will be an up and coming artist as he ages.

First letter was from 12 year old Erick in Bolivia.

He tells me everything is going well at school in his classes and he will be done on November 30th. His cat Perla will be having two or three kittens and he is looking foward to it. He also mentions his dog Dumbo is sick because he cries when he walks; he has a bad foot he says. This kid loves his pets, and has told me about them in many letters! He hopes his dog will be better soon.

He also mentions celebrating students day in September  with delicoius food and dancing.

He draws such great people and uses so much color!

Then I received a letter from my almost 17 year old Jose David in Ecuador.

David tells me he is happy because he was promoted to his last year of high school. This sentence brought both joy, and sadness. I'm very happy he is doing so well, but sad as it confirms that his will probably be his final year at Compassion. His birthday is in December, and he is scheduled for completion next year. I am truly excited to see him finish and graduate, but I will dearly miss our correspondence as we've been together for quite sometime.

He tells me he wants to continue to study at university and "be a great engineer for the honor and glory of God". Amen to that! He's also very happy as his praise group decided to record, and promoted their first CD in October. He has told me before the name of his group, I will have to see if I can find the CD online. He wants prayers to conintue to learn the piano. He asks if I like to play the piano; he'll be excited when he gets me letter talking about me learning guitar!

He often times writes scripture with his drawings.

Lastly I heard from my youngest, 5 year old Arsang in Thailand.

This was a form letter, one of the new ones that were part of the new letter guidelines. It's about his project!

On the back the project worker wrote a message for him (not the normal tutor who helps him), she mentions he's happy to participate in the project activities, and asks me to pray for him as "he is still a little child and has to learn more." I like how he said dessert is what he typically eats at his project!

I'd love to hear about your little artists!

Mail Call Monday

Last week I received two letters from my Compassion kids. The first one was from 9 year old Duangdao in Thailand. I'm blessed to hear from her on a pretty regular basis.

Her letters are generally quite newsy. She thanked me for the letter and photo. She tells me her school performance is improving and she enjoys math. She goes on to explain that her friends help her when she doesn't understand her school lesson.

She says that her family has finished growing rice, and they also grew chili. She asks if I like cooking food, and tells me she helps her mother cook everyday.


My next letter was actually waiting for me when I got home today, but I wanted to go ahead and share it. It was from 15 year old Mwanaidi in Tanzania.

I believe it was a scheduled letter, as the youth group also received a letter from their Tanzania child today too. I thought it was neat that the translation was done on a typewriter. I can tell because it's typed, but not in perfect lines. Something we would think of as archaic, is used by third world country to give a nice appearance. The letter does look lovely by the way; I had just not received a letter translated by typewriter before.

She tells me she is doing well in her studies and will be doing a mock examine soon. I'm thinking this is a practice exam for a big test. The weather there is hot, and they are on school holiday. She tells me she likes to play different games like races, jump rope and football. She then asks my favorite sport.

I love how many details she gives. For so long I would receive letter after letter of the same thing. Hi, please pray for school. God bless. Very simple letters, void of details. I think she must have had a hard time opening up, possibly not knowing how long I'd stick around, or if I even cared or would write back.

None the less, I love how this lady has started to transform. And thank my elderly friend who sponsors her for giving me the opportunity to write, and both of us to be a part of her life.

Monday's Mail Call

This week I received a letter from my sweet Mwanaidi in Tanazania.

She wrote the entire letter in English, so no translation was needed. She congratulated me on finishing my nurses aid training. And told me she thought I would do well.

She mentioned she will be doing her terminal examination, which I believe to be like the final examination, maybe for the year? I'm not totally sure, but know she is not totally complete with school either.

She asks for prayers to pass her examine.

Short, sweet and to the point, are usually how her letters are.

Have you received any mail this week?

Monday Mail Call

I thought we hadn't received any mail on Saturday, but when the doorbell rang late, and no one was there, I found a package for me sister, so I decided to walk down the street to check the mail. Sure enough, there was a letter, from my precious little Arsang, in Thailand.

He's 5 years old now, and writes with the help of his tutor. I really had to laugh out loud when I came to the line that read "He's a good boy and helping his parents look after his younger sibling. He's naughty sometimes because he's a boy but still lovely." She has written before that he is a good boy, but this is the first mention of him misbehaving. It goes on to say he pays attention to his study well. So it leads me to believe that maybe he plays around with the boys in a manure that is not quite so nice.

I had sent a photo of my in front of the lilac bush in bloom and he tells me I'm so beautiful like the flowers. He's tells me it rains a lot in Thailand, and wants to know if it rains here. I'll have to tell him we don't get much rain, but we do get snow! I'm sure he'll enjoy those photos.

Have you received any Compassion mail lately?

Monday Mail Call

It's been too longs since I blogged. Summer time is always filled with so many activities and things pulling at my attention.

I am very happy to share some of the letters I received in the last couple weeks. Including one from our very own Shoa!

In her letter she thanks us for her birthday gift. She bought shoes, skirt, t-shirt and bed sheet. She mentions spending a bit on transportation also.She says "I really appreciate what you did for me." And that her brothers felt glad.

She mentions this year is her final school exam. I will have to ask her what she plans next. She also mentions celebrating international children's day, and Easter.

She goes on to ask which is the highest mountain here. and if I know about the dam under construction on the Abay (not sure of the spelling, the translation is hard to read) river.

She asks for prayer for them to get another rain this season and for her to get good results in school.

**On a side note I have to say, that Ethiopia is one of the hardest translations to read. I have two kids there, and I always have such a hard time reading their letters. Anyone else experience this?


I also received a letter from 8 year old Tekalign in Ethiopia.

This was a themed letter about his project, Boditi Full Gospel Believers Church Child Development Project.

There are 249 children in his project.

It says he goes to the project either 1-3days a week or 1.3, I'm guessing the first.

His project is 1.5 Km from his house, and he walks to the project.

Typical activities are Sunday School and Health Education.

His favorite activity at the project is foot ball. And I believe that he looks like he plays hard, as his clothes in both photos are some what dirty.


My last letter is from 10 year old Duangdao in Thailand.

I always enjoy her letters, she has so much to say! She tells me school started on May 1st. And that she has Christ thorn growing in her front yard.

Both her parents are farmers and they grow rice. She asks if I like to grow rice. And if I have ever seen anyone grow rice.

 I had also asked how to write aunt in Thai and a couple other phrases (I told her I wanted her to help teach me Thai) and the amazing translator again typed them out in nice Thai font to make them easy to read!

She mentions going to the project with her older sister and little brother. I wonder if she is referring to church? Her little brother is between 2-3 now. And she also mentions her studying is getting better. She asks for prayers for her studies and her family.

And she signed to top of her letter her name in English!! I love this girl!

Mail Call Monday

I am very excited to share today, as I have received quite a few letters in the last couple weeks. I was unable to post last Monday, but I'm excited to share today.

I have six letters to share, it feels almost like Christmas!

First letters is from 15 year old Mwanaidi from Tanzania.

She looks almost stern in her photo, but she is really warming up, and sharing more in each letter. She tells me she is pleased with my questions. She tells me she is doing well with her lessons, and she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. The chores she helps with are washing utensils, washing clothes and sweeping. And when asked what her favorite animal is, she tells me grazing animals like cows and goats. She also  tells me she was happy to hear I got my nursing certificate (my CNA license). This girls is smart and has tons of potential.

Then I heard from my youngest, 5 year old Arsang in Thailand.

His tutor helps him write, and she tells me he is happy to know I sent him a letter. She also says he is still a good child, and that he looks after his little sister well. She mentions she attends the activities at the project also, and if she is crying he consoles her. The last sentence reads "His mother would like to ask will you come to Thailand?" I would love to go, God willing some day I may.

He drew me a very colorful photo and I love how Thailand has the children draw on a separate sheet. I can adore his letter and drawing at the same time.

I received another Thai letter from 10 year old Duangdao.

She writes, "I am glad you wrote to me again. Your work is interesting. I think you are very happy with it. You are a very good woman because you are taking care of the patient and elderly." I thought it was neat to hear back from two of my kids in regards to my new job, and job training with my Nursing Assistant certification. She tells me "I have a story to share also. I always ride my bicycle with my friends in summer." And that was the end of her story. I love how she just lets her thoughts flow, and I hear about many topics.

Then I received a letter from my sweet 18 year old Sarah in Uganda.

It has been a little while since I have heard from her, but she begins her letter again, "my beloved friend Heather." She writes in English, but I do not believe it to be her first language, or she hasn't done very well in school. Her first question she ask, "How are you and how is your life at large?" It made me smile. She tells me about her Easter holiday, and asks for prayers. She tells me she is proud and grateful for the letters I sent her.

She asks me again, when I will visit her in her country, and tells me as she has before, "I know that it is a long way from your home country to my home country Uganda and there are valleys and mountains, but don't fear that because there is a God who will make a way for you." She wrote this almost verbatim a few months ago when she asked me to visit. I believe I did not say anything back, as I did not want to lead her to believe I was coming, as my words might come across unlike I intend. But maybe she knows something I don't know yet, and I'll be heading to Uganda. I know I would love to go!

Then I recieved two letters from 12 year old Erick in Bolivia.

The week before he wrote me about all his pets, past and present. He told me he had 2 cats, but they were sick and died. (He's my child that knows his dog is old, and is scared for him to die.) He then tells me about celebrating children's day at school and taking a field trip to trout aquarium. I think that sounds like a neat place!

Then I received this!!

He tells me his birthday was the 22nd of May, and thanks me for the gift. He was a sweat suit and sweater. He tells me his parents bought a cake, and sang him happy birthday. He also tells me about mothers day, and his mom's birthday being in May and says "May is one of the most imprtant times of the year becayse it's my mom's birthday, my birthday, and mother's day. When is your birthday?" I'm pretty sure he'll be excited to hear my birthday is also in May. He signs his letter, "Your Boy, Erick"

Monday's Mail Call

 

I'm very excited to share a letter with you this week, from my precious Jose David, in Ecuador. I never grow tired of getting letters from my sponsored children, but especially with such amazing artwork like David sends.

He thanked me for the postcards I sent (ones of Washington). He tells me "God bless you today and always, may your life be in the hands of God." I sure love this kid! I know he has a relationship with Christ, and I know God will continue to use this young man to do great things. He is already part of his church's worship band. 

He also tells me "I will never forget your love." There have been several occasions I have received letters from him, that almost sounds like final letters, but I believe he is one who speaks from his heart and never leaves anything unsaid. David truly inspires me! He also tells me he thanks God for giving him another year of life, and he feels God with him everyday. I know God blessed me when he partnered me with such an amazing young person. I pray I can pour back blessings into his life!

 

I know the drawing is a little hard to see, but it was pencil only.

Monday and Mail

I've very excited to share three letters I received this last week from Compassion. Two of them were child letters, and another is a project letter!

My first letter was from almost 16 year old, Mame Aba, from Ghana.

She thanks me for all the letters, and again for choosing her. It almost breaks my heart to read those words. Every letter she writes, she ALWAYS thanks me for choosing her. I believe God choose her for me, as I hadn't even seen her photo. I asked if they had any 16 year old girls in Ghana, and the lady told me they had one 15 year old; Mame Aba.

I sent little valentines to all my children this year. I wasn't sure how my teenager would respond, as most teenagers here wouldn't be too excited. But this is my second child to make mention. and she says"Yes!" her friends like the cards so much. She tells me she shared them with her best friend, sibling, and parents.

Next I received a letter from my 11 year old Bolivian artist, Erick.

Erick tells me he is doing well in school and is now in the 6th grade. He says his teachers are strict, and there are 39 students in his class. That is quite a few kids, but I bet there are much better behaved than students here.

He also mentions he's brother and nephew's both have birthdays coming up. And they are having a party with a clown, because Josue, his nephew, likes clowns. He says he's praying for my new job also.

The last letter was the project letter for Mwanaidi in Tanzania.

This letter I actually received indirectly from her sponsor. My friend who sponsors her (She asked me to correspond) gave me the letter along with another to read. She told me since it wasn't a specific letter from her child, I could keep it. I looked at it, and realized it was Mwanaidi's project, and I was so excited!

The gentleman who wrote it, is Nickson Yared Kilale, and he is the project facilitator for her project, and 10 others! He says he visits with projects often, when the children are in attendance.

He states that the suburb is 160 kilometers from Arusha, and how the area receives heavy rain from November to April. With the hot months being August, September, and October.

She tells how most of the economic activities are peasantry and very small irrigation schemes of padding growing. He says the average monthly income from this is 26 USD. He also mentions though the maddy crops have been good income, they are also a good activator of Malaria prevalence in the area due to the still water.

He talks about HIV being high in the area, due to people coming as laborers or buyers of rice. Witchcraft is highly practiced and girls education is not a priority to parents. So early marriage and school drop out is common.

He said that those registered compared to those unregistered is a huge difference! The registered children are in diminished frequency of poverty related illness because of their health checks, vaccines, proper and timely medication, nutritional literacy and provision and hygiene seminars. Compassion is making a difference.

One of the points I found most interesting is, there are 252 youth registered, and 202 are over the age of twelve. There is a lot of vocational training happening in this center, and I'm so glad to hear about it. What an informative letter!!

Did you hear from any of your Compassion International kids this week?

Monday's Mail Call

Every Monday I enjoy looking back over the week at any mail I received from my Compassion International kids. This week brings me a letter from the Philippines.

I received a letter this week from 18 year old Sheena is the Philippines. While usually I am quite excited to received a letter, but this one was a little bittersweet. This is Sheena's final letter.

While the letter was super informative, it was definately written after her departure, as it was the project worker, and no Sheena herself. She thanked me for supporting Sheena, and that Sheena was able to enroll in formal school through her second year of college. It also talked about all the things she was provided from tutorial services, computer lessons and dental check-ups to vocational training like computer skills, handicrafts, cooking, hair cutting and manicure/pedicure training. Most of those services I did not know she had received. There is quite the list.

It went on to talk about it being her aunts decision, as her guardian, for her to finish the program early. And her Aunt would continue to help her with schooling, and her others needs. I ask for you to please pray for Sheena. I believe her aunt has her best interests in mind, but know Sheena could use prayer as she transitions into adult life outside the Compassion program.

Please pray she remembers what she was taught and continues to make wise choices that honor God throughout her life.

Michelle over at Blogging from the Boonies has a link up with other sponsors and their letters.

Mail Call Monday

I feel very blessed to have received letters from three of my Compassion kids this week! And all of them very nice letters.

First I heard from 10 year old Duagndao in Thailand.

She writes her own amazing letters in Thai. Her handwriting is like artwork alone! She told me how she joined cheer and a running race when they held a sports day. She was on the red team and will compete for the winner. She informs me it's her summer vacation and she is helping her mom by watching her little brother and helping her parents to work as much as she can. I'm so proud of her. And she signs her letter, Love you very much.

Then I received a letter from Zaira, who is also 10 years old, but from Peru.

My sister sponsor her twin sister Zarai, and we have been sponsoring them since they were 4 years old. This last year they lost their mother to a long battle of cancer. They started writing their own letters about a year ago, but they never have very much information or details. She tells me she was promoted to fifth grade section A. I'm so excited to hear, but I'll have to ask what the section A is. She then says she wants to know how old I am and how old my sister Samantha is. This is the first time to make much acknowledgment of knowing we as sisters sponsor her and her sister. So I was pretty excited to hear.

My sister's letter was much longer, with more details, so I wonder if Zarai likes writing more than Zaira. She also acknowledged me by name too!

I was really excited to see the other envelope. It was a slightly larger envelope. And while they use to almost always contain photos, I know lately that isn't always the case. I was hopeful none the less.

Karabukirwa or Denise is 20 years old, and from Rwanada.

She again wrote me two pages. They were half pages front and back, and required traslation, but they would equal out to two full pages. She often writes two pages, and tells me so much about her and her family. I'm so thankful as I've only been sponsoring her not quite a year, and she will not have a ton of time for us to get to know each other.

She opens with "I your daughter Karabukirwa, greet you in the name of Jesus." While we are close in age, I do consider it a great honor for her to address me as a daughter. She tells me she loves me so much and misses me. She thanks me for all my letters, and goes into detail about many of them. Attached to her letter was one of the valentines cards I sent her to share with friends. At the chance of her thinking it was too juvenile, and she seemed to enjoy them, and even sent one back!! She said it was her first time receiving one!

She told me a little more about the house/building situation. And explained they had to stop for a time because of her cousins wedding, but they are now building again. And thanked me for the gift I sent, as it helped with building their house.

She tells me she completed secondary level and scored 16 points. She said she wishes to continue on to university, and that she is praying that God will help her because she does not have the means to. She goes on to tell me that some of her friends study together and others do the work of God. Attached was a photo of her and her friends!

I was able to pick her out by her smile right away, without the help of the arrow! I was in awe when she told me the names of her friends, and one of them has my last name, Jermyn, as her first name, or maybe it's her family name she goes by. (I'm not too sure which name they always go by, she uses both names). My last name being extremely uncommon here, I would never imagine seeing it in Africa! It's written in the top and in translation. I believe her to be the girl in the white, but the description of positions was a little vague. Another of the girls shares her name as well, Denise. She then asks if I have people here called Denise. I'll have to say yes, but I do not personally know anyone.

She asks for prays for her to continue her studies. Will you join me in pray for her to have a way to continue on to University? I'm going to call Compassion and see what the costs might look like for her.

Did you hear from any of your kids?



**And if you want to read more about my kids, click on their names, and it will take you to their introduciton.

More Ecuadorian Mail

I heard from my dear Jose David this last week again. It seems there must have been some sort of hold up on mail, as I hadn't heard much from him in a while.

This letter was dated the end of January. He tells me he spent Christmas with his family at the church.They organized a program (sounds like a Christmas play) "with shepherds, wise men from the east, angels and other things. We glorified God and received gifts."

He tells me he received the new year with many goals and much enthusiasm. And that he was choose to be a part of the board for his group (I'm assuming his music group/band). He is the secretary and he's excited for all he'll learn with this new position.

He ends with Lots of love!

Did you receive any letters lately from Compassion?

Mail from Tanzania

I didn't received any letters last week from my Compassion kiddos, so I didn't post anything Monday. But a dear friend of mine did!!

My friend who financially sponsor's Mwandai, (click the link to read a bit more about her) sponsors two other girls she corresponds with. Due to her age, she didn't feel she could take on the responsibility of writing another child faithfully. I share my letters with her, and she in turn share the letters she get from her girls.

When I met her, she already sponsored one girl, and then she choose 12 year old Neema from Tanzania. Neema was one of the first sponsorships I helped orchestrate after I became an advocate.

Neema celebrated a birthday a few months back, and she sent a lovely photo, I just had to share.

She was able to buy a school bag, school books, her cute shoes, and the photo to send. I can't believe how tall she is, especially for 12 years old. She lives with her grandmother, we're unsure of where her parents are. She always writes such nice letters, so full of love! My friend was so proud to share this photo off too! Like a proud grandma :)

And if you want to hear even more about Tanzania, you should check out the bloggers who are there now!

Mail Call

This last week I was blessed by a letter from my dear young man in Ecuador, 16 year old Jose David.

I was given an amazing opportunity by fellow blogger Jennifer, to send a gift with her to Ecuador. She traveled at the end of October to meet her sweet Henith. If you want to see photos, click here. David had a birthday December first. And I thought if his gift was dropped off at the country office, it would get to him in a month, in time for his birthday. But I hadn't received any word, until this last week.

The letter was dated November 28, I'm unsure why it took so long to get to me, my guess is it ended up on the bottom of a translation pile. None the less, I'm so grateful for it!

He thanks me for the beautiful gift I send. "I thank you of heart." He tells me he is using the Bible I sent, and it is very nice indeed. I struggled slightly, trying to decided, what I could send, that was small, but have a great memory/impact. I know they received Bibles, throughout their time in Compassion, but I found a nice compact Spanish, leather bond Bible, for a great deal, and had his name imprinted in gold. I also wrote in my minimal Spanish on the inside. I thought it would be nice to have a Bible, directly from me. And the gold lettering would make it special.

He goes on to tell me he is happy because everyone in his praise band already has instruments. And they are always able to praise God in a better way!

He's an amazing artist. In colored pencils he drew my name. And in pencil trees.  He always draws on the backs of his letters. I think I have less than five in the 3 years, that don't have drawings. I consider it a privilege!

Mail Call

I always enjoy sharing my letters from my precious Compassion kids. I look forward everyday to checking my mailbox, hoping for a letter, my connection, to their world. Those letters almost seem like gold. One time I had a letter with a dirt print on it, and I told me sister that it added to the reality of knowing my child actually wrote my letter. It may have fallen from her desk first, but she held that letter contimplating what to write.

I do apologize this week for no photos of the letters, I'm still not all the way moved, and I'm not sure where everything is.

My first letter was from almost 12 year old Erick, from Bolivia.

Erick is very, very good about answering all my questions. I love his letters because he switches subjects so often, and may talk about 15 different things. He seems like he may be a busy boy.

He tells me again about his old dgo and how he wishes he could take a picture of him on his cell phone to always remember him by. But his cell phone doesn't take photos. He attends the project Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. They are not sure what the new school building will look like yet, as they haven't finished. They are only building on Saturday and Sunday. And they haven't tore his old school down, as they are still attending.

He said he doesn't get to see hsi two friends he mention by name in an earlier letter because they dont go to school with him and they are not his naighbors. Now I'm slightly confused and curious as to how he met these two boys.

Overal all, amazing letter, I always learn so much from his letters!

My next letter was from 15 year old Mame Aba, from Ghana.

Not a letter goes by where she thanks me for chooseing her. It makes me wonder about her past. It shows me she is truly greatful! She goes on to answer my question about who lives in her home. She lists: cousins, siblings, my uncle and aunties. I though her mom was in the picutre, but no I'm unsure. She goes on to tell me she is learning to use the computer, do communial labor and fix some of the local dishes. She also drew and colored a cute heart that says I love you so much!

And then I also received a letter from Sheena, thanking me for a gift I sent with another sponsor to the Philippines. There was a photo printed on computer paper. I'll post her letter later, as I'm not sure which house it is at. My sister told me it was in the car, but I couldn't find it before soccer practice tonight. It was a really sweet letter.

Have you had any gold delivered to your mailbox? :)

Not My Mail Monday

My nephew received two letters over the weekend from his Compassion sponsor child. I was so excited coming in the house as they were both in lager envelopes. I know my mail lateyly has been coming for no reason in the larger envelopes, but he had saved some money and sent a family gift a while back, so I was convinced he probably had a photo. As he rips into I was right. There was a had some young boy stapled to the letter.

I thought it was so neat to see his photo, but wait a minute, what is he holding?! Its the gift we sent with a fellow sponsor who traveled in January to the Philippines!! Even better of a photo!

Then upon closer look, my sister discovered not only was there one photo, but three!!! Another of him, sitting on a pew at church, and then John with his mother and little brother!

What a great mail day!

**Sorry I didn't actually get this posted yesterday, I was having some technical difficulties trying to get the photos from my phone.

Tuesday's Mail Call :)

Ok, so a little more silence. Please excuse me, I know several were waiting for my letters I told you last week I knew were coming. I was in a bit of a wait for those letters too.

Saturday was was very excited to see two letters in the mailbox with my name on them! My sister and nephew had received mail in the last few weeks, but the only mail I had received were my updated photos. I was excited to see the smiling faces, but truth is, I was waiting for a letter of some sort.

I'm so happy to let you know we, yes WE, finally received a letter from Shoa. It's a thank you letter for her Christmas gift. I'm slightly disappointed there was no photo attached this year. I would probably not be disappointed at all had I not received photos from Christmas the last two years. But I'm super excited regardless as it really seems like forever since I have heard from her. And that had me a bit concerned.

She is doing well. She begins the letter "How you are you my dear guardian?" This is a unique greeting/opening to her letters. She says she celebrated the holiday at church with God's word, Gospel songs, beverages and sweets. With her Christmas gift money she bough sheets, pants, transport (maybe to the market) and in hand she had a very small amount. I guess she was allowed to keep the left over change basically :)

She mentions the African Cup of Nations is through. (I looked it up, and it's a big football or as us American's refer to it, as soccer, nationals.) She asks prayer for her family and her lessons. And ends the letter "See you in my next letter. I also pray for you. Chao!!"

I also heard from my other Ethiopian child, Tekalign, my other Ethiopian cutie!

It was one of the new form letters, and I have to say, I feel I learned quite a bit! He lives in a town. He sleeps on the floor (option was floor or bed). He gets his water from a tap and his food from the open market. His house is made from both wood and mud. The floor is mud, the roof is corrugated iron sheet. From this info, I feel I can kind of picture his house in my mind. It says he also has electricity in his home, which I would guess to be minimal with the substances his home is made of. He also tells me he washes his clothes with tap water (the other option was river.)

I really have been enjoying all the information I've received through these form letters. This is my second from Tekalign. His other letter was about his family.

Next letter was from my youngest, little Arsang in Thailand. He is only four years old, and his tutor helps him write!

This project worker really tried to make sure I knew Arsang helped write the letter. There is many mention of "Arsang told me..." I really appreciate this.  He tells me he and his family are find. And that every in his family thinks of me much. He thanks me for my letters, telling him of many stories. (Maybe Bible stories I've made mention of)  Arsang is happy to go to the project on Saturday with his friends. They celebrated National Children's day on January 14th. I also got this amazingly colorful drawing!

He's such a little cutie! And he's really growing up. His artwork has improved a lot this last few months!

I received a second Thai letter, from my sweet Duangdao. She nine years old, and writes her own letters in Thai!! I'm so impressed!!!

She is full of questions!! I think she is really coming out of her shell. She asks how I'm doing, and about my health. She asks my favorite season, and what the weather is like. She asks if I like planting flowers and if people in my country plant flowers!

She tells me about how she enjoys studying, and that she is in third grade primary school now. She tells me the weather there is cold in the morning, but always hot in the afternoon. She also tells me she planted flowers in front of her house. Many different kinds. And that's why she asked me about planting flowers. She ends her letter "Love you Much."

Last, but certainly not least, is my precious Sarah, from Uganda. She turns 18 next month, and I've always felt we have had a good bond.

She has really grown up a lot! She has always been so loving and sweet. She opens her letter "my beloved friend Heather." Just about every sentence has the words, my friend in it. It was as if we had an instant bond. She tells me how much her mother loves me also. She is the oldest of three girls, in a single mother household. She requests prayers for her to pass her exam. The end of the first page, her last sentence reads "My friend when are you planning to come to visit me my country Uganda."

My heart stopped at this question. Frozen for a moment, as this is not the first time she has asked me to come visit. She has asked me atleast one other time. And I haven't been able to bring myself to write back some sort of answer. So I leave the question unanswered.

She goes on to tell me "I know that is is long way from your home country to my home country Uganda, and there are valleys and mountains but don't worry because there is God who will make a way for you my friend." Her letter captivates me, and I would love in this instant to jump on a plane, fly to Uganda and give her the biggest hug ever!! And then go attempt to find Carolyne and Dinah and do the same. I would love to meet all my kids, but especially, my dear friend Sarah.

To make this amazing letter even better, there was a photo stapled to the top!

I'm amazed by these young people. Their letters inspire me. The increase my faith, as I watch God do things in their lives. I'm so thankful to be called their friend; their sponsor. Thank you God for blessing me through these amazing young people!