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 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"

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.

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!

Exceptional Mail Call

So last Tuesday I went to the mailbox, and knew right away there were letters...many letters. I saw a thick stack of cream envelopes, and I squealed with excitement. There was  more likely than not, mail for everyone. And I was right. I received five letters! My sister received three and my nephew also received a letter. That's probably the best letter day ever!

First letter was from my youngest, 4 year old Arsang from Thailand.

Both he and his family thanked me for the letter and stickers. He told me most of the time he likes to play the chasing game with his friends or little sibling.

He also told me he doesn't know how to fish because there is no place to go fishing. (I told him about my nephews and I going fishing) He tells me that Thailand doesn't have wild elephant. And the wild elephants are snakes squirrels, wild pigs and many kinds (I asked after we visited the zoo). He also tells me he likes dogs! And he colored me a picture with LOTS of green, a lot like the background of his photo!

Next was my other Thai child, nine year old Duangdao.

I'm so proud of her, and her beautiful Thai writing she does on her own! It's artwork itself. She thanked me for the birthday gift, she told me she used it to buy warm clothes. She tells me I'm always in her prayers and thoughts.

She tells me there are many types of animals in Thailand: deer, snakes, elephants, tigers, monkeys, birds, cows and buffaloes. She also tells me there are some elephants in her village. ( I thought it was funny I received two different answers from my Thai kids the same day!)

She also tells me she likes music and she hopes I do too.

Then I received a letter from sixteen year old David in Ecuador.

He tells me thank you for the photos and that he is happy to know me and my landscapes (thanks to the new online stationary!). He tells me he always prayers and will continue to pray for me family. And one of my favorite lines was "Go forward, God is with you with Him nothing is impossible." I love the understanding and blessing he spoke/wrote. And that was partly in reference to my new job.

He tells me his family is well and that when he shared my greetings with them, they were happy.

I then received two letters from eighteen year old Sheen in the Philippines.

One was a reply letter, and the other was a scheduled letter.  They were written 8 days apart. She thanked me for the Christmas gift, she bought slippers, a bag, blouses and cologne. (that was very close to what she bought last year too) She tells me she's excited to wear it to the Sunday service. She tells me her schooling is fine, and she received high grades, because her inspiration is God!!! (She put three exclamation marks) She says she thanks God he gave her a sponsor like me, who understands her.

She thanked me for the photos, of where I go fishing, and said she wished she could go there. She tells she misses me and loves the stationary I sent (again, thanks to the new online letter writing tool!) She says "I hope and pray to God that we can see each other" (I pray I too get the opportunity to meet her before she graduates in the next few years. Her completion date is 2014) She also mentions she would like to see snow in the Philippines, because that is something they don't have. And she made mention of our weather being opposite. Again she tells me she did well on her exam, and passed all her subjects. (I'm waiting to hear back on the field inquiry, as to why her case study said she wasn't in school.)

I hope you received some special mail! If, so I'd love to hear from who!

Meet My Child-Arsang

This week I'd like to introduce you to the youngest of my Compassion kids; four year old Arsang from Thailand.

I've been corresponding with this adorable little one for about a year.

I do have to admit, the day I saw Arsang on my account I was slightly disappointed. Not because of his cutness, but his photo was in place of my 18 year old Thai boy, whom I had grown to dearly love. I also have truely grown to love corresponding with teenagers, and Arsang was a bit of a shock.

I do have to say I have grow to love this lively little boy as his tutor refers to him. I do know this little guy's favorite color is red, and he was very excited last Christmas that the envelope to his Christmas card was red. So for his birthday i picked out an Elmo card, also with a red envelope.

I haven't received too any letters from this little guy, but I have noticed a change in this trend, and I am enjoying it.

He has a younger brother, who he enjoys helping his mom care for. And he recently started school. His tutor describes him as an obedient and lively little boy. His photo is due to update this year, and I hope to see a bit more of his liveliness in his new photo.

His artwork is improving and he draws some cute little characters, though I'm not exactly sure if they are people or what.

I look forward to many more years with this little guy, and the ablitity of knowing him for a good portion of his life.

It's Monday...

And you know what that means...mail time!!!

And while I may not be hearing as frequently from some of my usual frequent writers, I am definitely thankful to be receiving letters most weeks. Especially when I hear other sponsors talking about a major lack of letters from everywhere!

This week brought letters from Mwandai and Duangdao.

Mwandai's arrived first, so I'll start with my 14 year old from Tanzania. I was just talking with her sponsor about how she's starting to open up a little bit more and I was anticipating her next letter to be even more detailed. And boy was it ever full of details!

She said she and her family are well and thanked me for the letter I sent. She tells me in history she is learning about ancient people and in math they are working on multiplication and division as well as geometry. (from her letters she really seems to enjoy school!)

She mentions helping her parents and also continuing to revise her study notes! She also tells me they have various animals where she lives, but her favorite is the baboon (I wrote to tell her about the zoo with photos). She also asks me to read Psalm 23.

My second letter is from 9 year old Duangdao from Thailand.

If I wasn't posting from my phone I would upload a photo of her handwriting, it's absolutely beautiful! But I ended up cover another shift, so I won't be off till late, so I'll have to post it later :)

I love the salutation. 'May God always be with you.' She asks what I like to do in my spare time, and tells me she enjoys reading and riding her bycycle.  She tells me its the beginning of winter in her village and asks about my weather. She requests prayer for her study and for her parents work. And lastly she asks specifically if I like to ride bikes. I'm excited to tell her about me and my nephews riding bikes!

Have you received any special mail?

Mail Call

Ok, so I just realized I never got this posted on Monday, so Mail Call Wednesday anyone? :)



This weeks I only heard from one of my Compassion International sponsored children. But it was a delight none the less.

This week's letter comes from the youngest member of my Compassion family. Four year old Arsang from Thailand.

This letter was written close in date to his previous letter, and it's such a joy to be hearing frrom this little guy more, as I feel I'm really starting to get to know him better.

In this letter he thanked me for the stickers and drawing pictures. He said he would put the drawings on the wall of his home and the stickers on his notebook. His tutor noted he rally liked the drawing picture. His tutor also noted he is a lively child wherever he is, at home, at school and at the project. I hope when his photo updates this next year I get a glimpse of this young man's liveliness!

His tutor also said he loves his younger sister very much and always looks after her. I was ecited to learn his other sibling was a sister. this was new news for me. I will have to ask more about his little sister.

This week I also recieved a 'Step into Your Child's World' newsletter for Shoa. It has many lovely photos, along with community information, local sayings, and even a recipe of a local dish I may have to try. I did scan the newsletter, but because of the format I saved it, it won't let me upload to share. I did email a copy to those who have sent financial donations towards Shoa, but if you would like to see a copy, I wouldn't mind emailing it to you. Either leave a comment with your email here or email me your email address at: kute(underscore)queen@hotmail.com

And thanks Michelle over at Blogging from the Boonies for use of her button!

Monday's Mail Call

So last week I received two precious letters. Neither of them were Christmas letters, they were more of reply letters.

The first one was from sweet 9 year old Duangdao from Thailand.

She thanks me for my letter and prayers, and also spoke a very powerful blessing "May Gos be with you and your family forever." She mentioned it being exam times, but that she doesn't do any English exams, but she does do Thai and social science.

She told me she enjoys playing hide and seek with friends at the project and also with her older sister and little brother. And her school had a sports day on October 28th and she is on the red team.

My second letter was from 14 year old Mwanaidi from Tanzania.

From some of her first letters it sounded like she enjoys school. And I really think she is a smart young lady who is studying hard to do great things. She thanks me for my good questions :)

She says she loves her studies at her school; math and English (though her letters are translated into English by someone else). Her and two friends, Zaiubu and Husup  went and caught cat fish together. (I told her of me and my nephews going fishing).

She goes on to tell she will be on a school break soon and she will help her parents with house chores. And asked how my duties at my home are. And she ends her letter "I will continue praying for you in everything"

She's starting to open up a little bit...she seems to be a bit of a quite teenager. And she didn't draw me anything on this letter which is fine, as I think she doesn't enjoy it much.


On a side note, my job situation after this week should be normal or consistent for my new schedule, so hopefully I can get back to blogging a bit more and do some more "Meet my Child" intros, as Mwanaidi has a special story I'd like to share :)

Monday's Mail Call

I was very excited Thursday night to come home and find a Compassion envelope waiting for me with a letter. Mail the last couple weeks has been almost non existent. This time of year though, it seems there is a bit of a slow down with the Christmas season, and all that brings, both here in the US and abroad.

This week I heard from two of my boys: 11 year old Erick in Bolivia and 4 year old Arsang from Thailand!!

The first thing to catch my attention on his letter, was his articulate drawing! So much detail, and I think he may have been trying to draw me, as the hair of the girl is much lighter than his previous drawings. His other drawings had super dark, or black hair. This little boy melts me heart with his letters.

Normally I wouldn't post a whole letter, but I love how he skips from subject to subject. Plus, he had a lot of little details I wanted to share.

"I greet you with peace of the Lord. You are a very happy and perfect sponsor, and I thank to God for having you. I want to tell you that my school will be demolished and next year 2012 will be bigger and nicer. My dog Ringo is very old and it seems that he is going to die because he is 13 or 14. I am scared of it. I got good grades at school. My brother's birthday is close, in next November 6. I have 2 best friends their names are Renan and Jhonatan. I have a lot of fun playing with them. I say good bye with a lot of love and affection. Your Kid, Erick"

My heart broke when he told me about his dog, and how he's scared he's going to die. I remember as a kid how heartbreaking that is to try and contemplate. Not that is get's easier. I'm glad he's going to be getting a new nicer school next year too. And my heart melted at the beginning when he tells me I'm the perfect sponsor, then ends his letter as "Your Kid." I absolutely love my bubbly Bolivian Boy :)

Arsang is my youngest kiddo, he is actually slightly younger than my oldest nephew Jonathan by about a month. This is my 5th letter in a little better than a year.  And when I looked at the date of this letter and his last, they were both written in August. One at the beginning that I got about a month ago, then at the end of the month that I received this week.

The same project worker has helped him with the last 3 letters, and I wonder if their is relation, because they have the same last name. Will have to ask him.

He thanked me for his birthday gift (his birthday was in July) and told me he got some clothes. It was very generic so I may ask him about that too. He asks if we have a national Mother's day, and goes on to tell me about how the celebrated at their project. He told me he gave jasmines to hi mother with respect! He asks prayer for him and his family's health. And tells me they pray for me and my health.

He draws very well for a 4 year old! The stationary is the same as usual and not a template. I believe he is a child that would benefit from a template letter especially since he is so young, I think it would be easier for him to tell me more about himself. More to come with the new letter writing guidelines rolling out in the coming year.

*Button compliments of Michelle over at Blogging from the Boonies.

**I will announce the winners of the correspondent kits later, as I'm enlisting the assistance of my 2 charming nephews. Stay tuned!