Contributed by Staci Buck in Stories from the Field When I met our sponsored child, Sharon, she turned my hand over and touched my palm. Back and forth she turned my hand, running her fingers up my forearm. She even touched my ears, laughing. I asked the translator to tell her, "We are the same." She nodded and we laughed. There are roughly 3 million orphans in Kenya. After spending time in the north where we saw child marriage and orphans, I began to think about the impact sponsorship has had on Sharon's family. You see, Sharon is the baby of nine children. Child marriage or abandonment could have been a way out for them. Lack of healthcare could have left those nine without parents. But instead of a hand out, World Vision has given her family tools to provide for themselves. A new water kiosk is less than 1 km from her home. So, they now have a small farm- enough of an income to get their kids in school and not rely on food aid. Sharon's mother was so, so thankful for this. This education will break the cycle of extreme poverty, as she confessed she didn't complete 3rd grade and married very young. A health care clinic is also close by for emergencies. These hands. They represent so much. A joining of two families. An exchange of hope and wonder. A breaking of borders and cultural barriers. Family preservation and orphan prevention. Not a hand out, but instead a partnership. Because, "We are the same" - we were just born here with food, jobs, and resources, and they were born in a place that needs those things. As Child Ambassadors, we are partnering with families around the world by connecting children with sponsors. This work is transformational in children's lives and communities - and transforms the sponsor's life, as well! Thank you so much for every time you've shared about sponsorship! You're making a difference! Keep pressing in and boldly sharing so others know they, too, can change a child's life and community. (Need to order some new picture folders? Place your order at wvchildambassadors.org)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 Comments are closed.
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