The Gift That Changes Lives

Just over two years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the city of Quito, Ecuador, on a vision trip with Compassion International with some of my P31 sisters. And just a couple months ago, Compassion took another team of women from Proverbs 31 Ministries on this trip, and hearing of their stories, and seeing the pictures of their journey, brings back a flood of memories from my own trip.

I remember so many hurting children, so much poverty and desperation, such sadness in the eyes of the children, but also in the eyes of the mothers who watched their children suffer every day, because they can barely provide for the most basic of necessities.

I remember meeting my own little sponsored boy named Marlon. I took him some clothes, a spiderman bookbag, and a pile of little matchbox cars to play with. Those seem like small items, but to he and his mother, it was a blessing beyond belief. I will never forget his mother, standing a couple feet shorter than me, holding my hand, praying for me through an interpreter. And as my head was bowed and my eyes were closed, she said the words "Lord, thank you for sending me this angel. Someone to love me and my child through your love." It left me without words.

This month Proverbs 31 is focusing on helping other children become sponsored through Compassion International. Today's devotion by Suzie Eller, talks about her experiences in Ecuador. You can visit her blog by clicking on her name above to hear more and see some of her photos.

Here is the link to see some photos of my trip to Ecuador, from an older post that I shared, but still seems perfectly relevant to encourage people to sponsor a child. You have no idea what blessings sponsorship brings, when you read the handwritten letters from a little girl or boy on the other side of the world who think you are their heaven sent angel. Read that blog post here: Someone to Hold.

My experience changed my heart completely and opened my eyes about the huge need of these sweet people across the world. I even have recently become a Compassion Advocate, and plan to help run booths at Compassion events to help increase the number of children sponsored. If you are interested in doing more for these families, you can also check into becoming an advocate on the Compassion website.

I am also uploading some photos today from my Ecuador trip onto Facebook - I am a picture taking maniac, so there are a lot of them! Check them out and get a better feel for exactly how your gift helps those in need. Click on my Facebook icon to the left to link to my page, or friend request me.

What a great way to share the love of Christmas all year round, by sponsoring a child, and giving them a gift that will change their lives forever.

If you are interested in learning more about Compassion, please click on the Compassion icon at the left, on my sidebar. And if you decide to sponsor a child, please let me know about it!!! I would love to celebrate with you and answer any questions you may have.

Have a blessed day!