Sponsorship is Awesome!

So, I'm continuing my work here in the D.R. and have just been so amazed and encouraged by the ministry I am now apart of. My main duty so far has been Librarian (Bibliotecarian) at the school in Jarabacoa, ANIJA, but soon I will take on even more duties as Sponsorship Coordinator for the school. I am so looking forward to this because I have seen just how effective the program is in the past week.

First of all, the children are so enthusiastic about their sponsors, or godmothers and godfathers as they call them, and especially about receiving letters or little gifts from them. I've actually watched some of their faces go from a wide smile to a long frown when Katie (the current Coordinator) tells them that their sponsor didn't send anything. It must be making such an impact on them. A dentist team is here this week, which has been neat to witness. A few of them sponsor kids here and have gotten to spend time with them in their homes as well as at school. There is a mutual feeling of excitement on both sides, and afterward I saw many kids writing to their sponsors that they wanted them to visit.

Above is a picture of one of the dentist hygienists working at ANIJA!

One of the most beautiful parts of sponsorship I've seen is the long-term effect it has on these kids, who inevitably grow into young adults. If they stay in the Kids Alive program, their sponsors have the opportunity to help fund their education in a decent high school here, and even university. I attended a meeting with the students who are now studying on the college level thanks to their sponsors. We worshipped the living God together and had some devotional time as well. It is so great to not only see these people from broken, almost hopeless situations rise up and reach for the aspirations of their heart and mind, but to see them pursuing the Lord. Many of them work in ANIJA as well, or at least help out with after school activities like OWANSA. OWANSA is a time where the children get together in the afternoon and play games, have a Bible lesson and memorize verses. Each child is on a certain team and the teams get points from memorization and games. It seems like such a great way to nudge kids into the Word at an early age. I've attended two times and will soon have my own group of kids to lead during that time. Below is a picture of kids playing a game at OWANSA.

Sponsoring a child is such a special aspect of this ministry, and being with these children the past few weeks has certainly shown me that. I feel a bit convicted about my lack of communication with the child I sponsor in Peru, Jasmin. Seeing how much it lights up their day to hear from their sponsors makes me want to write and send things often so she knows I care about her - these children are craving that attention.

If any of you reading are interested in sponsoring a child, please get in contact with me (via facebook or email) and I can let you know what I know and who I know that needs a sponsor. You can also visit www.kidsalive.org to check out the children who need sponsors... around the world! I assure you, they are very "real" and very in need of love and care. Sponsors make that possible.

I'm currently in the middle of my week of house/baby/dog/cat sitting and it's gone well so far. PRAISE GOD. Above is a picture of Natalie and Lucas working on some of their homeschooling! I've been able to practice my hand at teaching and cooking, two things I don't have a lot of experience in. It's fun to get to try new things here all the time :) Praying for a healthy/safe/fun weekend with the kids.

Until next time ... 1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.