Have you heard? It’s Compassion Blog Month. We’re trying to help children all over the world with sponsorships that give them food, medical care, educational opportunities, and allow them to hear the Gospel. So far this month there have been 2,006 children sponsored. Our goal is 3,108.
Today I am writing a post for Blog Month from the perspective of my Compassion child who lives in the landlocked country in West Africa – Burkina Faso. A country that struggles greatly from poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, water-born illnesses, and AIDS.
I had the opportunity to visit my Compassion child last November when I traveled to Burkina Faso on a mission trip. I cannot express to you how your sponsorship and letters truly make a difference. Trust me. I saw it firsthand. Read more about my trip to Burkina Faso and even more recently news that my Compassion child was running through the village carrying my picture. See? You can make a difference.
When I saw you for the first time I didn’t know who you were and why you came to see me. Your skin was white. Your hair was shiny. Your clothes were bright and clean. And you smiled.
You smiled big.
Then you started to cry.
I couldn’t imagine why you were crying. You were the one that had everything, so it seemed.
I live in mud hut in a village in Burkina Faso. I have to walk a two miles to get water from a well. Then I have to hope that it doesn’t make me sick. Fortunately I get to go to school – for now. It is really hard. I’m thirteen years old, but I read as if I’m six – by American standards. Each day my life is spent surviving – preparing food, helping my family, taking care of my siblings. Sometimes I get to jump rope or play with other kids in the village.
As we stood with the sun beating down on the packed, red clay, and the tears streamed down your face I wondered if I had done something wrong. Why would you be crying over me?
Who am I that you would come across the world to lay eyes on? Who am I that you would send me your words when you cannot come? Who am I that you pray for each day? Who am I to deserve your tears?
Who am I?
I’m just a girl living in Sub-Saharan Africa. You’re the American.
But you came to me anyway. And brought your tears, too. That’s how much I meant to you.
I don’t understand how you know me. I don’t know why you care. I don’t get how this all works.
But that day, as tears ran down your face after seeing mine, I knew I was important. I knew there must be something special about me. I knew I was worthy.
Will you consider helping a child feel his or her worth by being a sponsor through Compassion? You don’t have to visit your child to make a difference. Your letters matter just as much! You can learn more about sponsorship at www.Compassion.com. If you have any questions from someone who has seen a Compassion site firsthand, please email me at brenda{at}triplebraidedlife{dot}com. I would love to share with you what I experienced!
Also, read more of my posts for Blog Month with Compassion:
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