That Certain Sparkle

I can't believe I've been home from Colombia for over a month now, it seems like just yesterday I was there with my girls.  I already shared about meeting tiny Daniela, but I didn't just meet her, I meet 2 beautiful girls.  I was so nervous, my roommate could certainly tell you that! I worried if they would get along, would they be shy? Would they like me?  Will they have fun? Will they like the gifts I brought them?  I've been through this before and had an idea of what to expect, yet it's a whole new ball game when different children are involved.  I was sure Sara would be loving and clingy and thought Daniela might be a bit shy. They ended up the exact opposite! Daniela would hold my hand and be very huggy while Sara was a bit more quiet and reserved, yet she had a certain sparkle in her eyes that spoke more loudly than words.

Sara was a beautiful girl blossoming into a young lady. The light in her eyes just held me in awe! Her photos were very stark compared to the beautiful girl I saw. And she was incredibly tall! Her smile could light up a room.  That sparkle in her eyes made me smile and just want to laugh out loud with joy!






I often wondered throughout the day what was going through Sara's mind.  She seemed to enjoy the rides and attractions, yet seemed a little caught between childhood and adulthood. The time we spent look through the letters I sent her, her family photos, and the gifts I had brought was the time I felt most connected to my Sara.  That sparkle was the most evident when she spoke of her family and the letters we share. She also loved the gifts that I had made. 

Saying good bye was very hard. I was emotional, of course, but hearing them both sniffle and see them wipe their eyes touched my heart to the core.  These girls are my life. I will NEVER forget the smiles, the laughter, the tears, and especially that beautiful sparkle.

That Moment...

Think about "that moment"...that moment when you feel a certain relief, that moment when you know the effort was worth it, that moment when you feel that indescribably joy, that moment when you know something amazing is happening...

THAT moment...

That moment that makes you smile uncontrollably, that moment that brings tears to your eyes, that moment that takes your breath away...

That MOMENT...

That moment when you hear the bubbly giggle of a child, that turns into a bright smile, and transforms into a hearty, joyful laugh. That moment when you feel the pure joy of that laughter, when that laughter makes you want to laugh out loud and cry all at the same time...

This was my moment...riding on a pink elephant in the middle of Colombia. And for that moment, the world stopped and time stood still. That joy, that smile, that laughter...that little girl melted my heart.  Two years ago that little girl-my precious Daniela-stole my heart in a letter, and 2 weeks ago, she melted my heart as we spent the day together.  Sitting on that elephant ride, seeing her joy and hearing her laughter brought tears to my eyes, and I thought to myself, "this is it, THIS is what it's all about..."

This little girl, this tiny little 8 year old blew my world away.  Her excitement to show me her family photo and give me a gift was beyond precious. Her gratitude when receiving her own gifts and the tears in her eyes when I gave her gifts for her family nearly broke my heart.

I knew this little girl was special, I just didn't know how special until I held her in my arms.  God knew what He was doing when He told me to click that "sponsor" button.  I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams and nothing can replace that moment...

Out of the Miry Clay

I arrived home yesterday from the beautiful country of Colombia.  I can honestly say I left part of my heart there.  With my 2 beautiful girls, of course, but also with the hundreds of wonderful children we met throughout the week. The stories we were told were simply amazing.  The hearts of the children and young adults in and out of the Compassion program were indescribable.  

I was struck by the deep need of the children and families of CO341. I was amazed at the four floors of classrooms at the project and how they make do with the conditions they have.  Yet the heart and desires of the students and their tutors could bring a smile to anyone's face that would light up the whole world.  The excitement and sincerity during worship and the companionship during free time proves that the hand of God is on this place.  Our group spent the day with these children and visited the homes of three families.  The conditions of the town and the homes make you wonder how they even survive, yet they are happier than most Americans.  The joy of the Lord was so evident in this place of devastation.  In the middle of the drug trade and violence there was peace.  In the middle of poverty there was hope.  I could see it on the faces of the children--on the face of the mother who prays for her lost son, and rejoices for her prodigal who has come home.   I could see it in the eyes of the pastor who has been threatened and ridiculed yet spoke at the funeral of the man who brought on the most difficulty.  This place was special.  In the midst the danger, drugs, and all the demons of this world sits a shining light. A beacon in the darkness.  Beauty out of the miry clay.  These children have hope.  They have the hope and love of Jesus Christ and their sponsors.  But not all of them have sponsors, someone to love them, write to them, and show them that they are special, cherished, and created for a purpose that only they can fulfill according to God's promise.

Camilo

Camilo is 10 years old.  His birthday is April 3rd.  His father is in prison and his mother has to work to support the family.  He runs errands and cleans at home.  He enjoys soccer, telling stories, and playing group games.  

I remember seeing Camilo at the project, he was hanging back toward the end of the day.  I don't have any photos of him, but he stuck in my memory so I had to bring his packet home with me.  He needs the love of a sponsor, someone to show him he really matters.

Luisa

Luisa is 8 years old.  Her birthday is August 2nd.  She lives with her mother, father, and 2 siblings. Her father is sometimes employed and her mother stays home.  She makes beds and cleans at home.  Luisa enjoys playing with dolls, bicycling, and reading.

I don't recall seeing Luisa at the project the day we were there, however, it is possible I just didn't recognize her if she has grown since this photo.  Her darling little face just begged me to bring her home and do what I could to find her a sponsor.

Please let me know if you are interested in sponsoring one or both of these beautiful children who have hope, but need the love and encouragement of a sponsor. 

He lifted me out the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  Psalm 40:2

Let the Adventure Begin!

Many of you know I have been planning a trip to Colombia-my Facebook friends could likely tell you my countdown as quickly as I could.  I am so blessed to be able to take this trip in April rather than October.  I don't know if I could stand the wait to hug my girls if I wasn't leaving in 32 hours!  Sara and Daniela have sent me the sweetest letters a sponsor could ask for! They are always full of love and spiritual wisdom! Yes, these young girls have taught me a thing or two about faith and hope in Jesus Christ!

Daniela                                    Sara

As I prepare to leave for my trip, I feel so anxious and excited, yet a little nervous.  This is my second trip with Compassion so I feel that I know a little of what to expect, yet it's a whole different country and two totally different children! I know I'm supposed to be on this trip, God has place these two girls in my life for a reason.  I asked both of my girls to pray that someday we would meet.  By now, they should know that I am coming and will spend the whole day on Saturday with them.  Sara wrote me back very emphatic about supporting that prayer and her dream of visiting a wilderness park will be met as well!  I pray that everything will go smoothly and that all of us sponsors will have a blessed visit with our children and the many other children and families we will come in contact with. Let this amazing adventure begin!

SOOOO Worth the Wait!

Last summer, after sponsoring my little Dayana in Honduras, I felt drawn to Honduras and requested a correspondent from Honduras.  Well, several months went by and I gave up that I would ever be paired with a little girl from Honduras.  Out of the blue, I received a call from Compassion saying they didn't have any girls in Honduras needing correspondents so they wondered if I would open up my criteria and correspond with a child in another country.  I called and said absolutely! Feeling this was God's way of saying He had another child in mind for me.  The night after I called Compassion, I found a new face on my account.  Five year old Laura from--you guessed it, HONDURAS--was standing there smiling at me.  I love the irony of the whole situation! :) 

Laura (June 2012)

Since September 28th, I have been waiting (relatively impatiently) to receive Laura's first letter. FINALLY, this week I received it written by her mother, but clearly in Laura's words.  Such a sweet little angel! It was definitely worth the wait! I cannot wait to hug her when I visit Honduras in August!

Dear Brandilyn,

I am Laura's mother writing you, I wish the divine Lord keep you enjoying very good health and also thank you for sponsoring my daughter.  She tells you that she and I are happy to know that there is someone very special in her life, that is you.  She tells you that she already came out from kindergarten and now she goes to first grade, she says that she likes to sing, draw, paint, sing, and listen to Bible stories, she said that she likes the one about Jonah, she says that she likes to attend the project and they gave her a tooth brush, she tells you that she went to a medical check up and she is in good health, thanks to God.  She says that she enjoys yummy meals.  She said that when she comes to the project she got some flowers that she brings her teacher Lourdes, she tells you that at home she likes to watch television and play dolls, she says that before going to bed she prays for you.  She has a prayer request, help us pray for our family.  She wants to ask you some questions, where do you live?  Does it snow there?  Where do you work at?  She would like to get it letter from you and also a picture to get to know you.  She says that she and her entire family wish you a special Christmas surrounded by love and peace and also prosperity.  We say goodbye with a strong hug.  May God Bless you. With Love.

-Josefa Hernadez (Laura's mom)

The letter was dated December 20th.  I have sent several letters and photos in the mean time :)

God Will Make a Way

Since November, I have been planning a trip to Colombia to visit my first sponsored child, Daniela, and my first correspondent child, Sara.  Over the past two years I have been able to build a good relationship with each of these girls and I was beyond excited to be able to visit them in April instead of November.  

Daniela, age 8                              Sara, age 11

I have been gathering gifts and preparing for my visit to meet these two precious girls.  On January 3rd, I experienced one of my worst fears.  Sara was missing from my Compassion account.  When I discovered this, it was was after Compassion hours so I had to wait for an answer until the next day.  I was terrified of losing my sweet Sara especially since I was planning to visit her so soon.  The scenarios ran through my mind: Sara's family could have moved out of Compassion's sphere of influence, however, this seemed unlikely since they had recently moved; her family's economic situation could have improved so they wouldn't need Compassion's help any more; or, the mostly situation would be that she had lost her financial sponsor giving me the first option to take up her sponsorship.  I spend the evening fretting and praying that God would show me what to do.  The first two scenarios would leave me no choice but to keep Sara's memory in my heart. The third left me with two options: say 'goodbye' or say 'welcome to my sponsored family.'  My heart was broken at the thought of losing the bond that Sara and I had formed and an evening of prayer and discussion led me to the conclusion that if Sara had lost her financial sponsor, I would pick up her sponsorship.  My answer came the next day from Compassion that Sara had indeed lost her sponsor.  I immediately called the Compassion office and Sara became my fifth sponsored child.  

As my trip nears (5 weeks from tomorrow) and preparations are coming together, I am getting more and more excited to meet these two precious girls.  From her letters, I believe meeting Sara will be a day treasured forever!  Additionally, Daniela is such a sweet young girl who no doubt will have hugs and bright smiles that will lead to memories we can both cherish for a life time.  I pray that our time together will blessed and full of special memories for us all.

Experiencing Ecuador: Sight Seeing

It only took me 6 months to get to this post.  My final day in Ecuador. 

(6 months ago today I met my Aida for the first time) 

We spent our last day eating breakfast with a group of LDP students and sightseeing in Quito.  It was a chance for us to just relax and enjoy seeing the country and reflect on all that had happened during our time in Ecuador.

We had a chance to visit several sights including the presidential palace and the virgin statue.

Presidential Palace

Virgin Statue

We ate lunch near the statue and had a marvelous view overlooking the entire city of Quito.

We shopped in the local market and met some of the many street vendors of the city.

This little girl was just the cutest thing EVER!

The Fun Group! (half of our entire group)

Our final surprise was the chance to sample some of the local cuisine.  

Yes, that is guinea pig...

Ecuador is such a beautiful country with beautiful people!  I met some amazing new friends both from here and from there.  I hope to some day be able return to Ecuador and spend more time my girls and all the amazing people there.  God blessed us so much on this trip and I have been forever changed by this experience.