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By Vivian Doidge, Compassion Sponsor and Correspondent January 26, 2008
My dreams of having children were shattered
first by a miscarriage and then later in life by a hysterectomy. I knew I was at a crossroads. I could become a bitter, angry woman or I could find a way to keep my heart open and loving. I chose to open my heart to Compassion children.
It happened one Sunday as I was walking into church. I noticed a table with a Compassion brochure. I picked it up and when I got home later I went online to explore the Compassion Web site. My first search revealed the beautiful faces of children from Ethiopia. I had never done anything like sponsoring a child before. I was scared and burst into tears because I felt overwhelmed by the enormity of my decision to walk hand-in-hand with God instead of turning away from His calling.
My favorite Bible verses, Psalm 20:4-5, say God is able to give us the desires of our heart and will provide ways for them to be fulfilled. As I came closer and closer to stepping into my commitment as a sponsor, I felt awe at the living presence of God in my life.
After praying, I began sponsoring three Ethiopian children — Elizabeth, Gete and Alemtsehay. Although I honored my financial commitment during my first year of sponsorship, I did not have a clue about what to write to my children.
Near the end of the first year, Alemtsehay left Compassion's program and I began sponsoring Kalkidan. Not long after, I received two letters back-to-back from Kalkidan, who wrote that she loved me.
These special words encouraged me to consider sponsoring additional children. Around this time I found out that Compassion needs correspondents, people who write to Compassion-assisted children whose sponsors do not or cannot write to them. I said to myself, "I can do that!" and began corresponding to five more children.
One of the most remarkable blessings I have experienced is the way the children's letters have drawn me back to Scripture. The children send me verses to read, which I do. If I want to communicate on a topic, I search the Bible for a verse or a story to use in my letters to my children. My faith has deepened as a result of this exchange.
As my relationships with my Compassion children mature, I am beginning to learn the personalities and interests of each child and how to tailor my letters to them. I also research topics of interest and craft letters to teach and hopefully open their minds to new ideas.
One of the most touching letters I received was from Martin, who wrote that in his spare time he reads my letters over and over. Just recently I've noticed similar statements from several other children.
They write that they can feel how much I love them because of my letters. This is such a gift to me. I think the consistency in and frequency of my letters makes the difference. Financially, my greatest sponsorship challenge came in June 2005 when I lost my job. I wondered why my ability to honor my financial commitment to my sponsored children was jeopardized.
Yet during this difficult time, I made a decision to sponsor Jenipher Daniel from Tanzania and in doing so to stand against the fear that was trying to overtake me.
Logically, it hasn't seemed possible to maintain and increase my sponsorships through nine months of unemployment followed by a new full-time position with a significant salary reduction.
While I was going through these trials, I committed to sponsor an additional 15 children, correspond with 10 more, and support one student in the Leadership Development Program. I believe this process of sponsorship is God communicating with me about faith, trust and love. It is quite a spectacular journey.
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