I don't think I've mentioned my little sponsor girl before. I've been sponsoring her for 2 years now, ever since I got back from our trip to Uganda we took in summer of 2005. We went to visit the school that my school is linked with, and sponsors. Its called Kibaale Community Center, and is comprised of a school, from pre-school to grade 12, a clinic (anyone can come in.. its the only one for miles, so its always full), and a vocational training center (for the kids who don't do so well in school, but don't want to waste the good opportunity). The campus is huge, with great fields for the kids to play on, and matoke (a kind of banana that is harvested all over Uganda) plantations in the back. Only the "poorest of the poor" are allowed to go there, and they really stick to that. This means that many of the children, as young as 4, are walking for miles and miles, often barefoot, to get to school. We met a little boy, who was 7 years old, who walked 1 1/2 hours to school, and had to leave at 5:00, in order to finish his chores, get ready and be able to set off in time. It also means that the lunch that is served to all the students is often the only meal the children will get. It is a wonderful school, and I really admire them, and the people who work there.
I met this little girl there, who was so sweet, and I really loved her. Her name was Namulindwa Jackie. When I got home, I just couldn't get Uganda off my mind.. I had been thinking about sponsoring a child from Kibaale, so I thought I'd go on the website and take a look. When I was looking through the pictures of children available for sponsorship, I saw Jackie's little face looking out at me! I was so excited, and I immediatley became her sponsor. I send regular letters and gifts, and I occasionally get letters back (it is very hard for them to send letters, as they have so many sponsored kids, so they usually just wait until guests go to Kibaale, and then just send the letters back with them). I love being able to help her, and her family, and since 100% of the money goes to the child, and their education, I know that I really am making a difference in her life. She just turned 9, and a friend of ours recently got to visit Kibaale and see Jackie.. I can't believe how big she's grown!
Last week, I was thinking about Jackie, and how much I love helping her, and sponsoring her, and decided to look on the website again, at the available children. I looked through the Nursery students, memorising names and gazing at their adorable faces. A couple stood out to me, but there was one that just really captured my heart. His name is Senyondwa Reagan, and he is 6 years old. That night, we got together with our friend, who had just got back from Kibaale. I mentioned his name to her, and she went, "Oh! He's so cute! I really want to find someone to be able to sponsor him!" When I heard that, I knew that I had to. God really spoke to me, and told me that I needed to sponsor him, as well as Jackie. I requested sponsorship of him, and just yesterday got an email confirming it:
Dear Erin,
I have just checked my files, and am able to confirm that Senyondwa Reagan, in Nursery, is available for sponsorship. I will add the $25 to the amount already coming out of your account.
You will recieve pictures and information about him sometime next week.
Thank-you for sponsoring, and helping these children.
In God's name,
G.H.
I am so excited! I am now sponsoring 2 little African Angels over in Kibaale, Uganda. When I get home, I'll post a picture of Jackie, but I can access a picture of Reagan from this computer already. He's so adorable!
If you want to look into sponsoring a child from Kibaale, just follow this link:
http://www.paoutreach.net/pages/kibaale/kibaale_sponsorship.htm
Check it out! Like I said, 100% of the money goes to the child, and pays for their education, a feeding program, medical care, and family agricultural needs. Its also possible to send additional gifts to the family, such as a new roof, a cow, a goat, blankets, shoes etc. Its a really good program, and the children really benefit from it, as well as the sponsors. I, for one, can not wait to get my next letter from Jackie, and my very first letter from Reagan! I love them both so much.. they're like my little sister and brother, over in Uganda. They call me Auntie Erin, and in each letter (Jackie does.. I haven't recieved one from Reagan yet) express just how much my sponsorship means to them.
And I know that many people say this, but really; think about it. For Primary School students (Pre-school/Nursery- Grade 7) its only $25 a month- that's less than a dollar a day!
2 comments:
That is so exciting!!! I just saw the picture of Jackie on your facebook and had no idea you sponsored! So I'm guessing it is just you, and not your entire family? Good for you- that is a really great thing to take on. I am definitely going to look into that program! I was looking into sponsoring another child and maybe, since I already have Tsehay through World Vision, I could try something different. Hmm....
Wow- that is great that your family sponsors so many children! My parents and I don't really see eye to eye on sponsorship... they don't think the money is really going to the kids, but whatever- I'm doing it anyways!
So do you just use money you make babysitting/working/etc. to sponsor them? I have been thinking a lot lately about sponsoring another child, but I am a bit worried about the money. Knowing that you sponsor 2 kids is encouraging though! I mean, selling bracelets to raise money can only go so far, so I have been thinking about just using my money and trying to raise some whenever I get a chance. Hmm.. I don't know, I guess I have some thinking to do.
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