An Unexpected Opportunity

Kory and I have had the priveledge of sponsoring children through an organization called Compassion International. Originally, we decided to sponsor a child because it felt like a way to directly impact a child. It was a tangible way to make a difference in someone's life.

Over the years we have written letters to our "kids," and "added to our family." We currently sponsor three children: Lorena from the Philippines, Yesenia from El Salvador, and Jose from Ecuador. It is a unique relationship. Writing letters to children we have never met and receiving letters from them. Praying for each other even though we have never seen each other's faces.

I never thought I would get the opportunity to meet one of my sponsored children. But, next Sunday evening, I will be boarding a plane heading towards El Salvador. Not only will I get to see how Compassion works up-close, I will get to meet Yesenia. A 14 year old who we have been sponsoring for over 7 years.

How did this happen? Here's the scoop. Hearts at Home has partnered with Compassion for several years. Compassion asked Jill Savage, CEO of Hearts, to travel to El Salvador with them to see their ministry first-hand. Jill, her two daughters, and Hearts at Home's Director of Development will be going. And, because I am the only staffer at Hearts with a sponsored child in El Salvador, I will be going as well.

I am very thankful and excited for this opportunity. I never dreamt I would be able to meet my sponsored child face-to-face (although I am afraid her first words to me will be "Why don't you write me more!"). But, I am also nervous. It is always hard to leave my kids, especially when leaving the country. And, although I am glad Kory will be home with our kids, I wish I could experience a trip like this with him!

So, I want to ask for your prayers. Prayers for travel safety. Prayers that I will be Available to His purposes. Prayers for safety for my kids and hubby (and sanity for their babysitters!). And, prayers for peace of mind and courage (this trip is WAY out of my comfort zone).

Jill will be blogging about our trip throughout the week on her blog and I hope to as well. If you want to make a tangible donation to the trip, check out Jill's blog here for ways to help.