Compassion Reflections on a Ferry
We made it safely to Dumaguete, which is a smaller city on the next island over, after a 3 hour drive and a ferry boat ride.
This is where the Garces family roots are from (specifically my grandfather).
In reflecting on the Compassion International visit, I can't stress enough not only the importance and impact of sponsoring a child, which is a mere $32/month, but also connecting with them through the letter writing. The letters are like gold to these kids, and you really open their eyes and the eyes of the entire family to another world. You can literally break a whole paradigm of thinking that prevents them from seeing or having hope in something beyond their circumstances and conditions. Of course it is not about exposing them to american culture (which can be destructive in some ways), but simply exposing them to see that their world, their potential is bigger than the circumstances they may see themselves in. Our letters provide hope and encouragement, letting them know that there is someone thousands of miles away who knows them by name, who cares for them and is cheering them on, and is an advocate for them in prayer.
The $32 bucks is great, but 5 year old Frans doesn't understand the concept of how that money translates to his benefits, however a letter and photo addressed to him - now that right there can have a profound affect that we may never fully understand this side of heaven.
My wife and I are guilty of not writing to our sponsor children as much as we should, but now I see the impact of just a letter - even an email through the compassion site - and how it can speak so much joy and life into a child.
