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Since sponsoring my child (he's 6), I've only ever received the introduction page where he drew something for me. I write once a month or so (will increase as he gets older), have sent money for his birthday, and use the app for everything (letters, gifts). I have yet to receieve a response to my letters and haven't gotten pics to see what was purchased with his birthday money. I know I sound demanding, but I really thought there would some some sort of response by now ☹️ I recently received a letter from one of the pastors at his center encouraging me to write to him. This is very discouraging for me. Are they not getting my letters? Is there any way for me to know that my child has gotten ANY of my letters? Like I mentioned, I've only ever sent letters via the app and now I think I'm regretting it.
Someone please answer, it's very upsetting for me.
Someone please answer, it's very upsetting for me.
Posted 4 years ago
Well just speaking from experience, some of my kiddos hardly ever write, while others write a TON! I felt discouraged because I thought maybe my letters don't make a difference for some kids, but I have found, even if they don't show it, these letters are so Important! Keep writing because I am sure it means the world to him :) as they get older some write more often. Not sure if this helps but its my experience
Thank you for your kind words, Anna. I'm not going to lie, I do feel a little discouraged. My child drew me a wine bottle ....maybe trying to make a hint "you're going to need this" (haha just kidding) but that's all I received from him. I will continue to write , thanks for the support.
It is discouraging. I have kids who write, and one who has not written much at all. And sometimes there can be extra long gaps between the letters, for whatever reason. Other times the letters come every 2 months.
Regarding the photos of the birthday gifts, these too can take 6 months to receive, by the time the gifts are purchased, the photo taken at the center, and the child's letter to be written and go through translation then be on its way to the sponsor. I too love receiving the extra photos, and have even seen one of my child's parents after sending family gifts!! I so appreciate that the center did this and that the parents were able to be there for the photo. I hope that eventually you will receive a photo too of your child and the gifts that were purchased.
I agree with what the others have written -- I've been at this for several years, and there are discouraging gaps at times. Most of my kids are in one country, and I'm starting to notice that this is a slow time of year for me to receive letters. I suspect it has something to do with the timing of the school year. I think it takes them a bit to get back into gear after the summer holidays in that country. I keep reminding myself that I want them to look after the kids first, then me! (At the start my child sent a lot more letters than I did. I guess it's her turn!)
Taina, your child drew you a wine bottle? Lol that is hilarious.
Taina, how long have you been sponsoring your boy? It can take 2-3 months for letters to travel one way and equal time for a return letter. Tranconteniental transit and translation slow the process considerably as compared to domestic mail. I am sure that your letters have put a smile on your little one's face and he is feeling very loved and encouraged because of them. Waiting is the hardest part, for sure. I still get anxious when it seems I have not heard from one of my kiddos for a while. Their letters are always worth the wait, to me anyway. Please, don't stop writing to your boy, your letters are very important to him (and in a lot of cases the family as well). You can log onto your online account and look at your contributions made to verify the birthday gift. I am not sure, but your letters sent through the app may show up on your online account as sent letters under the write my child section. The Compassion staff can look into your situation after the weekend. Thank you for making a such a difference in you sponsored child's life. God bless!
Heather mentioned the family of the child. There is a video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JfQE4HSbns of a little girl named Helena, in Indonesia. I have seen it a dozen times and never get tired of watching it. Towards the end of the video, Helena'a mother says, "I could never have dreamed that WE could finally receive a sponsor." Helena was sponsored, but the whole family felt as if they had been sponsored. I was recently friended, on FB, by a girl I sponsored in Colombia, and she said, "I miss your letters, but I read the ones you sent me, and still look at the pictures." I have talked to former sponsored students in their twenties, and they still have their sponsor's letters.
It's funny that you sent this video, I watched it about an hour ago. You're absolutely right, I never get tired of watching it!
One of my children mentioned that he enjoys the photos that I send, and so does his mom. So yes, we don't know how much of an impact we may be having on not just the child we sponsor, but also the family. My sponsored children and I write each other about and ask questions about each other's family members.
I remember reading somewhere once that in one location or another, the family was held in high regard in the community because they were getting letters from someone from another country. Not necessarily a value we want to promote, as we are all partners in the body of Christ, but it does show that this small gesture can have big ripples.
I noticed all project kids in the movie are wearing uniform. Who buys this uniform? Compassion buys the uniform for all the kids in the project? Or families have to buy the uniform on their own?
Sarah, Official Rep
Hi Newsponsor! Compassion is actually able to help cover the costs of uniforms and other school fees that the parents may not be able to afford :). Part of the $38 sent in monthly from sponsors helps provide for the cost of uniforms. Those kids sure look spiffy in their uniforms don't they? I wish my uniform had looked that cool when I was in school!
Taina Leirmoe
Garry Sagel
Beth