"As one of the world’s leading child development organizations, Compassion partners with the local church in 26 countries to end poverty in the lives of children and their families.Today, more than 1.6 million children are discovering lives full of promise and purpose as they develop in all the different aspects of their lives—their minds, bodies and relationships while discovering God’s love for them in the gospel of Jesus Christ.Early this morning, our team drove to the Compassion Project here in San Vicente where the children were eagerly awaiting our arrival with balloons, a welcome sign and confetti. Those on our team who have sponsored children here in El Salvador were looking forward to this day even more so because we were going to be spending the day with our sponsored children and their families. According to statistics, less than 3% of all sponsored children actually meet their sponsor families and here we were meeting 11 children those on our team have personally sponsored plus other children in the project.
Our day began with a skit to rap music put on by children in the school. It personally affected our entire group as it depicted the struggle of gang violence experienced daily by children and families throughout El Salvador. It was a sobering reminder of why we are here; to share the hope we experience in Christ to those who have no hope. We then spent the remainder of our morning playing with the children and having fun!!
Our own family has sponsored a 7 year old girl for the past three years. We had the pleasure of meeting Marjorie and her family two years ago and also spent time visiting them at their home. We never thought we would have the opportunity to again travel to El Salvador and see her once more. It was pure joy on her face when she saw us this morning (although she pulled out a picture of our family and pointed to Bethany wanting to know why she wasn't also here). Marjorie has the most contagious laugh which we heard over and over today while she and Hannah played, chased one another through the yard and tickled one another. I gave piggyback rides and then had a line up of others wanting to hop on my back.
Keaton had up to 3 children at a time climbing on his back to be lifted high, Chelsea was snuggled up with a small boy reading to her and trying to teach her the Spanish names for different animals, Paige brought out her ribbon sticks and Julia was being chased around the yard by her two sponsor children. One young girl even came up to Hannah and asked if she lived where there was snow because she was so white. Looking around the school yard, we heard giggles and laughter galore as children played soccer, Duck Duck Goose, What Time is it Mr Wolf, and just had fun!
The afternoon was a surprise trip for the sponsor children, their families and our team to the Lagoon which is a local water park. We enjoyed a meal and spent time hanging out with the children in the water and at the playground. The day went by too quickly and a few tears were shed when the time came to share gifts brought for the children and families, to pray with our families and say adios, not knowing if or when we would be seeing our sponsor children next. Each moment of laughter and hug will be remembered. What a blessing God gave to us today, being able to give of ourselves and our time with others. This day will be in our hearts and minds forever!!
Posted by Wendy Skirrow
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