One of the blessings that I have discovered through sponsoring an older child (Astrid is 14 now) is the ability to really forge a substantial relationship with them. With the younger children that we sponsor I know we have a great impact in their lives but with their age they are often limited in expressing the troubles of their heart. As Astrid has grown up over the years I am humbled that she trusts us enough to share her struggles. This sharing enables me to give her specific and tangible encouragement with the challenges she faces in her life. In the letter above she shares that her father abandoned her mother and now lives with another woman and her mother also has another husband. She says that her father forgot about his daughters and that she is now living with her grandmother. At her age now these types of changes are having a significant impact on her self worth and her ability to depend and trust the adults in her life. She has even asked me to pray for her father. This type of sharing enables me to minister to her directly in a way that will have the greatest impact. It's hard to imagine the poverty that permeates her daily life and the added struggles of her family dynamics. But I do know that through prayer we are here to support her and life her up and we are the ones who are blessed by her life so richly. The picture of Astrid came in the mail last night. She has grown up in the blink of an eye!
No comments:
Post a Comment