Our beautiful daughter in another country

Over 10 years ago we made a decision to start sponsoring a child instead of going on a date. We had sponsored a little girl in Nicaragua but soon after Compassion shut down that project. This doesn't leave a good feeling but we thought we could help the next child.  We were given a little 5 year old girl to support. Through the years we have enjoyed writing letters and sending pictures and seeing her grow on the pictures. 

This year in celebration of our 10 year wedding anniversary we tossed around places to go. God guided our desires to El Salvador and granted open doors for this meeting to be set up to meet our child.  Usually compassion needs 8 weeks notice we had 7. Our paperwork all came through quickly and things on the El Salvador side also worked out well. 

Our children at home always want to pray for our sponsor children. (We also have one in Kenya).  So it is so nice to be able to meet this special young lady!

We had to set an alarm this morning. And had to rush out breakfast as our ride to head into the town where Carolina lives was waiting. We had a great driver and a wonderful translator along for the ride. They showed us all the different kinds of trees in the area. Apparently there are 7 different kinds of mangoes. I've known of 3...

We arrived to the compassion project in Izalco safe and sound. It's well

Hidden among the walls and gates along the street. We were greeted with a big hug by the administrator and a group of girls clapping for us and the rest of the staff and a sewn Canadian flag held by Carolina and her whole family. 

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the greeting we were given. Apparently we were the only visitors this year.  They put on a beautiful presentation for us. I think we were thanked 15 times for coming by the staff. 

A girl sang a beautiful song called glory to God. (On our other camera)

Then we had to say some words....uhhh what???? Ladies first we were told. We  managed some words. They clapped so maybe it was good?

The staff opened with devotions and prayers. And did a presentation to the song "I could only imagine" by Mercy Me. This one set me off in tears...as it was about heaven and I only could think of my mom and how she no longer is in pain in Heaven as they were demonstrating.

After the program was done I handed out candy canes to all the guests who were there. I think it was a pretty big deal...well our translator clung to hers...so that was kind of fun. 

We were then given a tour of the project. Here the kids go to the public school and compassion then builds on that. The school system isn't that great for educating. So the kids get some health, bible study and life skill lessons here 2 days a week on top of there education. 

Initially I can say I was shocked by the grounds this place was in. It isn't overly beautiful but I had to set my mind on where we were and really what more does one need?

The classrooms are covered. And there is  about 8 sewing machines and a bakery with one oven on the other side. They can spend 2 years in each hands on skill and then graduate. Currently Carolina is in sewing classes. She seems to really enjoy it. (Pictures on the camera I will post later)

There was also a computer lab. The kids are educated in many things like word, excel and PowerPoint. They are also taught how to fix computers.  

The staff here was so loving and kind and you could tell they love the helping the kids and the kids themselves. Our translator says this doesn't occur in every project so she was also happy!

While we were here they also gave us a snack made there. We aren't sure of the name but it looked like a pizza pocket. Much tastier however and it was filled with pork?

After the tour we chatted to Carolinas family and posed in front of this other huge flag they set out for us.  The oldest son is trusting in God to allow him to attend university. We also hope he can go as life would be much better for him. 

We are on our way in the 15 passenger van to Carolinas home. 

D was reminding me how uptight I get preparing my house for guests. We wondered what Carolinas mom was thinking. 

We've driven by some pretty interesting homes but we're glad to see they had a nice brick home. The dad is a brick layer and he built his house. They also are owners of the house and are paying it off. All my photos of the home are on the other camera. This family also had running water and electricity. The washtub was outdoors and the home was probably as big as D and I's bedroom. 1 double bed for the mom 1 hammock for the dad and 1 single bed for the 3 kids.  Not sure how/why. 

The backyard had lots of different fruit trees the cooking area a chicken coop and an outhouse. The neighbors yard is very close to them. 

We then sat down and looked over Carolinas file about school and her health etc. she is doing well in all areas and we are thankful. 

Then we presented her with some gifts. Lots of practical gifts that are hard to come by.

In return Carolina made us a beautiful pillow. It took her 2 weeks. All the notice she was given about our arrival. 

Her brothers also excitedly gave us some art work. Her older brother just made one for us while we sat there. He's never had any art in school and the drawing was amazing. 

Here are some from the little guy (I could've taken him home!)

Aren't they all beautiful?

We sat and chatted with the family for a while. The dad also probably thanked us 10 times for the support we provide. A bricklayer doesn't have a huge income. We told him he had a beautiful family and we are happy to help. 

Our translator later said they congratulate the dads who are around their families. Only about 40%  of compassion children have fathers involved in there life. 

We took some more pictures of us in the backyard before we left some of the family. We left each with a prayer for the other.  Oh we were also told the family just started attending church 2 years ago!  What good news!!!

We then had the privilege of taking Carolina out for lunch. A very special treat for them. It was like the local kfc. We enjoyed the visit time we had together. Just learning more about each other. It was a good day. A blessed day. A super priceless kind of day!

Although it was strange to leave her behind we felt confident in the gifts we've give. That Carolina has a very good family and is learning life skills and growing in her faith life. 

If ever an opportunity comes for you to meet your sponsor child or if you are considering getting a sponsor child this visit has only emphasized the beauty of the program. 

We will continue to pray for our "daughter" but I think we will now pray more for her family and the project. 

13From heaven the Lordlooks down

and sees all mankind;

14from his dwelling place he watches

all who live on earth—

15he who forms the hearts of all,

who considers everything they do.

Psalm 33:13-15 

These were the words given to us by Carolina