A Visit With Anayeli

Today we were able to go and visit our sponsor girl, Anayeli, and her brother, Alberto. What a treat! We went to the school, but she had already left, so we started the trek to her house. Along the way, she spotted us from another road and yelled that they would meet us. What an awesome surprise.
We have sponsored Anayeli for 5 years now and I have to say it has been one of the most impacting decisions, short of accepting the Lord, we have ever made. We have watched this little, angry, hurting girl of 6 grow up to become a beautiful, happy, loving young lady of 11. When we first

sponsored her, our visits were very quiet - she didn't talk much and we didn't have much Spanish. Today, it was hard to get a word in edge-wise, as Anayeli jabbered on about what was happening in her life.
Although their home is pretty humble - wood slats and a dirt floor - they take very good care of what they have. Over the years they have been able to add on a small kitchen and a pila (outdoor sink area). They also now have an outhouse, which is a huge improvement! More importantly, although, is the growth we see in them, spiritually. It really is quite amazing.
There is no dad in the picture and Alberto has taken a real like for Rocky. He just wants to be held by him and play with him. It is great to watch. Rocky hoisted him up on his shoulders and ran down the path with Alberto grinning ear to ear! What a delight-both for Alberto and for Rocky!
Today, Anayeli's mom wasn't home, so she went straight to work preparing a lunch for her brother. What a good sister! She made eggs and tortillas and made sure he ate all his food. She also made us a drink and served it herself.
Anayeli and Alberto just got a new little puppy - Scott (actually "Escot" as they pronounce it). They gave the puppy a bath so he would be super clean for us and we all enjoyed playing with him.
If you have ever wondered if sponsoring a child really makes a difference in the life of that child and their family, I want you to know that it does. We have had the honour of seeing first hand how our sponsorship has impacted this entire family and it really is priceless. It doesn't matter what organization you go through - do your research and choose the one that is right for you - they are, for the most part, all doing an amazing job. The most important thing is to do it. Don't sit back and say, "Well, maybe next year when we are more financially stable," or, "What if I do it for a while and cannot continue." These are nothing more than excuses. When it comes to living out the love of Christ, Nike was right...Just do it! Investing in a child is investing in the Kingdom and God has blessed us so that we in turn can bless others. Be a part of that exchange - sponsor a child today!

2 Corinthians 9:6 - 11 Sowing Generously
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously...God is able to make all grace about to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will about in every good work...Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Blessings,
Karren