When their father says, “Thank you so much for the prayers you share here in us. God hears you praying. And we can never forget it for our whole entire years. We always pray to God that he will give you strength, good health especially in your work.”

“I am the luckiest girl in the world”

and

“I pray for all the children in my project who do not have sponsors”

are exact quotes from letters I have gotten from two of my girls.

One of my girls also particularly amazes me with her spirit and determination. I’m sure she’s an LDP student in the making!

In Bolivia, the kids are allowed to write every time the sponsor does, not a mere 3 times a year. Therefore, I encourage you to put letters “in the pipeline” so you will not have long waits between letters. (However, I know some countries have not taken up the policy of 1 for 1 letters.) As time goes by, with your relentless letters and your child’s responses, you will develop a close relationship. Just don’t think of it as, “okay, now the ball’s in your court,” waiting for a response before you write again.

Trying to build a relationship with a child far, far away, by correspondence, is a great way to learn “delayed gratification”! ) Please don’t give up, and feel free to continue writing to your kids as often as you want and are able.

Give is some time Diantha (if you are a new sponsor). The letter writing, translating, delivery process takes time. Suffice it to say, the letters are well-worth the wait.