Should I Visit My Sponsored Child?

I have 4 sponsored children. One is 6 in Nicaragua. One is 12 in Burkina Faso. One is 19(correspondent but just the same to me) in Kenya. One is 7 in Kenya. Now, which one do we go visit first? It is very difficult. And, weather needs to be considered as well. All I know right now is that God says very clearly to me “GO”. We(hubby and me) will go on our own rather than a tour because we want to visit them in their homes, visit with their families, and have plenty of quality time with them. I can hardly wait for that first eye to eye contact, sharing smiles and hugs, and deepening our relationships. Any advice or comments greatly appreciated! Oh, we’ve got our passorts now.

I would recommend doing the shortest, closest trip first, and that would be Nicaragua.

Susan, a few quick points… I would go first to Kenya. Your eldest is there and it won’t be long before s/he exits the program. Besides you can see 2 kids for one trip! BTW, as a correspondent YOU are the sponsor. The child knows no other and is not even aware cognizant of the financial support. So don’t think of yourself as a “substitute sponsor” filling in for an absent sponsor. The reality is that you are the sponsor, caring, sharing and loving your child. Think about it… is an adoptive mother not “mom” to her adoptive child.

I wouldn’t count on anymore “quality time” on a personal trip, versus a sponsor tour. Either way you’ll have one day with the child. You can discuss that w/Compassion. There’s a lot to be gained on a sponsor tour so don’t dismiss that too quickly.

Enjoy your visit!

I have struggled with the original question Shelly wrote. I could spread out funds among more children! But, could it be that God wants me to focus on the 8 I have?

My desire is to go to Ethiopia before my two young men graduate from the project….that will be next June(2011). They are both orphans (but from different projects) – and turn 21 this fall.

Each child(of the has asked me, when will you come to my country? How do I say, I am praying for finances? I am praying to be able to walk with you?

I wish I could tie ET with TZ and UG…one trip to Africa…but I cannot figure out how I could do that. I want the tour guide from Compassion! The other thing that hampers me, is I am partially disabled…I may need the help of others on the trip, which would increase my cost…but that doesn’t dampen my desire to go.

And then, to explain to my daughter in Germany why I chose to go to visit two young men I’d never met, and didn’t come to be with her when she gave birth to her child. Explaining to your children how you choose to give something to others, and not to them can be very difficult.

But a trip that would touch a life forever – being Jesus in the flesh – to me, that could be the best use of any money. And I pray that I will soon be part of those that have visited our children…and I can add photos of my children hugging me to my wall of joy!

Christine-I am praying for you to make the trip. Talk to Compassion about coordinating a custom trip and provide guides as well. God will make it happen if it is supposed to. And, I do understand the difficulty explaining to your daughter. Sometimes, doing God’s work, is difficult, but it is also our privelege He gave to us.

For Susan Martin: I am not on OC, but you can email me at secretagent066@msn.com. My experience in Compassion, both in the USA as well as in the Dominican Republic spans about 20 years. I have been to visit my sponsored children over 50 times (not the same kids, of course, but over the years that many visits). I have never been on a sponsor tour as a sponsor, but I have accompanied tours as a translator. Tours are GREAT for first time visitors, and those who do not speak the language of the country they are traveling to. At least in the Dominican Republic, the meeting with the child is in the office of Compassion, and then we go to a camp for the day. Each sponsor has their own translator and it is a fun and moving experience. On an individual tour, it can often be arranged to you to travel to the child’s project, and to see the child in the context of their own home and to meet their family members. I have been to the homes of all my sponsored children and have strong ties to them as well as their families. So, it just depends on your preference, if you want a group tour or individual visit. In either case a translator and guide is provided. Individual visits are decidedly less expensive, as usually everyone on a group tour needs to meet up in a gateway city in the USA, wheras in an individual trip, you can look for an inexpensive flight and fly direct. In any event, a trip should be planned MONTHS in advance, and no tickets should be bought until you have your background clearance, the “go” from the Compassion office and of course, your passport IN HAND.

I think it depends on you and whether you feel like going would be most beneficial for you and your situation. You would get firsthand experience on what kind of difference you are making if you go. Maybe it will motivate you to sponser more kids in the future if you went because you would have a better understanding of your impact.
If I could, I would. I just can’t for several reasons. For one, I am cuban. I came to America when I was very young. For me, I want to go to Cuba before I go anywhere else because I have family there. Cuba is a poor country as well, I want to see what kind of contribution I can make there before I go elsewhere (even though I do sponser 3 kids through compassion).
It’s a personal thing for each person. Do what’s in your heart!

What could possibly relay hope to a child more then to know that someone loves them enough to travel a very long way? The hope and love that that child would carry in their hearts would change their lives!! This is about relationships, hope and connections!! Go!!

I’m writing this from the hotel in Bogota, where I’m wrapping up a Compassion artists visit. In addition to being here as an advocate, we sponsor a little 5 year old boy from Cali. We had the chance to spend the whole day with him on Monday…and it was one of the most meaningful things ever. Now..he’s 5…and it took a little bit for him to warm up, but within a short time we were having a great time, playing with bubbles, etc. It meant a lot to him to know that we were there…and had come to see him. He will remember parts of this visit..just like there are many things I remember from being 5. There are other things he won’t remember…but it touched his heart, and worked ours over.

We also had the chance to visit with 100s of other students…all who were overwhelmed by the fact that we came to see them. To talk with them. To love them. It’s the best trip I’ve ever taken. If you can do it..do it. It’ll change your life. And in turn, it’ll help to change their lives.

Sorry, I am one of those who thinks the money is better spent sponsoring another child. I love watching other people’s videos, etc., but for some of the trips I could sponsor one kid for ten years. Guess I am just not a traveler. If I had plenty of money, and could sponsor as many as I wanted, and go on a tour, maybe, but for me it just isn’t the best use of my money.

Debbie, you could save a lot of money by going on an individual visit, especially if you know the language. I did a few individual visits for less than a $1, but then I was in the country already. LOL Also, individual visits have the advantage that it is easier to visit their home/project/surroundings. Of course on a tour, you’ll have other things, such as getting a real good overview of what Compassion is doing and you’ll visit many student centers and really learn a lot about the general workings of Compassion in that particular country. You’ll also not have to worry about as to what you eat, where you go, you’ll name it. Everything is neatly planned out for you and everything that you get served, you can eat, without worrying about anything.

I’ve never met my sposnored children but I don’t think you can put a price on meeting your sponsored child. And that experience is NOT just for you and your child. The videos, pics, stories, and testimony are all valuable RESOURCES in advocating for children. You can share that experience with everyone who will listen and ALOT more children can be sponsored that way!!!

I don’t know if it’s the BEST use of your money, but it is a GREAT use of your money. It is a wonderful experience for both you and your child, and I don’t think you’ll regret spending the money or feel guilty after doing so. Your child will be just as excited to meet you as you are to meet him/her.

I’ve not done it yet, but stay tuned. The cry of my heart is to see my little Veronica face to face. I miss her! I say absolutely it’s worth it to spend the money. Cash comes and goes, but each individual child is worth more than any trip. I love watching videos and hearing stories from my friends who have done made the journey.

I wish I could put into words how much your life will be changed by visiting your child. I had the opportunity to visit one of my sponsored children last year, and it definitely changed my life.

I treasure the impact I have on Angi’s life through our letters, but when I met her and had the chance to interact with her our relationship became so much more.

Sure, it cost a lot to visit a sponsored child, but the precious time and countless memories are priceless.

I went on an advocates’ trip to Ethiopia last year and was able to meet my parents’ sponsored child, Tewodros, as I did not sponsor a child in Ethiopia at the time. As a result of the trip I now sponsor two children in Ethiopia and am able to write reasonably intelligently to them having spent some time in their country. It has also had a dramatic effect on my role as a Compassion advocate, both in giving me opportunities to speak that I would not otherwise have had, as well as a recharged enthusiasm & passion for Compassion’s work and a new love for those who they are reaching out to. It was the first time that I had ever travelled outside of Western Europe and meeting and sharing with the Ethiopians enabled me to see them as ‘real people’ rather than in rather abstract terms. I have kept in touch with several of the people that we met and now count them among my good friends.

When Doug and I go our kids we are going on our own. Will we be allowed to visit other nearby projects as well as our kids project too? Will Compassion help us plan our trip-best time to go-best days of the week to be there-where we can take our child and family for our visits-going to their home? This is going to be a cherished dream come true!

My husband and I visited our sponsored child in Honduras in July. It coinsided with a W & W trip through our church. It was wonderful meeting her. She and her grandmother made us so welcome. It was so good to meet the flesh and blood person we have been sponsoring for years. Though there was a language barrier, our friend Sandra and the missionary we were working with both helped us in conversing. God blessed us in meeting her. We pray for years more of sponsoring her.

I have just signed up for the short sponsor tour to the Dominican Republic (January 13-17,2011). Though I have lived and worked in the Dominican Republic with Compassion for years, and had many individual visits with my sponsored girls (Miguelina and Susette), this will be my FIRST time going on a tour. I have been told that there will be upwards of 50 sponsors on this tour. To any and all who are going, I would love to be in contact with you. I can maybe share some insights on the Dominican Republic, as well some ideas about how to prepare. You are gonna’ love it!!!!

I didn’t read through everyone’s comments. I can tell you, having visited my sponsored children 3 times, you will not only change their life, but they will change yours. I’ve seen some people comment about sponsoring more children, rather than visit your child. I’d have to say, visit your child before you make that your opinion. Our sponsored children, and their families are now part of our extended family. Members of our church sponsor 18 children in the same project in El Salvador. So we share in the lives of many people, not just the children and their families, but also the people involved with the Compassion project as well.

We’ll be going on an individual visit in November to visit several of our sponsored children. When one of them found out about the upcoming visit, this is what she wrote me in her last letter:
“I pray for you and your family every day. My family and I never forget you. You mean everything to us. I know that you will be coming to visit me and I am overwhelmed with excitement about it. I am the first girl in my community that has ever been visited by a sponsor. I am waiting for you with all of my love and affection.”

As I shared this with several friends, two of them mentioned that they want to sponsor children too. We clearly touch many lives when we go on a visit — not just the child, and not just ourselves, but others around us both here and in our child’s country.

The biggest dream for many of the sponsored children is to meet their sponsor.

I sponsor a precious girl in Uganda. Dinah’s eyes and smile seemed to brighten in a picture I received after having sponsored her. I would love to visit her but I think of how the cost of such a trip could better be used to sponsor more.

After you make a trip to see your child the excitement and increased commitment to the cause of poverty and Compassion specifically will allow more doors to open as you are able to share with those people you touch. After my visit to a sponsored child, my letter writing improved, and now when I make it a point of conversation to share with others about my trip and Compassion, the blessing it was for me and will be for them.

For Lois: Please scroll back and read all of the comments, or many of them anyway, from those of us have been to visit our sponsored children. The event is life changing, not just for the child, but for the sponsor as well. When you sponsor a child and receive the letters, then you know ABOUT your child. But, when you go to visit them, then you actually KNOW your child. It is like the difference between knowing ABOUT Christ and knowing Him as your own Lord and Saviour. I have found sponsors for over 100 children, and the conviction to do this has come from visiting my first sponsored child in 1990, from knowing him (Esteban) face to face, and from seeing with my own eyes the huge need for sponsors in his country. I myself could, of course, never have sponsored 100 children and I am just as sure that I would never have been motivated to seek and find all of those other sponsors, if I had not seen the need with my own 2 eyes.
Read the posts of others who have gone, and you will see that NONE regret it. I look forward to visiting in January, 2011 the 2 girls that I have sponsored since they were 3 years old. They are now 12 and it has been a privilege to watch them as they have grown into young women of God.

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Uganda and Kenya. We got to visit the 10-year old girl we sponsor in Kenya, and we got to attend the graduation of the LDP student we have sponsored for the past three years.

The experience was unforgettable, not just to the two of us, but to all the people we met – both children and project staff. Until I got there, I did not fully realize the amazing encouragement that a visit gives to your sponsored child – and to the courageous Compassion staff who work in poverty-stricken areas.

To those who have $2000-$4000 and are deciding between making a large gift, or going on a visit I say this: “Go. You’ll find the money to give when you get back.”

By my statement I mean this: experiencing firsthand the poverty in developing nations cannot compare to pictures, videos and statistics. Seeing the joy that your visit brings to your sponsored child and the project staff can’t compare to any other experience. When you return from your trip you will be driven to find ways to give more. You won’t find another $2K to $4K lying around magically when you get home, but you will surely find it five dollars at a time for the rest of your life.

Going to visit your child isn’t about fulfilling your dream. It’s about fulfilling his or hers.

David, I love how you put all that…. It’s perfect. I also like thinking about how Jesus focussed in on the 12 and reached the whole world. He could have added a bunch of other disciples, but He really focussed.

I went to visit my sponsored child in Ecuador last September. My husband and I were Peace Corps voluteers in Ecuador in the late 70′s, so we are familiar with both the country and the culture. He experience meeting my sponsored child and her family was unforgettable. The were so grateful, kind, and loving to me. Her mother told me that they pray for me every day! My sponsored child is the youngest girl of 4 girls and is enrolled in high school, now. I am certain that neither of her parents went to high school, and possibly not her siblings, either. She wants to grow up to be a “professional” woman and I pray that she realizes her dream. I am blessed to be able to help in a small way in her life and I hope to be able to go back and see her again. Visiting her and her family, I think, was very moving for both me and her family. I was told by the Compassion people that I was the FIRST ever sponsor to visit them in Ecuador. I hope more people are able to be privileged enough to visit their sponsors, too!

I just returned from Indonesia, where I had the amazing opportunity to visit my sponsored child, so I can’t say enough about the value of the experience. I arranged an individual visit since I was already traveling, but I was overwhelmed by the preparedness and professional of the field office staff (especially Mathilde and Diky) from Manado (as well as Joni in the Colorado office!). To say that they were gracious hosts is an understatement. Due to their diligence and care, I never felt a moment of hesitation about being on my own with virtual strangers in a country literally half way round the world. The staff made the experience amazing.

Not only did I get to meet my sponsored child, but I learned so much about the work Compassion does in the field. Even after witnessing it first hand, I am still amazed at what they are able to do for my child with so little in resources from me. God’s hands are evident in the heart and the spirit of the Compassion staff and in that of the villagers who work to make each project a success.

It seems inadequate to say that visiting your child is a life-changing experience. It is simply incomparable to anything I have ever done before. Though I had none my child fro less than a year, the visit connected us in a way that is unbreakable. The tangible moment of holding her hand was worth every penny of expense, worth every one of the 44 hours of travel time it took to reach her, worth my anxiety about traveling alone to a village in a completely foreign culture, worth the sweat and the tears and the prayers and the anticipation. In fact, I felt I received far more than I will ever be able to repay during my visit.

Not only did I connect with one special child, but I literally met an entire village! I dined in their homes, worshiped in their church, shared prayers on their porches, played games with their children, and laughed and smiled and learned more than I ever thought possible. Despite the obviously challenging conditions of life int he village, I have never been surrounded by such love and joy and openness. Though I’ll never know exactly what it meant to them, if it is one tenth the experience it was for me, then we were all blessed.

Going to visit your child isn’t about fulfilling your dream. It’s about fulfilling his or hers.

Beautifully said!

I’m recently new to sponsoring a child for 2 years now. After I read your concern about whether to visit your child or save the money for other gifts or sponsoring others in need; I had to post my thought to you. I’m very sure others may agree with me about this and hope that you might understand. I believe that before making the decision to visit your sponsored child/children, or keep the money towards other gifts and/or children I really think that this decision must be made not by your will, but the will of our God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (as it says in Proverbs 3:5). I hope that these words typed by my hand were that of Gods word and works, and that you would agree to speak to God in prayer about this decision and do what God wants by his will AMEN!!!!! I also I’d like to ask of your prayers through my journey to where ever God sends me. Thank you and may the good Lord bless you always. Your brother in Christ; Denny.

My dream is to go see my sponsor child! One stantement I like that really gave me really insight, Going to visit your child isn’t about fulfilling your dream. It’s about fulfilling his or hers. After reading that statement, God was saying to me, not about me, it is all about fulfilling her dream to see me! I have been sponsoring my child for 3 years! I am praying that I will make a trip! It is all in God’s timing!! I have that hope!! Praying!

In my prayers I have received the answer that a Gift from me for the cost of a trip would give a family 40 times what they might receive in a month and that would be like a Miracle to them. I have the power to do this rather than to just have another travel experience. I think my sponsored child and her family would rather have the experience of having a better life than to simply meet me. (They also have to spend money when company is coming.) I have seen the poverty and we have the ability to do something about it. My miracle will start today, even though I am unemployed, I know God will return it to me.

People in the comments keep saying that the difference it makes in their lives and your own justifies the money. But why should seeing a person face to face once or twice significantly affect your relationship?

My dad was gone for long periods of time during my childhood because of the military, and now my husband is in the military too. I probably see my husband half as much as most wives do, but I don’t love him any less because of it. We learn to value what opportunities we do have to communicate.

Personally, I would only visit my sponsored child if I was using money I had put away for a vacation anyway and if I had been sponsoring for more than a few years. Any extra money I have to use I feel would be put to better use in other charitable ways.

For Kees: 100 child visits!!! Wow, I hope you are in the Advocates Network, ’cause we need people with your enthusiasm and oh, yes, insight!!! If I have not had 100 child visits, then the number is pretty close to that and they have always spurred me on to look for more sponsors when I return to the USA. Just as no one ever said on their deathbed, “I should have spent more time at my office” so too, I believe in light of eternity, that no one who has ever visited their sponsored child would wish that they had done otherwise. As I set out next week for my umpteenth visit to my sponsored girls (not in the same family), I am reflecting on all of our past visits and what they signify for all of us. One of the girls has lost both of her parents during the years that I have been sponsoring her. The only photos she has of them, were taken by me. What if I had not gone??? Another girl’s mother died while I was visiting (2010) and I went to the funeral. What if I had not been there for this vulnerabel little 8 year old?
As I prepare for this trip, in which the girls will be coming to visit us at a resort, I am tucking into my luggage a photo of the girls together, from 2005—the last time we were together at a resort. I am thinking of how much fun these kids will have seeing themselves from 6 years ago. Also, I rejoice in the love and friendship that these 2 – 12 year olds have for each other–and that they would never have met, if I had not gone to visit them and introduced them to each other. I am the one constant in their ever shifting lives, and I feel humbled and grateful to be that for them.

Kees: Yes, the Dom. Rep. is the country of my heart, and where I have been sponsoring since 1989. I have never been to DR 521, but I know that it is in the capital, isn’t it? I have just found out that on the sponsor tour to the D.R. on January 13, we will be visiting DR 125. I do not have a child in that project, but in 2003 my church took a missions trip to the church attached to that project, and actually built the building that now houses the Compassion project. I have not been back to see the finished building since that time, and I am so excited to be reuniting with old friends at that church and project–and of course am looking forward with joyful anticipation to seeing my girls for a FULL DAY on Sunday, 01/16. Please email me at secretagent066@msn.com as I would like to hear about how you go about finding new sponsors, and that is not what we should be writing about on this forum.

It’s probably been said by others, and in other and better ways, but a visit to a sponsored child has a huge impact on the attitude and self-image and life of the child. Put yourself in the position of the child. You may have been sponsored for a short time or even a long time; you may have received no letters or some letters or many letters. But suddenly, this day, this one special day your sponsor comes to see YOU! Suddenly you realize that you mean so much, you are so special to your sponsor, that they will travel — in some cases — half way around the world just to see you!

Our ongoing support is critically important, our occasional extra gifts are important, our letters are important. But a visit in-person makes a very important statement to our child that we really, truly, care so much about them that we will do whatever is necessary to come to be with them, if only for a few hours.

A few years ago, I decided to sponsor an older child, Pui was 16 at the time. I was her 3rd or 4th sponsor. I went to Thailand w/ a compassion tour to meet her. During the visit, I asked her what church she went to, and she said she was Buddist. I knew that Compassion reached out to non-christians, but the this was the first sponsored child that I had that wasn’t already a christian. A few months after that visit, she wrote and told me she had accepted Jesus as her savior! She had been in the program for many many years, but God used my trip to see her to let her know she was loved and valued. God used my caring and love to reflect His love for her, and she saw it truly for the first time. If God is whispering to you that you need to see your child, He has a reason. For me, it was how He led Pui to the gift of life. For Ken, his child became more active, in a good way. You never know how God will use your visit to change a child’s life.
God bless!

Yes, you never know the impact that your visits have for all of eternity. I visit my sponsored girls every year, and take lots of photos over and their family members. One of the girls has, over the years of my sponsoring her, lost both of parents and the ONLY photos she has of them were taken by me. Another one lost her Mom last winter to a heart attack and I was able to be there at the funeral to comfort the girl, when everyone else was just lost in their grief and not paying attention to her. It was not the ideal visit, but it was an honor to be able to share this saddest moment with her, and it is a bond between that would never have happened if I had not been there at that time. I believe that it was destined by God for me to be there at that time. This child also has many photos of her, her Dad and her Mom all together over the years that were taken by me.

We sponsored our Ayda last July, our 1st sponsorship. Then in Nov. we were able to go and visit her & the center she attends & 4 other childrens centers. It was a life changing experience for us. We plan to go again this Nov. It gives you a real since of relationship to your child plus CI programs. You also can see the needs first hand & see what has already been accomplished. We would not take for the experience of a lifetime for us.

I registered to visit my child in Columbia this fall. I was wondering if Compassion contacts the child to let them know of the visit, or can I let her know that I will be coming? Also, they ask you to bring arts and craft supplies for the different projects that we will visit. Any suggestions of what would be good to take, and do we take enough to just fit in the luggage? The weight restrictions are so strict and I want to bring gifts to my little girl and her family.

Jeannie – yes, your child will be notified but not until very close to your arrival. They wait so long because it is devastating to the child if something happens and you are not able to make the trip. I am not sure if there is an official policy regarding a sponsor communicating an upcoming visit through a letter. Perhaps someone else reading this blog would know.

On my trip to El Salvador, I took supplies to make gospel bracelets (leather straps, beads of the gospel colors – gold/yellow, black, red, white, green). I was also able to obtain booklets in Spanish that explained the bracelets. They were a huge hit.

we have sponsored several kids at a time for over a decade. It is so gratifying to know every cent works to give hope and help to a child for the sake of Christ.
We ache to meet our children, but have always opted to send the money rather than gratify our curiosity and fill our own hearts with that joy.
Well, it has taken 5 year to set ourselves up with reasons, but we did it! First, we decided which of the 5 countries (that our kids were in) we would like to see. Then we sponsored a second child from the same country, so two of the 6 were near eachother. Then, we started a family business selling hair tinsel and feathers to stylist each night after work to make the money for the trip. The tinsel actually comes from Thailand, so part of it willk be a business trip.
We have dicided to make it our last family trip, since our daughters are in their 20′s and we just finished paying for their college. A year from now, we hope to use half out the proceeds to finance our family trip over to visit our two compassion children and half to give to the project’s needs. It will be fantastic to see what needs they have and just hand them the money to tackle it.
So far, we have grown so much in our faith through this project and our 25% to our goal already, here in March. The joy of the Lord is our strength! Working after work has never been such a delight!
Go for it! Make a plan. God will make it happen. It is for his glory, so I am sure out of His abundance He will bring more than what is necessary to bless you and your children,

I am still AMAZED that the question is even posed!!! “Should I visit my sponsor child!!!” It helps me to visit even more!!! It’s kind of almost like reverse psychology for me. It is like asking “should I obey God?” Obviously we should obey God but do we? Obviously we should visit our sponsor child but do we?

Mike, I love your enthusiasm, but I don’t think it is a case of “should” with visiting sponsor children. Everyone has to listen to their own heart and to God’s leading, and each one will be led by him, not by “should”. For some people it is genuinely impossible for whatever reason, and for some it is not the best use of their time energy or resources.

I need to confess that we sponsor several children through Compassion and several through World Vision. Regardless of the program, each child is a precious child of God and we try to visit each one at least once. Recently we went to Nicaragua to see several World Vision children for the first time, and I later received many letters. Here is what one child wrote:

” Thank you for coming to visit me. I am the first person in my village that has ever had a sponsor come to visit. What a fantastic day it was! I hope that it is not the last time. I am so happy that you came. I have known you through your pictures and your letters, but now I know you as a person. I will be praying for you and your wife because I love you both as if you were my own parents.”

As a sponsor we hope to impact on the life of a child. Nothing can do more to build that sponsor-child relationship than a visit that enables you to meet face-to-face. As a sponsor, a visit has an impact on you far beyond what you can imagine. And for the child? It could be one of the most significant things that has ever occurred to them.

This opinion comes from one of my sponsored children, Miguelina, age 12. When I last saw her, last month, I asked her what SHE thought about whether or not a sponsor should visit their sponsored child. (We know each other VERY well as I have sponsored her for 9 years, and visit at least twice a year, but she is VERY shy). She thought for a moment and then she said, “Yes, because you always visit the people that you love.”
We get a lot of opinions here on this blog, both pro and con, but I think it is hard to argue with Miguelina’s reasoning!!! By the way, is there anyone out there who has actually been to visit their sponsored child, who thinks that they should NOT have gone?

The cost quoted above is for a Compassion sponsored and organized GROUP TOUR. If you go on your own, the only costs that you should incur with Compassion are the cost of your Compassion interpreter/guide, which you must arrange through Compassion beforehand. And, of course you should give the Compassion USA office time to contact the Compassion office in Ecuador who will contact your child and arrange for the meeting. The lead time on that is usually at least 8 weeks.

“When God chose to bring salvation to you and me, he did not send gold or silver, cash or check. He sent himself—the Son.” –David Platt

Three weeks ago I returned from my dream visit to see my ‘son’ in Rwanda. It was the most amazing experience for all the reasons sited above. Absolutely go! It meant more to my little guy than any words can ever express! It made the connection between us so much more personal and emotional. He was sweet, cute, adorable, fun, funny, happy so happy, playful and loving. He told me he missed me and was so happy to see me and that he loved me. I fell more deeply in love with that little guy and will be able to encourage him so much more having met him. If you can possibly put together the cash to go I say go! It means more than money and things to them and to you. You will find the money when you get home to do more and you can help so many others to understand more deeply. God is working miraculously through Compassion. It is amazing to see it first hand and meet the country workers and hear their hearts and see their love for these children and their families. I will go back and I will help more just because I was there. GO!

I went to Ethiopia to see my children in March of 2010. It was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I met my children, some of their parents, and some of the workers of their projects. Through the interpreter we were able to ask each other many questions. I was surprised to see how many questions they had about me and my life.
At first the two little ones were shy and held back. But by the time our visit was over they gave me big hugs. Now I have a much better connection with my children and I know who I am writing to.
When I first thought about going on a tour I thought about all of the children I could help with the money it would cost. But I wanted to go so badly. After telling myself over and over that it was not the best use of the money, I felt as if God told me it was okay.
I really believe it made a difference in my children’s lives and I know it did in mine. If you can go I urge you to do it.

I just started sponsoring a child a few months ago and would LOVE to visit my little girl in Bolivia. I am a clown and wondered if anyone else has ever gone to their sponsored child’s school and did any ministry and how it is looked upon. What is the primary language out there? I only speak English but possibly through an interpreter could share Jesus with a clown show. I would love to give my child a visit, but also share my love for her and also Jesus’s love for her and her friends. Are there any suggestions. Would it be better to go and NOT offer a clown show as well? How long do you usually stay for a visit. We only have one child. What else could I take for her and her family? Thank you for this blog!

All good answers and thoughts. Having gone to two different countries, I can say a sponsored trip has really activated my desire to share with others about Compassion. Most of my vacation dreams now entail visiting or revisiting our Compassion kids. Never having the money for the big sponsor trips, I do individual visits and have a great time.
By the way, the clown idea is great. Maybe some of the LDP students could help organize some neighborhood kids or even at the project. They would all love it. I would think it could be coordinated thru the Compassion office in the country but originated thru the Compassion office here in Colorado.

Your visit has the potential to change someone’s life as much as the money does. There are two Christian motivational speakers I know of that you can refer to . Rene Godefroy who has come to America from Haiti with only a suitcase and a change of clothes, $5. and no English to become a motivational speaker recommends planning out a perfect day in five years and living it in your mind. You can see Rene visiting orphanages on the internet. I met Edward Edebiri who came from Nigeria where he only wore shoes on special occasions, there was no refrigerator until he was a teenager in his family home but he acomplished a list of goals a mentor showed him how to make as a child; including becoming a plane pilot, getting a BA degree, purchasing a new Jaguar auto… I bought his motivational book. Mr. Edebiri’s goal is to improve global happiness. Both men visit where they came from quite often to lift up the people there. You can find both men on the internet. These two men who have been where some of these kids are now think it’s important to visit. These two men are an example of what a mentor can do to inspire. Mr. Godefroy also gives credit to people who inspired and motivated him.

Keens, I have a sponsored child in Bolivia! BO421. Have you been there? It would be really neat if you have! And if you have pictures of that project that would be cool because i might see him in them. His name is Abraham and he just turned 13 last month.

Only 3 more weeks and I will be going to LIVE in the country of my sponsored girls. I am so excited and they are, too.
Kees–when you have a chance, email me (in Spanish, of course)

I think about visiting my child every week, I wish that day comes sooner rather than later. I have been her sponsor for over 10 years, I just turned 30 this year and I think about her like she’s a part of my family. If given the opportunity I would definitely go visit her. Definitely.

i think one must go by their own heart and desires and leave the rest up to God to deal with us with our decisions.. i personally would love to meet my sponsored child and her family, because it could only help me understand better what they deal with daily and others like them. it also would bring reality to the child who doesn”t understand, that we are that live human being from afar that does care. i don”t know that i will ever be able to see my sponsored child, but if it were ever possible, i know that i would truly try to.

Can anyone give me some sort of idea as to how difficult or easy it would be for a person to travel between countries within South America on an individual trip to visit sponsored children. i am looking ahead to the next year or two to possibly going from Ecuador to Peru and back. i am good at navigating, have had quite a bit of travel experience (although not a whole lot overseas!), and i love a good adventure

For Helen: First you should contact Compassion in Colorado to set something up for you in the 2 countries. This should be done 3-6 months in advance. Also you should look at the US State Department Website: travel.state. gov to get more information about the 2 countries that you mention above. I live in the country where my 2 sponsored girls live (the Dominican Republic) and I believe that if you are planning to travel between 2 Latin American countries, it would be a good idea to know some Spanish. Blessings to you on your plans.

Helen, the best way to go between the two countries is via air (such as LANChile) from Guayaquil to Lima. It’s a 2-hour nonstop flight for about $400. There are also two bus companies — Caracol and Ormeno — who travel that route and to other countries in South America. By bus you might be talking 15 or 20 hours.

I’ve used bus companies to travel internationally in Central America and love them; some of them are inexpensive, safe, reliable and more comfortable — and with better onboard service — than an airplane (example: Hedman-Alas between Honduras and Guatemala). But I don’t know anything about Caracol or Ormeno in South America. The advice about speaking Spanish is a good one. If you do bus travel you won’t find many English-speakers around to help translate.

I am so excited to be going on my first sponsor tour in October, to Colombia. I was just wondering how and when the children are told their sponsors will be visiting, and what their reactions are.

For those of you who have visited your sponsor children, what sorts of gifts do you bring? I’m thinking about visiting my child next summer and was curious.

I have really enjoyed this exchange of comments! I have now registered for my first group sponsor tour, and it is nothing short of a miracle to actually be preparing for this spring trip! I had always dreamed about it, and was glad for those who COULD go, but used to think that it would never be a possibility for me. After sponsoring Carlos for ten years, I am so excited to think about meeting him in person and to see Compassion in action in the DR! I am so thankful to God for this amazing opportunity, and can hardly wait to see what He has in store next!

Kees, what a fantastic ministry you have with all of those child visits! Thanks for sharing your insights with us. You’re right, the biggest gift we can give is of ourselves — to be there in person to show your child that you cared so much that you wanted to be with him or her.

As for gifts, if it’s a group tour I believe that Compassion will ask you to bring along some general gifts for the children in the CDCs — small toys, crayons, hair ribbons, etc. (things you can pick up in a dollar store). In addition I’ve brought along maybe $15-20 worth of purchased things for my child — a penlight, a small backpack, a diary, maybe a foto album for pictures that I’ll be sending, etc. But in addition and even much more important I try to include some special thing that is very personal — that is clearly from me to the child. For one child I handmade a small silver cross that I’ve gave her; for another, I made a small glass out of pottery. Do you have any hobbies that express who you are? Photography, sewing, poetry, painting or sketching, etc. By all means, share a bit of those with your child during your visit. On my group tour to El Salvador, my child gave to me a photo album showing her from the time she was born until now. What a gift; I look at it constantly. I believe that a similar gift from you to your child will have the same impact.

Visiting a sponsored child is often a “short-term mission trip” fo sorts. With many other forms of short-term mission trips, there is indeed only short-term help for the community visited. Those who sponsor children have already made a long-term commitment to help both the child and the child’s environment. All short-term missions should include this kind of long-term commitment to help. God bless you for sponsoring a child! Go!

Oh… to visit a child or send money? I guess the best analogy I ready was in the book Radical…. God could have sent gold or jewels to help our dyer poverty and need but he sent his Son Jesus to be with us, comfort us, heal us and ultimately die for us. My husband and I were able to visit our sponsor child in India this past October. It was the hardest trip we have ever taken. It was an assault on all our senses but it was life changing. We will never be the same! We saw how our child lived, the dyer poverty, and for the first time could understand that Jesus left the splendor of heaven to come to this!!! This filth, this desolation, this unending misery to be with us. To love us, comfort us, heal us and die for us. That love is overwhelming. Every believer needs to experience this. You will never be the same.

In October, 2011, I visited my children in Bangladesh on a sponsor tour and I have to say that it was one of the most profound weeks of my life. I am beginning to hear back from some of the children that I visited there and all of them comment on how loved they felt by my visit, and many couldn’t imagine that anyone could love them that much. Several have asked when I will be back and are making plans about what they want to show me or where I should go. Was it an easy trip? No way, as it took us more than 24 hours to get there. But the staff there worked their hardest to make us comfortable and to share their country and organization with us. And they were so moved that we would make such an effort to come see their country. It was a blessed experience for the sponsors, the kids, and all of those who work so hard to serve those kids. I would go back tomorrow…