Over on another blog post – Are My Letters Really That Important? – several sponsors have started trying to connect with other people who sponsor a child in the same child development center(s).
Until we have a better way to help you with this – which we are working on and we think you’re gonna love! – let’s make this post the home for making connections.
UPDATE: May 27, 2010 – That better way to connect we mentioned, it’s ourcompassion.org.
I just got home from a student live camp. I got a packet to sponsor a child. But I have no idea how to make my first payment. or why its asking for my sponsor number when I try to create an account. Please help
@Natalie Congratulations on your decision to sponsor a child. In your packet, there should be a form that says “To sponsor me, fill out this form today. Yes, I want to sponsor (Name of child). You will need to fill out the form and mail it in. There will be fields to allow you to set up automatic payment, payment by check or credit card. If this is your first sponsored child, you won’t receive a sponsor number until this form is processed.
Thanks
we figured it out.
Hi! I just got back from an Advocates meeting at a student life event (I wasn’t able to stay for the actual worship time…it was in Orange Beach, AL and I live in New Orleans).
Hopefully I can help answer your questions.
First, thank you so much for sponsoring a child! I’m sure you will be blessed by this.
In order to make a payment, either send in a check or money order along with the paper copy of your sign-up form that came with your packet, and mail it to Compassion (there should be an envelope in the packet for you to use). Or, if you have a debit card, you can put that information on the form as well. OR–using a credit/debit card, call Compassion’s toll free number Monday, as early as 7am Mountain time, and you can make your first payment over the phone.
Only after you make your first payment will you officially be your child’s sponsor, and given a sponsor number–which as you know, is needed before creating an online account. If you mail in the payment, give them at least a week to receive it an process it, then you should be able to call them and they should be able to tell you your sponsor number (and if it hasn’t been processed by that point, they might have a general idea of how much longer to wait). But if you call in your first payment, you might be able to get your sponsor number right away–I don’t know for sure; I’ve never tried it that way.
Hoping that helps a bit!
Hi, Friends:
When I was deciding where to sponsor a child, I made my decision based on a name; my sponsored child’s name is close to my daughter’s name. Silly, I know.
However, I feel so sure of my choice, not like there could be a bad one, but the more I learn about my child’s country and living conditions, I know there could be no better choice.
Although prompted by a familiar name, I have learned my child lives in a very rural area of Rwanda. Provisions are hard to come by. She is blessed to have survived the genocide attacks in 1994 when she was barely 4 years old! Can you imagine living through something like that? I cannot!
I didn’t think much of the sex of the child I was sponsoring, but realizing how oppressed girls and women are in so many countries, my random choice has become NOT so random at all.
I made my decision, so I thought, on a whim. But the hand of God was all over my choice, and I am humbled and grateful for this little girl in my life more and more every day as learn about her world. By the way, her framed pictures sits among those of my “local” children so I stand no chance of forgetting.
Learning about your child’s world helps greatly in letter writing. Without reminding your child of the perils of his/her life, you will know better how to encourage, how to pray, to share scripture. I am sure these young ones feel the arms of God around them when our letters reflect some knowing of their trials and journeys.
Remember to link this site’s blogs or pictures to your Facebook page so others will know and sponsor a child, too!
Hoping this is helpful and encouraging to a sponsor. Love and Blessings in Christ Jesus, Marcia
Marcia –
I read your story tonight about your “random” selection of your sponsored child and had to chuckle a bit. I also “randomly” selected a child’s packet at an event because of his name. His first name is one letter different of our last name.
We have only been sponsors since August of last year, but we also feel very close to our child like he is right here with us. That can’t be a random thing!
I just thought I would let you know our story was very similar! Here’s to many more years of building relationships with random children…
I sponsored my first child in 1985. Her name was Johana, and she was 4. My own daughter, Johanna, was also 4 at the time. My Johanna is now 29, and sponsors 3 children herself. I have been a sponsor now for over 20 years. What a blessing it is. My “son” Jose, is 15.
Marcia –
Just a short response to your first paragraph… I picked my child to sponsor for the same reason! My last name is Abell, and his first name is Abel. It seemed a perfect match!
Weird how that works, isn’t it?
In 1994 compassion International help me to study. Now I Finished my studies and a get a good job. My dream today is to get the adress of my sponsor who named Michael Wilkelson. If it is impossible to get is adress Please tell him thanks and God bless him and his wife Mike.
I have a child in Peru and a new child in Tanzania. It’s harder to find translations for words in the different countries in Africa and sometimes I like to include a phrase written in the child’s language, to let them know everything about them is important to me. Haven’t tried Tanzania yet.
To Peggy dated august 19,2010, if you go to your child’s picture where it says child information, country information, etc, go down to all information, click on it, scroll down and there should be a few words in the language that child speaks, if there is more than 1 dialect, ask your child, I have and they are quick to respond, or simply ask the child for the word in their language, our girl from Tanzania draws pictures, puts the English word for that particular picture and then the word in her language, we are getting quite an education.
I looked and could not find what you were talking about. I am very interested in this. I noticed that you wrote this over a year ago, so I wasn’t sure if it changed. Could you please let me know? Thanks soo much!
Thank you, Diane. I’ve read the information page a couple of times and never noticed that. My boy in Peru writes often and has stolen my heart, but there is so much time between letters that he doesn’t seem to answer questions. Maybe he will remember if I ask that he help me with his language.
I hope the child from Tanzania will want to write. I found it a little difficult to get all the translation from her first letter. I think it must be harder for translators from Africa, but maybe it’s just a coincidence (similar difficulty at times with translation of letters from the girl I sponsored in Rwanda.
Time will tell. Sometimes I think I am not very good at drawing the children out. But I do my best to let them know how precious they are. I haven’t kept up with the letter writing blog for months and need to go back and get inspired!
If anyone recently sponsored a child in Tanzania named Elias (he was on the web site) at center TZ-103 T.A.G. Galilaya, please let me know.I believe he is 18 and I met him while in Tanzania last month and have photos of him.
Blessings,
Stephanie
I sponsor a little girl in Thailand. I chose her as she was a priority child.
Hi Teena,
I sponsor a child in Thailand also. She is so beautiful. I truly hope to meet her one day, but that is in the Lord’s hands. I have only been sponsoring her for a few months, but I already feel as though she is a part of our family. God bless you for your sponsorship of one od his children,
Our family just sponsored our first child. Our church has partnered with the church that works with Compassion in the village. Sandhya is from a tiny village in Pratapura, India. She is a beautiful 4 year old. We look forward to the relationship that we can have with her, as well as the relationship that will be strenghthen between God and her, as well as God and us!! This is the best $38 anyone could ever spend!!
Hi,
When I lived in Bowling Green, KY the Christian Family radio station, WCVK had a drive for sponsoring kids every year that planted a seed I never forgot. A few days ago, I saw a spot on biblegateway.com about Compassion. I emailed the station manager & it was the same program they promoted. My husband and I are now sponsoring a little boy in Bolivia who just turned five. I’m so excited about getting to know him and his family. I hope some day we will get to meet them in person.
Have a blessed day,
Stephanie
I have a child in Kenya, KE-588, and one in Haiti, HA-755
You know that a little girl of 6 years old with a birthday on New Years Eve is very special. From Colombia CO-227. Karen is a delight and special little one of God’s children. What a joy the family of God is.
Hello, let me start by saying that sponsoring a child has been one of the biggest blessings of my entire life, and I haven’t even gotten a letter yet! I will be on top of the world when I do
I was at a Christian concert in September, where they were advocates for Compassion International… they were handing packets out to the crowd. I received an 8 year old boy from Ethiopia named Besufekat (we call him “Besu” for short). I knew as soon as I looked at his face that it was meant to be. Just today I decided to sponsor another child, and I wanted to sponsor an older female so it would be a different experience… I thought we could become close in our letter writing. Her name is Belusha, and she is 15 years old, and she is also from Ethiopia. I have sent several letters and manilla envelope packages to Besu, and I can’t wait to start writing Belusha. What a blessing I have received so far!
Stephanie,
As an advocate who has handed out packets at concerts, it’s great to hear that you felt such a connection with Besu. How exciting that you felt led to sponsor Belusha, too. Perhaps there is a trip to Ethiopia in your future?!
I sponsor two very special four-year-olds! I sponsored my precious girl, Porn from Thailand, because she was of the same ethnic group of some of my friends. She is absolutely adorable!
I also sponsor a little boy named Hengky from Indonesia. Compassion selected him for me and I love him to death! I am so excited for the relationship I will be building with these two sweet little blessings!
I correpond with an eight-year-old girl from Indonesia, and a 15-year-old girl from Haiti. They are so precious!
We sponsor children from El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Every single one of our children is a blessing from God to our family
We just sponsored our first child, a boy in bangladesh!! We can’t wait to get his first letter! It feels like awaiting the birth of a child. Crystal, do you mind if I ask the general location of your child in Bangladesh? I would love to connect with others with children in that area!
Tammy, That is wonderful that you sponsored a child in Bangladesh. Your child will be very excited to get your letters and develop a relationship with you. As far as connecting with other sponsors from the same area, what you want to do is to set up an account at http://www.ourcompassion.org. Then you can go there and find sponsors, who sponsor in the same project (Student Center, CDI) as you. Maybe some of them might have visited your student center. You might even see a picture of your child that they took. You never know.
My husband and I just started sponsoring a girl in El Salvador. She talks about learning at the “project”. What is a “project” in that country? The same meaning in a US city? She lives in a small town.
Project is the same thing as Center, it is the Compassion center that your child attends.
I started sponsership of Rina from Bangladesh, she is now 9. A few years later, Mary from Kenya came in my life, she is 14. Then, I just sponsered Cissy from Uganda. She’s 18. I love each one of them and cherish their letters. God Bless you all.
I am sponsoring Ritu from Mumbai, India. She is 7 years old and she is beautiful and cutest baby girl I have ever seen. The day I thought of sponsoring her was the day I got promoted at my work place. She is really lucky for me.
I sponsor Adrianna who lives near Quito, Ecuador. She will be 9 years old next week. Whenever I receive her letters she has drawn me the greatest pictures of herself and her dog! Please place her in your prayers for a wonderfule life.
We sponsor 2 kids, same ages as ours.
Rachel in Rwanda and Chenthurpandi in India.
Their letters are such a blessing to us.
I sponsor a 6 year old girl from Tanzania. Her name is Herma. This is the first child I’ve sponsored through Compassion International (which I first heard about at a Jeremy Camp concert). I chose Herma because she was a priority adoption.
We also are sponsoring a boy in Tanzania. His name is Inocent. We prayed about it and then chose him. He was older and we just felt like the Lord was directing us.
I sponsor a 10 year old boy in the Philippines and an 8 year old girl in Mexico. They are such a blessing to me.
I have sponsored a 4 year old girl in Thailand for some time, and I chose her because I am very close with some families that are of her same ethnic group. Also, recently, i sponsored a 15 year boy from India. He had been a correpondent child and his sponsor had dropped him. So he’s all mine
I also have four correspondent kids. Every single one of my kids is absolutely precious to me and I am blessed to be a part of their lives.
I sponsor a nice little boy named German from Guatemala. God works wonders. I seen this little boy and his face looked a little sad and I just felt he was the one but I hit the wrong button and lost him. I hit some search button for another list of kids and he showed up again so that tells me, he is truly the one. Was told that he received my letter today so am waiting to get my letter.
I recently started sponsoring a little girl in Peru. She’s 7, and an only child, lives with her Mom, and likes drawing and playing and she looks after the animals at home. We have pets, and I like making stuff, cards etc (so a little creative and arty). Her photo really stood out to everyone in our church when the Compassion Speaker visited our service that day – she has her hands on her hips, and a face like thunder – such ATTITUDE! I guess I am quite fiery and fiesty. I am fluent in Spanish, so thought I could more easily and more soundly build a relationship with her, not needing translation, and so better convey messages to and fro …
I had looked at Compassion’s websites before, and thought to sponsor a child, but our finances wouldn’t support it back then. We’ve recently had financial breakthrough thanks to Jesus and His unfailing faithfulness. After the speaker came to our service 2 weeks ago and I just happened to see the little Peruvian girl con la actitud … God was nudging me! I’m getting her second letter prepared to send out soon, and can’t wairt to hear back from her!
I am so amazed by everyone here who is sponsoring more than one child-that is awesome, do any of you, have children of your own?I find that between spending time with our own daughter and our daughter in the LORD there in Bolivia- I am not sure if I can give enuf time to another child right now..We chose our little girl by putting in my mom in law’s bday in the advanced search. she passed away a few years ago and it has been hard since then for my husband, and i thought this would give him something to look forward to on her birthday every year-and be able to bless and love on a child..
Hi Seena,
I originally intended to only sponsor one child, a 4yo girl in Ethiopia, but recently came across another 11yo girl in Ecuador that just stole my heart from the picture. I tried to click away, thinking I can’t do it financially, but then I kept going back every few hours to see if she was still waiting–and she was. After a couple of days obsessing, worrying, and praying for her, I realized if I’d have devoted that energy into reworking my finances, I’d have a different perspective. So, I canceled some magazine subscription, downgraded my Netflix account a level, and eliminated a couple other small expenses and then clicked “Sponsor this child”. I am much happier now ha ha! And she will be too! If you think you can do it, you should do it
You are such a nice lady Trysha, God is working in your life and helping others is proof. You have given many people a great example of how we can do without some small things and make a huge difference in someones life. God Bless you.
If this was Facebook, I would put a huge “Like” on this post. It’s so easy just to conclude that you can’t sponsor another child, only to rework your finances a little bit, one can sponsor another child. Now, I need to go back to finding sponsors for some of the children that I’m teaching this week.
Trysha, your letters will mean the world to this child. That’s the main question, I hear all the time…. Why doesn’t my sponsor write?
Thanks you guys! I am so happy I can do this, and also show my 12yo daughter that we can really make a difference in these kids lives. You should have seen her face when I told her what we spend on 2 frappucino’s could buy two hens for one of our kids, and then their families could sell those eggs and actually earn money. Kinda makes you want to get your own blender out and do the right thing.
Hi Trysha,
I just saw your response-thank you. I ws thinking more about developing the relationship via emails and actual letters to her. The same thing ‘almost’ happened to us. There was this darling 11 or 12 year old boy from India who had the most adorable and heart warming smile- of course I was hooked. I wanted to get home and talk to my husband, I kept praying, LORD< if you want us to sponsor this child please let him still be there tonight. You won't believe it, while my husband was still looking through his profile (even clicked on choose this child)-by that time- he received a msg that read- sorry, this child has just been sponored by someone else. Obviously, he thought it was me and by the time we talked again later that day (mind you, the saem day I fell in love with the little boy)- we realized someone else had in fact sponsored him while we were trying to. We are planning another child though. Our heart is for Niger. So looking out for a child there. I do wish Compassion had children there:(
I just began sponsoring a precious little 5 y.o. girl in Thailand. I chose a girl because I have three sons and always wanted a daughter. This little angel was born on my 15th wedding anniversary and she lives with her grandparents. I am thankful that God led me here–having a little girl to “love on” even from afar, having a reason to buy paper dolls and sparkly pink greeting cards, all of it has been remarkably healing that place in my heart that was always longing for a daughter.
I sponsor a 5 year old girl in India. I was connected with her last month when I went to a Christian concert (Mercy Me) that I had won tickets to. The lead singer told the audience about Compassion and asked interested people to raise their hand. Her information package was passed to me. They also had a table set up in the foyer with many other children. I decided to keep the packet that was passed to me because I felt God put her package in my hand for a reason. I recently got my first letter from her and felt overwhelmed with joy and began crying. She included a small picture that she drew. I instantly felt connected to Surapati when I looked at what she had written and drawn for me. Last night as I was going to bed I couldn’t stop thinking about what she was doing on the other side of the world where it was probably early morning as I laid down for the night. I feel very honored to have been chosen by God to help this child and pray that my love for her will impact her all of her life.
I am 14 and I sponsor an 8 year old boy from Thailand and a 14 year old boy from Burkina Faso, who I call Wende for short. I love sponsoring and I like how it has made me a finacially conscious teen. I have been sponsoring the boy from Thailand for almost 2 years. I have been waiting anxiously for my first letter from Wende. I think my mom is tired of me wining that I have not got a letter in months. I love writing to them monthly. I knew I could afford a second child. I was reading that said “it is only a sacrifice when it hurts.” Also I relized that I now have more time to write. But even more I felt driven by God.
Corina, that is awesome. I love all sponsors. But it is really awesome to see the teens that want to be a part of releasing a child from poverty. I hope your letter from Wende comes soon.
okay. i am totally new to all this, and i need some help. will somebody explain the payment process to me? and will somebody tell me about writing letters back and forth? because i dont understand…
Hi, Kaleigh. These are very good questions, but very brought. I.e. it could take a lot to answer these questions. I would think the best and easiest way is to do this over the phone, rather than on the forum here. That way, you can get the specific answers you need. I would call 1-800-336-7676, and they would be more then happy to help you with these questions. Thank you so much for sponsoring a child
Hi Kaleigh, welcome to the Compassion family. I have an electronic funds transfer set up at my bank. Every month, the money is sent to Compassion on a certain date. You can pay month to month, with checks, if you prefer, but it is less expensive, for all involved, to go the electronic transfer way. As for letters, the kids absolutely love getting letters, pictures, postcards, and anything else you can send them. Compassion will help you ouit with what can and cannot be sent. I have visited most of my kids, and they all have everything you have sent, stored in a box someplace, under their bed most times, and are happy to show anybody all the letters, etc., that they have received from their sponsor. When the kid’s letters come to you, they are in an ivory colored envelope. When I look at my mail, the first thing I do is scan it for that ivory envelope, because I am as happy to receive letters from them, as they are receiving letters from me. If you need any help getting started, you can always call Compassion at 800-336-7676, and they will be happy to assist you.
I am fourteen and I recently started sponsoring a 4-year-old girl in Nicaragua. I chose her after the girl I origianally wanted to sponsor was chosen. Her picture was so sweet, and she looked so shy. However, in her first letter she expressed herself as anything but shy! I have only received one letter from her so far, but she has already asked many questions! She asked “Are you a white-skinned person or a black person?” and she asked when I was coming to visit! I am planning on visiting her next year as she has already captured my heart with her picture and letter!
I am feeling very depressed as the girl I sponsored in Tanzania for over 3 years has moved from the area and I can no longer sponsor her. I feel like part of my family is missing. Any suggestions on how to deal with this (yes, I will be sponsoring another child). Thanks.
Well, it’s difficult. You can maybe contact Compassion and ask if you can do continual correspondence with the child. But the center might not be able to get in touch with the child, depending on whether they left a forwarding contact information with the center. Compassion also will sent you some general things to really consider before accepting that. Outside of that, you can continue praying for the child. Also, realize that ultimately, the Lord is the Ultimate Shepherd. If you want to sponsor a child and immediately have more photos, please let me know. I have several children here in Bolivia, that I’m looking for a sponsor for and I have extra photos and videos. One little girl named Anelis, that I have a video for. She is extremely cute and very friendly.
It’s hard, Lori. I can relate, because I’ve lost 3 correspondence children. All I can say is, you can still pray for her. YOu may not be able to talk to her anymore, but you can talk to the Lord.
I know this seems simplistic, but it’s my only solution.
Lori I feel your pain. I lost the first two kids I sponsored, Wendi and Herlin, for different reasons. It is like a punch in the gut, and there is no closure, but there is really nothing you can do other than pray for your little girl, and move on. I will never forget Wendi or Herlin, but I have sponsored nine children since, and you will get over the pain of losing her. The need for closure will always be there, but if you move on, you will be able to handle this. Also, call Compassion, and tell them if your girl shows up at another center someplace, you would like them to contact you, and if you are able, continue the sponsorship then. Thanks for being a sponsor Lori.
A little over a month ago I attended a Christian concert where they were advocating Compassion. Even before that i had been considering sponsoring a child, though i wasn’t really sure i could afford it. At the concert I finally made the decision to sponsor a child. I looked over nurmerous packets at the Compassion table. None really, truely stuck out to me. So I waited until i was home and after only ten minutes of scrolling through the pages, I saw a little four year old girl with the most beautiful smile and I instantly knew i had to sponsor her! Even though this sponsorship is still new to me, I just know it’s going to be something fantastic. I thank God every day for that day when i finally decided to sponsor that little girl from Brazil.
I am twelve and i sponsor 2 kids from india (w/ help from my parents)I started less than a month ago so i have not received any letters yet, but have sent 2 to each child. instead of getting gifts for my birthday, i am asking for money for my indian siblings!
God Bless you young lady. I’m sure you’ve heard from your sponsored kids by now, hope that’s going great for you. Pray to our father and savior and I’m sure you’ll be shown how you might use your talents to support them further or add more children.
How can I get a Compassion child just for correspondence? I have heard of several people who also have children they just write to.
Hi Corina! Here’s some info about becoming a child correspondent: http://blog.compassion.com/write-to-a-child
We are sponsoring a 16 year old in Rwanda named Isac Manishimwe. We felt lead to sponsor Isac because of his age and location. He’s 16 and we can’t wait to get our letter from him! We’ve already been blessed to be able to send him a birthday gift and write our first letter. We know he knows our names, but are so excited to actually hear from him.
I have an adorable little angel in IO787, and a sweetheart in HA147. Just started corresponding with them earlier this year. What a blessing!
I sponsored 2 children from Uganda since March 2011, so far i only received 1 letters from my girl, and 2 letters from my boy. At the same time, i sponsored another boy from Burkina Faso; i already received 6 letters from him. Is this normal ?
My girl – UG 834- 0191
My boy – UG 229- 0159
Our sponsored child Grace is from Ghana, we received her particular packet by chance at a Mercy me concert just a few days before her birthday. After the show we approached the stand to submit our sponsor information and had an opportunity to exchange it for another if we desired. My wife looked at me for guidance and I said “Grace was offered to us by the hand of God, there is no choice.” She agreed with a smile and we both left forever holding Grace close to our hearts. We pray for all the children and the ability to sponsor more in the future. God Bless ya’ll for what you do.
My family sponsors a 12 year old boy in Bolivia and a 14 year old girl in Columbia. We love them and they are great kids. I previously had a boy that I sponsored for 7 years in Columbia but he moved out of the program area before he turned 18. This really made me sad and I don’t have any idea how he is doing. I wish there was a way to correspond to past participants
*with past participants.
There is a way. It’s called continual correspondence. You would need to contact Compassion within a certain time frame of the departure and they can forward your contact information to the center. However, if the child has moved away, they might not have left their contact information with the center, so they might not know how to get this contact information to the child. Also, even though the children are poor, most teenagers do have Facebook, since it is free, and it’s very cheap to use an internet cafe and once the child departs you are allowed continual contact. You just have to be very careful. And if you don’t know the language, you can’t really communicate with each other. But like I said, just be careful and I would never sent large amounts of money to the developping world, if they asked me to. You don’t have any way to check if the money was used for what it is meant to be used for….. And it would be good to have a good understanding of the culture first. To illustrate, I spoke in a Bolivian church a few months ago, at the end the pastor came up and said: “It is great to have a big fat guy talk to us!!!” Now, that was a compliment, but you can see how it could have been very offensive, if I didn’t know that….. But that’s just an illustration, you have to really realize that cultures can be so different.
I just got a new correspondent child yesterday from Guatemala! I have another correspondent child in Burkina Faso and sponsor two in India, one in Honduras, one in Nicaragua, and one in Thailand. Three girls and four boys… I think my Compassion family is complete now.
HEY….PRAISE THE LORD JESUS, FOR ME I WOULD LIKE TO APPRECIATE WHAT COMPASSION IS DOING FOR THE KIDS!! AM PRAYING FOR THIS WONDERFUL ORGANISATION! AM WONDERING IF COMPASSION CAN JOIN WITH ME IN MY MINISTRY TO HELP ME SUPPORT THE ORPHANS THAT I KNOW IN MY MINISTRY. SOME OF THE KIDS HAVE LOST THEIR PARENTS OF AIDS. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YA
What is your ministy?
Hi Fellow sponsors. I sponsor 4 boys. One from Ethiopia, one from Philippines, one from Peru and my latest one, Rwanda. I have visited two out of four. This coming year I will visit Niyonsaba from Rwanda and the following year I will visit Aldair from Peru. It is such a joy and blessing to see my little boys.
I sponsor a six year old girl in Burkina Faso, and I am brand new at the whole sponsor thing. Anything important I should know?
Write to your child on a regular basis and pray for your child on a regular basis. These 2 things really let your child know that she is important to you and loved by you.
Write your little girl and pray for her. Those are the most important. (I have elaborated more on this in my other comment.) Your letters are your girl’s hope.
How do you know if your child has a correspondence with someone else? How do you know when your letters are received? Do you get an email?- I am asking a lot of questions, I know, but I’m 13 and this is really what I’m feeling pulled towards. So I’m trying to find out as much as I can.
Hi Mary, I hope that you can find all of the information you need to make your decision. My family has been involved with Compassion since before I was born, and I have been a sponsor since I was 16, so I don’t have to tell you that I think it is a great thing to be a sponsor with Compassion.
If you decide to sponsor a child your child will never correspond with someone else. Sponsorship is one to one, so the child will be supported only by you and written to only by you. That child will know your name and will pray for you regularly. My kids refer to me as their big sister, and some call me their second Mom. If you decide to go forward, you will develop a close relationship with the child you sponsor.
The one exception is if you decide that you do not want to write and YOU request that another person be allowed to write to your child.
I am 13 as well. I just started my Compassion journey in May.
Your child does not correspond with anyone other than you, unless you call Compassion and ask them to assign a correspondent to your child. If you do this, you give up your right to write your child.
You do not know when your letters get received, but your child does get your letter. If your child is in a reciprocal writing country (Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, Rwanda, Thailand, and Tanzania [Courtesy of Compassion International: http://blog.compassion.com/letter-writing-reciprocal/#ixzz1gX2DCIlK), you should get a letter in responce to each one you send. However, this sometimes does not happen. I sponsor a little girl in Indonesia, since June/July, I write her twice every month. So far I have only gotten two letters. It usually takes 2-3 months for your letters to get to your child, and theirs to get to you. Also, the kids only get mail once a month. I know that new changes will be taking place in July 2012 (http://blog.compassion.com/changes-to-our-letter-writing-process/) concerning the letter writing process. You may want to read the post in parentheses.
I also suggest that you join or at least read Compassion’s support network http://support.compassion.com/compassion I have found this very helpful. I have also heard that OurCompassion is a great social network made by Compassion specially for sponsors and donors. You can connect with other sponsors and such. I would like to join this soon, but my parents are not into social networking. We’ll see, but if you do join, please let me know by commenting again. If I do get on, I would love to friend you
So, if you have any more questions, I would love to see if I could help you find answers for them!
Lizzie
Hi, Mary,
Well, I think you are talking about the correspondents. The sponsors specifically ask for another person to do the correspondence. In other words if a sponsor doesn’t request that, they don’t really get correspondence from another sponsor through Compassion.
You don’t really know what point the letter was received by the child, but I’ve worked with the letters in the country of Bolivia and it would be a HUGE exception if the letter got lost. They are treated with a lot of care. You can pretty much think that a letter takes about 2 to 3 months to get there and 2-3 months to get back. The reason that takes so long is because it is processed through 2 main offices and a translator. The child writes the letter in their center. From there those letters go to a central location in the country called a “country office.” In those country offices, they are sent away for a few weeks with a translator, who translates hundreds of letters. Then they come back and are logged, sorted and bundled and sent to the Compassion office in Colorado Springs, where they are also logged. They are processed there and then send on to the sponsor.
Many of the children will spend a lot of time on those letters. I remember children sitting with me and writing their letters and making drawings. They first write them in a book and then the letters are checked by someone in the center and then they write them on the Compassion stationary. This all can take about 4 hours per letter for a lot of children. But they really love their sponsors and the center really loves the sponsors too, so they gladly put this time into the letters.
If you’re looking to sponsor a child, I’m actually looking for a sponsor for a little girl named Jhoselyn in Bolivia. Her mother and her were in an accident a while back. The mother really hurt her foot, but the Compassion center (really church) helped them a lot and now she is able to walk again. They are very poor. I know the area where they live. It’s very dry and right now with the rain there are a lot of scorpions there. You can pray for her that she doesn’t get bitten by one. She is about 3 years old and veryyyyyyyyy cute. Just let me know if you would like to help this little girl.
Mary, it is my understanding that the child you sponsor will not be corresponding with anyone else unless you have given your permission.
What is a correspondence sponsor anyway? Are they just people who send letters but are not spnsoring them?
Mary, someone who corresponds can also be a sponsor. But, when corresponding is talked about, it generally means someone who writes letters to kids that have sponsors who can’t write themselves. Although a correspondent doesn’t pay any money, the kids they write to generally consider them to be their “sponsors”, because they are the people that are getting to know the child. I am a sponsor, but have corresponded with kids at the same time as I sponsor other kids.
Yes, a correspondent sponsor just writes to and recieves letters from a child. They do not financially sponsor them. Someone or some company sponsors them. But, they do not want to or maybe cannot write them. So they tell Compassion, and then Compassion assigns the child a correspondent.
I think it should be noted that, although Correspondence Sponsors do not sponsor the child financially, they can still send birthday presents, etc. Financial sponsors usually do not do that.