Top 10 Instagram Posts of 2016

I’m really proud of our Instagram feed. When I scroll through the images and videos that we’ve shared, here’s the thing I immediately notice:

Faces.

Instagram is full of faces. Faces of kids. Of families. Of sponsors. Of people. These faces reflect pain and joy and hope. And I think that’s why I notice them – because life is filled with pain and joy and hope. When I look through Instagram, I see a reflection of life.

Here are Compassion International’s top Instagram posts of 2016.

10. April 14: Feelin’ Good

 

This little guy is feelin’ good! He is part of our Child Sponsorship Program in #Rwanda. At this center, nearly 300 children receive help with school fees, health insurance and skills training. He will grow up equipped to take care of himself, his family and his community. Even more important, he will grow up learning the truth of Christ and the freedom and joy He brings.

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Apr 14, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

9. February 19: Weekend Buddies

 

Who else is excited to spend time with friends this weekend? Tag the buddies you’ll be seeing this weekend in the comments to let them know you’re excited to hang! These two best buds are part of our program in #Haiti. We can’t help but smile seeing the joy on their sweet faces! ?: @compassionau

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Feb 19, 2016 at 2:27pm PST

8. November 4: Cute Baby Alert!

 

Cute #baby alert! We are officially refreshed and ready for the #weekend. Have a great one! ???? #bigeyes #eyes #cute #instagood #instamood #photooftheday #boy #ghana #africa #stripes #friday #fridayfeeling

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Nov 4, 2016 at 4:26pm PDT

7. April 21: Babies on Babies on Babies

 

#Babies on babies on babies! Elia, Elisha, Esta, and Ebeneza are #quadruplets in #Tanzania. It can be extremely difficult for parents to give attention and care to four babies at once, especially parents in #poverty who may already lack helpful resources. However, God has blessed these four bundles of joy – their mom enrolled in our Child Survival Program before they were born. As part of the program, the church came alongside this family to provide help and support. They are growing up healthy and so very loved!

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Apr 21, 2016 at 3:17pm PDT

6. December 19: We Choose Joy

 

Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life. – Wess Stafford | This is how we feel when we reflect on #2016. Looking back and forward, we know that there will always be hardships and tragedy but we get to make a choice about how to embrace them. We will choose #joy. How did you feel about 2016? Did you find joys amongst the world events? ? ? ? For some noteworthy happenings and stories from this year, read our blog post. Link is in the bio. #quote #inspiration #mentality #reflection #boy #global #perspective #happiness #yearinreview #photooftheday

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:49pm PST

5. October 24: Monday Blues

 

Look at those eyes! ? Took the Monday blues right out of us. As part of our #ChildSurvivalProgram, this baby girl and her momma are learning about basket weaving and beading in #Uganda. This is just one of the many educational programs available to new mothers so that this little darling can be provided for and have a better quality of life! ? ? ? #girl #cute #baby #pink #beautiful #happy #africa #instamood #photooftheday

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Oct 24, 2016 at 3:20pm PDT

4. March 22: Water of Life

 

About 1.8 million people die every year from easily preventable water-related diarrheal diseases; 90 percent of these are children under 5, and most live in developing countries. Countries like #Rwanda, where happy little Josaline lives. But with a Compassion Water of Life filtration system, Josaline and her family won’t have to ask the question, “Will this water make me sick?” The in-home #water filtration system can provide 1 million gallons of #safewater. That’s enough for a LIFETIME for a whole family! Check out the link in the bio to give #cleanwater today! ?? #WorldWaterDay #WWD2016 #diarrhea #disease #waterfiltration

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Mar 22, 2016 at 3:01pm PDT

3. November 9: Power of Prayer

 

Joining together in #prayer and in #worship is so important. These #children in #Tanzania are praising the Lord together for all the goodness and #hope he provides. Can we #pray for you today? ??❤️ #faith #godisgood #instaphoto #photooftheday #picoftheday #boys #unity #kids #goodthoughts #positivity #havefaith

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Nov 9, 2016 at 4:04pm PST

2. November 16: Got Goat?

 

Got #goat? Thanks to your contributions and love, this #child does. A gift of goats means a family can have milk, which they can both consume and sell to earn money for other necessities. This means families become more self-sufficient, which leads to healthier children. What a blessing! ???? This #Christmas, give the #gift of a goat or something else for a child in need. Link to our gift catalog is in the bio. #giveback #givelove #animal #africa #boy #kid #smile #hope #instagood #instaphoto #picoftheday #love #endpoverty #holidays #cute #adorable

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Nov 16, 2016 at 4:20pm PST

1. October 6: Blue Eyed Boy

 

We’re mesmerized by little Shakul’s beautiful blue eyes. ❤️?❤️Unfortunately, kids like Shakul who look a little different can be vulnerable to harm in countries where superstitions and prejudices run rampant. But God made each of us differently. We’re all unique. And we celebrate that uniqueness in every child we serve around the world. ??#burkinafaso #africa #african #africanbeauty #africanboy #boy #overalls #portrait #unique #imagodei

A photo posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Oct 6, 2016 at 9:23am PDT

And as a bonus, here’s our most popular Instagram video of the year.

 

#Friday! These two buds #Togo show off some dance moves to their class. Tag your bestie in the comments who you love to ???? with!

A video posted by Compassion International (@compassion) on Feb 26, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Follow us on Instagram to join in the reflections in 2017!