Our Girl

This is our adopted, sponsored daughter, Jacqueline. She lives in Rwanda. We met her through Compassion International ( www.compassion.com ).It is really cool to see what this organization can do with the money sent. The cost is $32/month and since she is from an AIDS infected community we give an additional $8/month towards AIDS medicines/needs worldwide. She is pictured with her family. Her mother is + for HIV. She has 8 brothers and sisters. Her parents work harvesting sweet potatoes and coffee, when there is work. In her letter she wanted to know what we grow and harvest. (I bow my head in shame... as it's been a bad year). We have known her 1 1/2 years and met her through someone manning a table at our church. We've really enjoyed getting to know her. I love her initial photo vs the photos we received yesterday. When we first saw her picture (in the green and white dress) we both thought she looked sad and like she was 80 years old. Now she is starting her teen years and looks happier (in the white dress). We give small gifts ($25 each) at Christmas and her birthday, any more makes her vulnerable in her community. You wonder what a big organization does with your money - these pictures show us. Since we've met her we have had the enjoyment of buying her a chicken, a goat, and new sandals. She is wearing her new sandals in this photo w/ her pets. The animals help sustain food for the family and the enjoyment of pet ownership. The sandals prevent infestation of parasites and infection. The reason I am talking numbers is because it amazes me what can be done with so little money!
If you go to www.charitynavigator.org you can compare charitable organizations, and to see if an organization meets your goals/standards. Other members in our family, the Barnes, sponsor a young girl in Central America and have enjoyed their relationship with her. This isn't about us, by any means. We were just thrilled with this opportunity and what they can do. Consider it a big old "Atta Boy!" for Compassion. It's exciting what God can do. AND YES WE KNOW FOR A FACT THE CHILD RECEIVES THE FUNDS!!!
For years I watched celebrities whine about starving children and honestly, I don't respond well to those types of commercials. This was an opportunity we didn't realize we would enjoy so much and want to share the experience with our family and friends.