Compassion International

While Matt and I were at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia we both felt called to sponsor a child from a reputable sponsorship program called Compassion International.  We knew we didn't have the extra money from our budget from the paper point of view, but knew that if God is calling us then He will provide the money.  And sure enough, each month we haven't felt a difference! 

So we adopted a 9 year old boy from Ecuador named Ariel Giovanny Lopez Tapuy.  His info card says the following:  Ariel lives with his father and his mother.  His duties at home include caring for children, running errands and cleaning.  There are 3 children in the family.  His father is sometimes employed and his mother is sometimes employed.  Playing with cars, swimming and playing ball games are Ariel's favorite activities. In primary school his performance is average and he also regularly attends church activities.  Because of your sponsorship, Ariel will have new opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Thank you for your concerns and prayers. 

We sent him our first letter asking him lots of questions and telling him a little bit about the girls and they each drew him a picture.  I should have sent him another one by now but have gotten behind between Christmas and moving during the holidays.  I was just thinking the other day I needed to send him another letter when a letter he wrote us arrived in the mail today!  We were super excited to open it and read what he had to say!  The girls were fascinated that he wrote his letter in Spanish (it was translated for us!) I loved how he opened the letter the same way many of the epistles are written in the New Testament!  And he answered many of the questions I asked him!!

Dear Heather Elliott.  I greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Thank you for your support.  I am 9 years old.  I study in the Enrique Fabragat School.  I have 2 siblings.  My mother's name is Narcisa Grefa.  My stepfather is named Hector Morales.  My favorite food is chicken soup.  I like playing soccer.  I live in the Lucian neighborhood.  My dogs name is Princesa.  My favorite school subject is mathematics.  When I am adult, I want to become a cop.  My teacher's nam eis Miriam Elena Rubio.  I have many friends but my best friend is named Jose Arias.  Does it snow there in your country? Please pray for my family.  I pray for you.  Take good care of yourself. Bye. Your friend, Arield Giovanny Lopez Tapuy.

On the back of the letter was a picture he drew for us that looks like a cottage and mountains and the sun rising.

From now on, I think I'll keep a copy of the letters we send him to go with what he sends back and of course keep it in some sort of scrapbook!  We are super excited to be able to sponsor him and who knows, maybe one day we will be able to meet him!