BellaOnline Forums Family Adoption Have any of you sponsored a child?

This isn't really about "adoption" but recently my husband and I decided to sponsor 2 children from 2 different countries.

My husband chose an 8 year old girl from El Salvador, and I chose a 9 year old boy from Uganda. It's something we've both always wanted to do.

I'm wondering if any of you have sponsored a child before? I've also been considering doing the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. I have a friend who does that and he loves it! Are any of you involved with anything like this?

I did it for about 10 years--until the children reached their late teens. I found it very rewarding. I have not done anything hands-on like BB/BS, but I did join a literacy volunteer assoc and taught young adults to read. One young woman is now a teacher.

It is really a good feeling to help young people, even if you can't or don't wish to adopt.

My husband recently received his first letter from his sponsored child. He was so happy when he got it in the mail. She talked about what her village is like, what she eats, how far away her church is etc. She even drew him a picture It was very sweet. I can't wait to get a letter from the boy I sponsored. I'll be writing to him soon

That is great. Both of you must be very happy.

My husband and I started sponsoring a 4 year old boy almost a year ago. Its been neat to send him more on his birthday and Christmas (you send money specifically for that and they buy him things) - they bought him a nice blanket and a bag of rice for his family. Its a bummer that the letters are so far apart but its been wonderful to know that just a few dollars a month can make a difference. I just heard two months ago on the radio that you can become a "partner in hope" by sending $20 a month into Saint Jude to go towards bills for children who are cancer patients. They send you pictures each month of children, we have found that rewarding too!! :-)

Crystal
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I got a letter from the boy Im sponsoring!!! YAY!

Although, he can't write yet, so he had someone write it for him, but he drew a couple pictures. Not entirely sure what they are though lol.... one looks like a spaceship, and the other a star and people... maybe?! lol

Hubby got another letter from his sponsored child I sent one back to mine last month, so hopefully I'll get something back sometime soon!

You are doing a great work. I am sure you will be returned with happiness a million fold

Thanks

It feels good to help people! In the future I hope to help more children in their situation.