Wow…. An amazing day…. I left it off that I was going to see my sponsored child….. And I did.
It was an amazing experience! We picked up someone from compassion international first and headed to a church/school where Adrianna was. And there she was…. She was sooooo precious standing about 3 ½ feet tall in her black pants and red top. She was so adorable. Soooo much more in person. I met her mother and her aunt (who was about 12 yrs old). The smile on her face lit up the room. It was kind of awkward at first. She gave me a beautiful picture of her at her 2nd grade graduation that she made. I gave her a lot of presents. A little purse thingy and in it was hair clips, tooth brushes for the whole family, a coloring book, crayons, and some silly bands. She loved it! The first words out of her mouth were “thank you for taking care of me”! When my friend and translator luis told me what she said I about lost it. I am actually crying while I write this. I am taking care of someone. It’s amazing to think that $38 a month saves someone’s life. I provide all medical care, cost to go to school, school supplies, food, clothing, and anything else the family needs. That’s amazing how far the US dollar will stretch down her.
So I fought back the tears and told her no problem that she was worth it and very special. We took a few pictures together. They had about 9 adults with camera taking pictures; the pastor, her teacher, compassion person, my friend, and a lot more. It was kind of overwhelming! She then gave me a tour of the church/her Christian school. We went to the office and I was able to look at her file. It showed her grades. She has always had straight A’s. Never a B….. wow…. I hope I don’t rub off on her too much! She told me she really loved studying and loves school. I told her about my schools and university and what I do now.
We decided to go get some ice cream. So mom and aunt came along and hung out too. I bought them Ice Cream and we talked a lot more. She told me she was sooo nervous all week waiting to meet me. I told her I was nervous too. She said she was shaking this morning because she was nervous. We both agreed we don’t need to be nervous anymore. Then I remembered something….. Her birthday is Sept 11th 2001. Her mom talked about her being born and the tv was on and they watched the tower fall while she was being born at 8:45 am. So I knew her birthday is in 10 days!
I told them I wanted to get her a birthday present. I asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she told me a new pair of shoes. I couldn’t believe it. Kids in the US want an xbox or iphone. She wanted a pair of shoes!!!
There was a payless shoe store close by and we walked there and look at shoes. She wanted these pink and brown tennis shoes but she tried on these pretty sandals too. I told her to get both! I spent too much money, but it was soooo worth it. She was smiling from ear to ear!
We went back to the church and all of the kids in the classes wanted to meet me. It was cute. I finally had to leave to get back to the birthday party. I asked the mother is there was anything she needed so I could keep in mind for Christmas or something. The mom said they don’t have beds and sleep on the floor. She wanted a bed. I guess they are pretty cheap here. I’ll look into it.
I finally said our goodbyes and she gave me a big hug. I was taken aback by that. It melt my heart. I am so happy I was able to meet here. I have dropped the ball before when I sponsored a child in College. I won’t drop it with Adrianna. I know her. I’ve touched her and hugged her. It’s a completely different experience meeting her. It was amazing!!!
So we came back and got ready for the birthday party. It was a blast. I talked to Mr. Buzbee a while about a lot of stuff. We are going to this one house tomorrow to pray for about an hour. A lot of people I know would think that sounds crazy…… but I can’t wait.
Then I am off to La Chureca. That’s the dump…. I am looking forward to seeing it again, but also dreading the sight of families knee deep in water.
I am not the same person I was when I got here. I wasn’t the same person after my trip in May. This trip has changed me even more. God is amazing. I’m excited to continue my journey following him!!!