hope. strength. resolve.
Teresa is 13.
We visited her today at her tiny, windowless home in the village of Adami Tulu, where she lives with her mom and younger sister.
Her eyes are bright and animated, and she has a beautifully shy smile, always glancing her eyes downward and bringing her fingers to her face.
Her clothes are tattered; the red scarf wrapped around her hair is worn and weathered. Her home is simple… dreary even. But Teresa and her mom exude such hope. Strength. Resolve.
It’s evident in their eyes and in their words.
Teresa’s mom shared about the challenges she faces—like paying rent for their home—but also about the support she receives from Food for the Hungry. She talked about Abraham, their FH social worker, and what a gift he has been to her. She described him as being like a father figure in her life. She finally feels as though she has someone who cares about her and looks out for her, and that is a priceless gift. Hope. Strength. Resolve.
Teresa has been in the Food for the Hungry sponsorship program for 5 years.
When we asked her about her sponsor, she ran into her house and came back out with pictures, cards, and notes she’s received over the years. She proudly showed us her sponsor family and told us how grateful she is for the education she receives because of them. She said when she finishes her schooling she’d like to become a doctor and build her mom a new house. Hope. Strength. Resolve.
When we asked Teresa what she might want to say to people in America, she didn’t hesitate.
“There are so many children in my village who have never even seen the inside of a classroom. I want them to have the same help and support I’ve received, the same opportunity to get an education.”
Hope. Strength. Resolve. I love seeing the ways sponsorship infuses those life-changing gifts into children and their entire families. Makes me want to be more intentional in my relationships, because I want my life to always build hope, strength, and resolve in others. I’ve seen what a difference it can make.
If you feel like Teresa was talking right to you,
take a look at some of the kids you can sponsor in her community.
{Photos by the amazing David Molnar}
Wow, Alece… What a gift you are to so many!
Beautiful!
@drebeebaby says:
hellooooo friend. :) i keep trying to sign up to sponsor a child and it won’t let me! :((((( do you know if there are any glitches right now through the site?
@AleceRonzino says:
Oh no! I will find out for you. Can you tell me how far it lets you get in the process and then more specifically what’s happening (like what the error is)?
Thanks, Dre!
@drebeebaby says:
Hey friend! After like quite a few tries it finallyyyyy worked! :)))) I cannot wait! I’m actually going to pick a few more kiddos! Thanks for sharing this girls story! Hope you’re doing super well!
@AleceRonzino says:
thank you so much for sponsoring some kidlings, dre!!!! that makes my heart swell!
@drebeebaby says:
mine tooooo!!! I seriously told my whole family and I cannot wait to get their picture and info in the mail!!!! I’ve been so excited to see them! :)))) I’ve never thought to do something like this, and your story that you wrote just completely won me over! I’m in love. :)))
Hi Alece,
I’ve been here so many times. I didn’t make comments because of awe.
I am your mom’s close friend, so close she has sent me a box of mementos already, all over here in our Orient Philippines.
You are an inspiration, not only with the gift of words God has bestowed upon you, but more of the heart of compassion you have.
I am also working with sponsored kids here. We are funded by Compassion International. You are such a blessing to the children of Africa. I hope more will be recipients of this mighty cause. All for His glory and the benefit of the indigent.
Advance the Kingdom of God, Alece, more in the coming days!
@AleceRonzino says:
so great to hear from you, lolita. love knowing you work with compassion in the Philippines. i LOVE compassion; my compassion child is in haiti and i hope to get down there to meet him someday too!
thank you for your encouragement! blessings to you!
I pray that you will meet your Compassion Child someday soon.
I have been reading posts about Compassion Haiti over at A Holy Experience,
http://redemptionsbeauty.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/because-words-satisfy-the-soul/.
We are so thankful for our Sponsors and for the work He has given us. It is a great blessing for me to see compassion working in the lives of children.
God be with you always.