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Guiding light out of darkness

MSC archived stories - January 21, 2023

After 12 year cycle through the Chinese Zodiac, today we enter the Year of the Rabbit! The longest remaining child in my current batch, Saira is due to graduate this summer, so recently Neyli stepped in for my continuation in Honduras. And it's her year too.. I can expect relaxation, quietness and contemplation of the rabbit's characteristics in Neyli.

 

I was particularly drawn to her family situation of two living together with her mom. Neyli enrolled in the CI program only 2 years ago, yet meeting me out of the blue as her second sponsor.

My dear Neyli,

I hope this welcome letter finds you happy and healthy.

When I first saw you on the waiting list for a sponsor, I instantly felt that you needed continual care and attention like a blossoming flower! Today I was thrilled to learn from Children International that you have joined my sponsor family. Welcome dhuwa ! (daughter as in my mother tongue)

First, so that you know me, my name is Chelaka. I was born in Sri Lanka, an island in the Indian Ocean but now live in Scotland, a part of Great Britain. I moved to UK when I was age 22 to pursue my engineering studies. And I have been a child sponsor for 17 years now and started sponsoring in Honduras for last 7 years.

Is your favourite subject at school Mathematics? What grade are you studying this year, and what would you like to be when you grow up? Am I right in thinking that you live with your mum only? What does she do for living?

I heard that Zinni–Neal Community Center has reopened after the pandemic. How often do you get to visit the Center to receive benefits and participate in activities? I would really love to know your interests in life.

I look forward to knowing you better and wish you a very Happy New Year.

Take care,

Love, Chelaka


I have great hope for children of Honduras. Sponsorship is the guiding light out of darkness and struggles for them.

I was just reading below about the HOPE statistics, and came across a photo of a girl, who looks very similar but not sure if that's Genesis Alejandra Mendez Perez from Honduras, one of my two HOPE recipients in 2019. (photos added to media – see what you think)  

www.children.org/see-the-impact/charity-programs/what-we-measure

 

Happy Lunar New Year!

Comments

  1. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:46

    She is lovely— and truly blessed to have you as her sponsor!

    January 22, 2023

    ReplyDelete
  2. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:46

    Neyli is lucky to have you as her sponsor - as you said to help her blossom like a flower! I am sure your sponsorship and care will give her hope and guide her toward a better future! P.S. I think that the photo of the girl in your referenced article does look a lot like your Genesis Alejandra!

    January 22, 2023

    ReplyDelete
  3. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:46

    Thank you! Debbie also thinks "they do have similar features." Genesis's sponsor must be very proud of her.

    January 22, 2023

    ReplyDelete
  4. chelaka29 March 2025 at 12:47

    Thank you for sharing. She will be so happy to read your letter and have you as her second and most certainly last sponsor. She looks like a friendly and lovely girl and your support will give her a better future.

    January 22, 2023

    ReplyDelete

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