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The greatest gift of sponsorship

MSC archived stories - September 7, 2019

My philosophy to helping the children of the world can best be described by..

We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed.

To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today".

Chilean poet, Gabriela Mistral, the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945.

 

It's been 3 months since Estephanie left CI at age 11, but she is still very much part of my family. Each of the children has their own photo frame in my display cabinet at home – unique reflection of their character/culture in my eyes, and Estephanie's with silver sparkly glass crystals frame shall not fade to shine among the others' next to it.

 

I fondly recall her gifted talents not only being a bright student but also a passionate guitarist and a flutist, taste of fashion when came for her gift follow-up photo shootings, and telling me how she worked through her dress designs using a toy sewing machine she once received.

 

With my contact in Guatemala and some persuasion at CI side, I was able to find that the family has moved to live with relatives outside of the sponsorship areas, which is a great relief for me to know at last. I contemplate the financial hardship might have led to this situation.

 

Moreover, I used to keep in touch with Estephanie by writing and sending her gifts – a lot of them, but today it's our ever lasting power of spiritual connection that keeps us together. Her mum used to tell me how Estephanie prayed for me everyday when she gets up in the morning and before going to bed – the greatest, yet so serene gift of sponsorship from "dhuwa". And now the legacy continues in my life, as I carry on my own prayers for her wellbeing and prosperity in memory.

Comments

  1. chelaka23 March 2025 at 14:15

    I'm so glad you were able to find out why she left CI, and that her family is now living with relatives. Your prayers, and hers, will continue to provide spiritual connection. She'll never forget you.

    September 7, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  2. chelaka23 March 2025 at 14:15

    This is a beautiful tribute to your lasting bond with Estephanie. .Embedded in that bond is your passionate commitment to each child you ever choose to sponsor.

    September 7, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  3. chelaka23 March 2025 at 14:15

    NancyF – Thank you for your caring thought. Yes, I was so worried without knowing what has happened to Estephanie. One of my earlier gifts to her led to getting to know (by chance!) an academic/professor in Guatemala. She was like her guardian angel and praising me of what I do for their people. When I told her about the news, she immediately got in touch with SAC and passed on the message for me to get the full details via CIKC. You echoed the sentiment expressed by one of CI leadership staff members who knew Estephanie very well personally wrote: "I have no doubt that the friendship, support, care and love you showed to Estephanie will not be forgotten." I’m glad she is safe.

    September 7, 2019

    ReplyDelete
  4. chelaka23 March 2025 at 14:16

    NancyA – My commitment to children really inspired by Gabriela's profound words, and yours as always colorful as hers – thank you!

    September 7, 2019

    ReplyDelete

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