Ann

Uganda. What do you know about this small country? Personally, I didn’t know much about it – at all. That is, until this week. The past week I’ve read more and more about this country, its culture and every little thing in between. Why? Because last week I decided to check one of my big items off my 101 in 1001 list and something that was very important to me. I officially sponsored a child.

I could not be more excited and happy about this. I debated on writing this post because I was, and still am, afraid that people will think I’m doing this post (and talking non-stop) about this because I want people to praise me for doing something good. – That is not true AT ALL – I’m genuinely excited and so happy to do this. Also, I hope that by me sharing my experience as a sponsor over the years I can aspire others to do so as well.

Now, that I got that out of the way! I’m so excited about this I’m not even sure where to start! Hm, the beginning? So, ever since I was little I wanted to adopt a child from another country. I always remember hearing how poor their living conditions were over seas and I wanted to help. Right now, I am no where near where I’d have to be in my life to do such a thing. But, I found other ways to help others to my best ability. TOMS was one of the first things I heard about and I thought it was a great idea. And, later, I found FEED. Both great organizations in which I felt I made a little difference but that wasn’t enough.

A few months ago, when I started to write my 101 in 1001, I ran into Melissa Jill‘s post about her sponsor child. I thought it sounded like a great idea and a wonderful alternative. I put it on my 101 in 1001 but didn’t act on it. Then, I ran into Andrew & Carissa through Naomi‘s site. I started to read about their experiences with Rinah and I fell in love. Seriously, their site is wonderful and their story about Rinah is amazing. I was completely inspired by their story. So, I did my research… found a lot of organizations that were OK but then I found Child Fund and I knew they were the one!

After finding them, I put it off again. I kept thinking “How can you just pick ONE child to sponsor!?” It was overwhelming for me. Finally, I decided that by the end of May I would pick a child no matter what. Picking one child was better than putting it off and never deciding. (I realize you can pick more than one child but financially having one sponsor child right now is best for me. Also, I think it’ll help me get to know her better rather than taking on too much at once.) So, I got online. Read a few entries, read a few more… then I saw her. Her name is Ann and she’s from Uganda. There was just something about this little girl that I just knew right away that she was who I wanted to sponsor.

So, there you have it. My big news! I am super excited about all of this! I’ve already gotten several letters from Child Fund about their program and Ann, which included two photos. Seriously, she’s such a beautiful little girl! I’m already beyond excited to start writing her. I have so many little things planned to send. Unfortunately, due to many different reasons you can only send items that’ll fit into flat envelopes so I’ve definitely been trying to get creative on what I’ll be able to send with my letters. I’ve thought of some fun, simple things though that she’ll hopefully enjoy! I won’t lie… I have already made a trip to Michaels and picked up a bunch of paper supplies and fun stickers! I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration off my Paper Love board on Pinterest! Oh, Pinterest…

I hope that we’ll be able to write often and share a bond of friendship over the years. I truly wish the best for her, her family and their community and hope that my contribution will really make a difference in their lives. Child Fund seems like such an amazing organization and I have full confidence on their program which I think is such an important part about sponsoring any child!

I’ve noticed over the week that I tend to concentrate on the negative sometimes and doing this has really made me realize how good I do have things even when I feel like I don’t. I appreciate what I have a lot more after reading about Ann, her community and Uganda.

I’d love to hear from anyone else that has ever sponsored a child, either from Child Fund or another organization!