Around two years ago we sat down at the computer and decided we wanted to sponsor a child with Compassion. Let me tell you if I could I would sponsor each and everyone of them! It is insanly hard to sit there and choose just one. But in the end we went with a precious little girl named Aline. She lives in Rwanda and at the time when we chose her we picked a place that we thought was one of the most remote and challenged places. We also chose her because of her birthday being 10 days before Madisons and thought that it would be fun for Madison to eventually write letters to her. Never thinking we would ever go on a Compassion sponsor trip anyway and definitely wouldn't ever go to Rwanda. But little did we know...
When Johan was in the process of talking with the CEO of Compassion Scandinavia they were discussing taking Johan and I on an exposure trip to see the field and see Compassion in motion. They like for the spouse to go at least once but I can tell you this....that will definitely not be my last trip!!! As they were trying to figure out when would be the best time for us to go as far as baby sitters for the kids etc. The CEO mentioned they had a trip end of April they were already going on and if that would work for us that would be great for them and that they would be going to Rwanda. Johan said his jaw just dropped! He couldn't believe that out of all places they were going to Rwanda! It worked great for us to go (thanks to the grandparents and friends for watching the kiddos) and needless to say was one of the most amazing experiences of my life! They had a special day set aside for all the sponsors and their child to meet and get to play. What a great day that was for me! Meeting sweet little Aline for the first time was a moment I won't forget. She was definitely shy at first but ended up opening up alittle towards the end. It was fun to see her enjoying herself and seeing and experiencing things for the first time. I am looking forward to meeting her again one day!
It still just amazes me the things God will orchestrate! I mean really what are the chances?! I speak not just for myself but for Johan as well that the week we spent in Rwanda was such a blessing to us! I loved being able to meet Aline! I enjoyed seeing Compassion in motion and the lives they touch! Because truely Compassion not only touches the lives of the children being sponsored but their families, and their communities. I loved meeting the mothers and their babies, all the children and all the teens that have gone through the compassion program! They were all just so welcoming and loving! And their life stories are amazing to listen to!
All and all it was such an amazing week in SO many ways!!! I am looking forward to getting to go with Compassion again someday!!! And am so thankful for the time spent in Rwanda with Compassion!
