Before the day, I wondered how it would go. I had only been sponsoring Larissa (4), Alynne (17) and Monalisa (18) for four months. I had only written them one letter, and hadn’t yet received any from them.
I'd had a magnificent day on Friday visiting BR-110 and two of the houses, so before I left I asked God a rhetorical question: Could this trip get any better?
This question was answered as soon as I walked into the Project. Being a Saturday, it was filled with the hustle and bustle of teenagers with welcoming smiles and curious looks. We walked into the main area to see a band of young people set up and ready to play. This wasn’t just your normal guitar/bass/drum band, but they had flutes, clarinets, trumpets, saxophones and even a tuba!! I found out later that all these instruments are taught by two people at the project! I was impressed.
Those of you who know me even just a little bit, are aware that music is a major part of who I am. I teach it at school and I play drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and I sing. God has “ingrained” music into my soul, and there’s nothing I’d rather be doing than playing drums or bass guitar.
This is part of the reason why I chose to use the word “heavenly” to describe my day yesterday. It was like I’d walked into a little piece of heaven among the poverty and danger that existed outside the walls of the Project.
Before the band played, I was introduced to my three girls. I had a feeling I knew what would happen with Larissa (4), because my oldest nephew Archie is also 4, and he’s very selective about who he responds to (although he always loves seeing his favourite Uncle David!) Larissa wouldn’t have a bar of me to begin with. She gradually warmed up to me - just before she went home! I didn’t take it personally. I also met Alynne and Monalisa. Monalisa was in a wheelchair after breaking her leg three weeks ago. This has presented some challenges for her, which I’ll detail later.
The band played a couple of numbers for us, including one in particular that had a nice little funky Brazilian beat to it (pity I can’t dance, but more about that soon), then I was introduced and asked to pray for the group. It looked as though they were about to be sent off to their classes so I quickly mentioned to Isabela that I’d like the chance to get on the drums at some stage during the day (hint hint), so she talked to the director and they invited me to play a song with them. It was truly a highlight of my life – a talented band, and at least 50 Brazilian teenagers going nuts and dancing away. I just loved the whole atmosphere, and I never miss a chance to “show off” my drumming.
After I got off the drums, they played a couple of other songs and set up a dance floor (NOOOOOO!!!). I wished I could have made myself invisible at this point, but I couldn’t. In no time a couple of girls had come over and wanted to dance. I reluctantly accepted and quickly proved my incompetence in this area, and skulked away laughing, apologetic and embarrassed. They were very forgiving.
After this three of the boys practised their English and thanked me for coming to visit. My earlier concerns about the impact of my visit were unfounded. Through the whole day I was humbled by their gratitude and thankfulness.
A few of the girls asked me to pose for photos (Dang, if I was 15 years younger…), and they went off to their classes. At this point I sat down with the three girls and Isabela and we had conversation to get to know each other better. I explained why I had only sent them one letter to that point (because I only sponsored them a couple of months ago and knew I was coming to visit, so by the time I sent another letter it would arrive after the visit), but I made up for it by printing out every letter from this year that I had sent my other kids, as well as about 20 pages of photos – someone’s going to have a lot of translating to do!
Each of the girls had made me a birthday card with a sweet message on it (which I’m also going to have to get translated). After this, Monalisa stayed put in her wheelchair, while Alynne took me round on a tour of the Project. It is an urban Project that serves 680 kids, as well as another 200-ish who are part of a government youth program. Many Compassion Projects and churches open up their facilities to outside community groups, which is the best way to gain the trust and confidence of parents and others, rather than just remaining a closed shop.
At the moment they are forced to be economical with the way they use their space – most classrooms are used for two or three different activities during the week. However, they do currently have a two storey building extension happening, which they estimate will be finished by next June. That way they will be able to have all activities on the one property. They have music and dancing programs, as well as a full computer lab which is used by all age groups.
We went and visited the nursery for ages
A definite highlight was getting out the FOOTY! Just for a laugh, I decided to pack a soft-touch Australian football and take it to each Project to see what they thought. I gathered up some of the teenage boys (and one brave girl) and explained to them how to kick and handball. They had a very limited space in which to play, so we had a bit of kick-to-kick.
At first they were all just standing around taking turns to get the ball, but then I explained that football is a contact sport, and you can compete to get the ball – no pushing in the back or tackling when they don’t have the ball. Well, you should have seen them – they loved it! It was great to watch.
Today I had my own personal photographer – his name is Wesley and he’s also a drummer (he showed me pics on his phone during lunch). He came everywhere with us during the day and was snapping away. I made sure to ask if I could have a copy of the photos before I leave
The teenagers of the Project were busy today because they were preparing for a community party to be held in the evening. I was impressed to learn they had organised everything, which shows me that Compassion is doing a fantastic job of instilling a sense of responsibility, ownership and pride in their achievements into these amazing kids which they probably wouldn’t get at home or maybe even school.
Lunch was delicious, as it was at each Project. Their hospitality and generosity was incredible and humbling. The winner of the most interesting dish of the week goes to this Project. The mother of one of the Project kids made this: banana, wrapped in ham and cheese, cooked in the oven for 20 minutes. It was surprisingly nice. I think I must have been so baffled that I went back for seconds. It’s just a combo that I never even imagined existing.
A word for people who are already sponsors: If you ever even have the slightest possibility of going to visit your child, DO IT! It could change their life. Met one beautiful young lady at lunchtime who was about to depart the program because her family circumstance had improved. Here’s how it happened: Her sponsor was in the army, and came to visit her one day. The sponsor was sharing with the girl’s mother about her experiences, and what she had learned about life etc. The mother was inspired to find out about joining the Brazilian army, she did, and as a result her family’s circumstance has improved to the point where they no longer need help. Sponsor visit = life transformed and changed!
As you can tell, I just loved my time at this Project. At this point I don’t need any convincing of the legitimacy or effectiveness of Compassion, but this just re-affirmed it for me. The staff love the kids so much, and as long as there is a Compassion project in the community there is hope for the children and families. This is what they get: food, education, medical care, income-generating skills and most of all the HOPE and FREEDOM that comes from a relationship with Jesus.
Home Visits
I sponsor three girls from BR-329. I started in May, after two of my otherBrazil girls had to leave the program. I was referred to advocate Bev Yearwood, who passed these three girls on: Alynne, Monalisa and Larissa.
Larissa is four years old. She lives with her mum, grandma, 2 older brothers and baby sister, who found my finger very tasty for some reason. They have just moved house because mum got a job, so the grandma is able to look after baby. The family is very blessed in this regard, because not everyone has a parent who is either able or willing to look after the grandchildren. Both brothers are sponsored by same person from theUS . Judging by when she was playing with the footy at the Project, she will have good ball skills when she gets older.
Alynne is 17 and in 10th grade. She has had 4 sponsors through her life and wants to be a lawyer. Alynne lives with two younger sisters, her mother, her “aunt” (who is really just a close friend) and her aunt’s daughter. She is leaving the Compassion program because she just got a job at a grocery store and her mother got a job too. They just moved house, and their circumstances have improved to the point where they don’t need the extra assistance. When she was growing up, Alynne missed two years of school resulting from family instability and moving around a lot. Fortunately she was still was able to go to the Compassion Project during this time. She is involved in church. Her mother would like to but is often busy and tired. Sometimes the aunt (lovingly) tries to drag the mother up and make her go because she thinks she’s being lazy.
Monalisa is 18 and is about to graduate from the Compassion program. She lives with her mother and younger sister. They live in a kind of apartment complex with 3 other families, some of whom are relatives. She has been described to me as an entrepreneur, and dreams of being a vet. She has been recently offered three different government jobs, and chose to work at a health insurance company, which was a blessing, because when she broke her leg three weeks ago, she was able to get health insurance to pay for it! I’m Monalisa’s second sponsor, so it’s good that she’s had that stability. She is very involved in church, and is applying for a position in Compassion’s Leadership Development Program, which provides free college education for a select number of students from each country.
Here are the challenges she's facing right now: as I mentioned, 3 weeks ago Monalisa broke her leg in three places, had surgery, and is now getting around in a wheelchair. She is in the process of applying to be anLDP student. The project staff and I have no doubt she will make it.
One of the stages in the LDP application process is a "team-building"component, where they complete group activities to assess each potential student's ability to work with others and show leadership. They originally thought this was going to be in January, but it got moved to October, which will make it quite difficult for Monalisa in a wheelchair. The project staff are seeking an exemption for her.
I have never been in the position of considering sponsoring anLDP student, but now I definitely am. At the time I told Monalisa that even if I could not continue to sponsor her in the LDP , I would find someone who could. Since then I have decided I could not bear to "give her away", but I would be willing to co-sponsor. I believe God has brought Monalisa into my life for a reason, and the four month sponsorship is not to be the end of it. I am aware of the extra costs, but in my past experiences with God's provision, money is not a worry for me.
Like with the other kids, I gave these three girls some gifts. Before I gave her the soft toy lamb, I said to Monalisa "I know you're 18, but I'm sure everyone loves a soft toy!" I also gave them a necklace. Siblings received a clip-on koala and a postcard of Melbourne or Australian animals. The family received an Australia-themed clock and a small Australian flag. Monalisa and Alynne also received a scientific calculator courtesy of my friend Steve.
Photos
Home Visits
I sponsor three girls from BR-329. I started in May, after two of my other
Larissa is four years old. She lives with her mum, grandma, 2 older brothers and baby sister, who found my finger very tasty for some reason. They have just moved house because mum got a job, so the grandma is able to look after baby. The family is very blessed in this regard, because not everyone has a parent who is either able or willing to look after the grandchildren. Both brothers are sponsored by same person from the
Alynne is 17 and in 10th grade. She has had 4 sponsors through her life and wants to be a lawyer. Alynne lives with two younger sisters, her mother, her “aunt” (who is really just a close friend) and her aunt’s daughter. She is leaving the Compassion program because she just got a job at a grocery store and her mother got a job too. They just moved house, and their circumstances have improved to the point where they don’t need the extra assistance. When she was growing up, Alynne missed two years of school resulting from family instability and moving around a lot. Fortunately she was still was able to go to the Compassion Project during this time. She is involved in church. Her mother would like to but is often busy and tired. Sometimes the aunt (lovingly) tries to drag the mother up and make her go because she thinks she’s being lazy.
Monalisa is 18 and is about to graduate from the Compassion program. She lives with her mother and younger sister. They live in a kind of apartment complex with 3 other families, some of whom are relatives. She has been described to me as an entrepreneur, and dreams of being a vet. She has been recently offered three different government jobs, and chose to work at a health insurance company, which was a blessing, because when she broke her leg three weeks ago, she was able to get health insurance to pay for it! I’m Monalisa’s second sponsor, so it’s good that she’s had that stability. She is very involved in church, and is applying for a position in Compassion’s Leadership Development Program, which provides free college education for a select number of students from each country.
The selection process for the LDP is very rigorous, and aims to develop Christian leaders who will impact their communities and countries for Jesus. This is also done through sponsorship, but instead of $44/month (in Australia ), it’s $400, so it’s very demanding all-round.
Here are the challenges she's facing right now: as I mentioned, 3 weeks ago Monalisa broke her leg in three places, had surgery, and is now getting around in a wheelchair. She is in the process of applying to be an
One of the stages in the LDP application process is a "team-building"component, where they complete group activities to assess each potential student's ability to work with others and show leadership. They originally thought this was going to be in January, but it got moved to October, which will make it quite difficult for Monalisa in a wheelchair. The project staff are seeking an exemption for her.
I have never been in the position of considering sponsoring an
Photos
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| 4 y.o. Larissa. She warmed up to me about a minute before she had to leave. Hopefully the start of a special sponsorship |
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| The church of BR-329. This pic is stuff to sell to raise money to send a missionary to Senegal. I LOVE that! They're sending a missionary from the barrios of Brazil to Senegal! |
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| Larissa at gift-giving time! I gave each child a large soft toy lamb and a necklace (soccer ball for Christian). The siblings received a small clip-on Koala and an Australian postcard. The family received an Australia-themed clock and a small Australian flag. |
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| Larissa enjoyed playing with the Australian football. |
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| Pure gold!! This was just before she had to leave, but it was good to get a smiley photo. |
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| This is Monalisa my oldest (18 yrs) but newest sponsor child. I have only sponsored her for 4 months and she is about to graduate from the sponsorship program. I don't remember being impacted by a person like I was when I met her yesterday - beautiful, intelligent and humble. She has dreams to be a vet, and is applying to become a Leadership Development Program (LDP) student with Compassion. With God's help I have no doubt she can do it. The scientific calculator is thanks to my friend Steve. |
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| X-ray of Monalisa's broken leg, which she did falling down the stairs three weeks ago. |
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| Monalisa and family |
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| With Nathalia, who is a Program Facilitator for the area. She was at all three of my Project visits |
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| BR-329 runs a nursery for 2-4 year olds on a separate property nearby. This is where Larissa spends most of her time |
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| The staff of BR-329 have huge dreams and vision for their Centre. They serve 680 children and they currently have some massive renovations going on. They want to have all their programs and activities on the one property. |
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| With 17 y.o. Alynne. She is in 10th grade and wants to be a lawyer. She is about to depart the program because she and her mother have both recently got jobs, and their circumstances have improved sufficiently that they no longer need Compassion's assistance. |
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| With a group of teenagers from the Project BR-329 |
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| Interesting snack, made by one of the mothers at the Project - banana wrapped in ham and cheese, then cooked in the oven for 20 minutes... |
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