Our family has a sponsored child living in Ethiopia through the World Vision program. An eight-year-old petite girl named Anyme. As with all large agencies, I am sure that they have their negative attributes. However, we can see that our sponsored daughter is receiving an education and needed supplies that she otherwise would not have. A recent photo of her and her father included the family’s prized bull.

In her update, she tells me that her favorite game is “Hide and Seek,” similar to many American eight year olds. She also tells me that she has been promoted to the third grade, does well in her classes except for math and English. World Vision’s projects have included digging wells to provide clean water. They have trained people in the area on health issues like HIV/AIDS and improving sanitation.

Usually at Christmas and birthdays, we try to send an extra monetary gift. We are always amazed at the amount of items purchased by our sponsored family with a relatively small amount of money. Typically, they are items needed by the entire family, which will benefit the sponsored child.

We previously had a little girl living in Mozambique. When she got married, at a very young age, she was no longer eligible for sponsorship. We were quite surprised by her marriage, as she was only about 12. Here in America she would be enjoying her freedom as a teenager. Instead, she has begun the difficult life of a homemaker and the responsibility of taking care of a family.

After her marriage, we requested another child of either gender where we were needed the most. That is how we ended up with our little Anyme in Ethiopia.

When I think that we are going through difficult times, I can look at these photos and realize our hardships are nothing compared to theirs. Here is a list of the countries where World Vision sponsors children. If you click on the country on the World Vision website, you are able to see photos of available children to sponsor where photos are allowed, otherwise you can request photos.

Albania

Armenia

Bangladesh

Bolivia

Brazil

Cambodia

Chad

Chile

China

Colombia

Costa Rica

Democratic Republic of Congo

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Ethiopia

Ghana

Guatemala

Haiti

Honduras

India

Indonesia

Jerusalem West Bank Gaza

Kenya

Lebanon

Lesotho

Malawi

Mali

Mauritania

Mexico

Mozambique

Myanmar

Nicaragua

Niger

Peru

Philippines

Romania

Rwanda

Senegal

Sierra Leone

South Africa

Sri Lanka

Swaziland

Tanzania

Thailand

Uganda

Vietnam

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Thousands of needy children around the world who are vulnerable to disease and infection are offered hope and protection from the help that World Vision provides. Frequently the children who live in AIDS-affected communities don’t know where their next meal will come from. Siblings may be trying to care for children just a few years younger than themselves. The overwhelming number of children in need of caregivers can stretch a community’s meager food resources past the limit.

Check out World Vision's Website to see how you can help the world, one child at at time.

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