WOW am I behind.

So many things to post about. I don't even know where to begin. No major developments, just a lot of letters.

Two letters from Jessa, received a couple of weeks apart. I'm guessing one is one of the "required" letters, since it's addressed "dear sponsor."








First letters from Viviana (well, Viviana's mother) and Bianca:






A letter from Lisette:






A letter from Thandiwe's grandmother:




Letters and pictures from Sophia:













And a new picture of Annah:




Sheesh. Never let me get this behind again!

Update!

Returning from several weeks out of town, I had a bunch of sponsor mail!


A letter from Wituelle, whose financial sponsors apparently sent her a very generous monetary gift. I wish I knew these people; they seem so nice, and she continues to thank me for their generosity...I hope they know how much it means to her! I have no idea why they choose not to write to her, but it's clear that they care for her very much.





A letter from Sophia, with a totally adorable drawing. The poor girl got stuck with a crazy cat lady for a sponsor...gotta love her humoring me ;)





Letter and package pics from Jessa in Manila. I'd actually forgotten I sent it; people have commented that they have problems with hearing back about direct packages with their kids in Manila and Lusaka - naturally, where two of my three CI kids are! I'm also glad it arrived to coincide with her birthday...I'm a terrible sponsor and completely forgot to send her a card! I dodged a bullet this time!

Pictures and letter from Thandiwe

This kid is so cute I can't stand it! I love that she brought her doll along with her - and someone put a hat on her. Too cute. I also love that her grandmother lets me know that Thandiwe's "baby" is doing well. They seem like such a nice family - they must be to have raised such a cheerful kid!

Direct package: Thandiwe

Thandiwe looked so solemn and shy in her website photograph, I was surprised to see what a vibrant, bubbly, happy little girl she appeared to be in the direct package photos! This field office sends a TON of photos for each package, which is also a delight.

Thandiwe with her first package:

She looks excited to get it!

I sent her some articles of clothing, a coloring book and school supplies in a miniature backpack.


Modeling one of her new tops - she clearly loves the camera. How cute!






Thandiwe with her second package:

She's wearing a dress I sent her in her first package.

I sent her some clothes, a jump rope, a coloring book with crayons, a baby doll (from my personal collection) and photos from my birthday trip to the Bronx Zoo.

With her new doll, whom she named Thandy. You can see that this dress has gotten some serious wear already!

Trying on some new clothes. Hard to believe this is the serious-looking little girl from her website photo!


The letter I received mentioned that she was especially happy to get the doll. I remembered something written during one of Oprah's trips to Africa where she'd bought dolls for all the little girls in her center. Apparently one of the children was so excited she started kissing her doll's face through its plastic box. Ever since I read that, I've made it a mission to make sure that each of my younger kids has at least one doll and one stuffed toy. Necessities are best for sure, but there are some things I firmly believe everyone should have something fun now and then!


Trying out the new jump rope!

Direct package: Sophia

One of my favorite things about the organizations I sponsor through is that they allow you to send packages of gifts directly to your children. (In fact, that is what One Spirit's sponsorships consist of - there is no monthly fee, just what you can send.) It can be expensive, so I only send one every six months are so, but it's too much fun not to! Children International also sends photographs of your kids receiving their gifts - and it's great to get "extra" photos of your kids!

Sophia with her first package:


I sent Sophia a few items of clothing and some school supplies in a miniature backpack. Inexpensive, lightweight to keep shipping costs down, and hopefully useful!



Could this kid be any cuter??


Sophia with her second package:


I sent her some articles of clothing, a backpack, a paperback book and a Little Mermaid art set. I also sent some photographs from my birthday trip to the Bronx Zoo earlier in the year.





Sophia's letter upon receiving the second package:



It's just too cute not to include :)