Updates: Thandiwe

New family photos received by Thandiwe's brother's sponsor, John. Sadly, we learned that their mother passed away recently and the kids are now living with extended family. It seems like this family never catches a break.









I recognize Thandiwe, John and their sister Bupe, but I'm not sure who the woman is, perhaps an aunt. I'll have to look through past photos and see if I can pick her out.

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!

Photos and letter from Thandiwe

I know I shouldn't show favoritism, but in terms of sheer cuteness, I gotta say...Thandiwe is the cutest kid in "my" brood. I love them all of course, and think they're all adorable, but this kid's pictures are always so full of life. I love the note that she loved the purses - she does seem like the kid who likes her things covered in bling, doesn't she? And I guess it's a universal truth that little girls love purses. She's just adorable. I hope her mother isn't too sick, and that her medication isn't expensive. I wonder if CI can find out...god knows the family doesn't have much income.

Photos and letter from Thandiwe's brother!

I sent a bit of cash Thandiwe's way to help her brother John return to school. I'd like to try to keep him there for as long as possible in hopes of bettering his job prospects when he's older. It might seem a bit frivolous considering how much people in this part of the world can struggle just for basic necessities, but in the long run I think this is worth it, especially since their father is no longer present in their lives and John as the oldest child (by seven years) will likely shoulder a lot of the burden of providing for his mother and sisters.

I'd love to look into finding John his own sponsor, but I have no idea how one might set that in motion. Any ideas?

Letters from the kids, and a new picture of Annah

You know, I always thought when people said they couldn't pick a favorite child, they were full of it or being polite. I know sponsoring kids isn't nearly the same thing as having your own, but sponsoring kids now as an adult (rather than as a teenager), it still surprises me just how much I love these kids - and if you asked me to pick a favorite, I honestly couldn't. They're all so sweet and cute and clever.

Annah - I send her some t-shirts for her birthday; I hope they fit! She look like she's grown a foot between pictures!


Drawing and letter from Jessa, who has turned out to be a most enthusiastic correspondent. I'm glad I listened to the little devil on my shoulder saying sponsor her (instead of the angel saying "and where exactly is that money going to come from?")!



And a letter from the volunteer at the Lusaka center. I can't wait until Thandiwe is old enough to write on her own, but until then I'm glad to hear from the volunteers and her family members.

Thandiwe's family

I requested family photos of Thandiwe a while ago, when I was hoping to start a fundraiser for her brother's education. Luckily I was able to foot the bill for the next year's tuition on my own, though I'll likely need some help next year. I would love to find out of it would be possible to get him a sponsor of his own. They're a lovely family.



These are the people according to the list I was sent:

The woman in the red and white skirt and blue tank top is Thandiwe's aunt Mary.

Thandiwe's mother Joyce is in the blue striped top, holding Thandiwe's baby cousin Christopher (Mary's son).

The tall boy in the gray shirt and the boy in the green golf shirt are more cousins, Joseph and Enock.

The woman in the floral top is Thandiwe's grandmother Beatrice, holding Thandiwe's sister, listed here as Gift and in the family report as Bupe (no idea about the name thing), and her husband (Thandiwe's grandfather) Joseph is next to her.

The young woman in white is Thandiwe's aunt Rabecca.

The little girl in white and pink is listed as "young aunt" Rabecca. With so many repeating names things have to get confusing!

John is said to be the little boy in blue - which seems surprising, as his age is listed as 12 in the family report! And of course, Thandiwe is the cheery little girl front and center in both pictures!

I'll be contacting CI to make sure that is indeed John in the picture, just out of curiosity.

Quick update

I've been neglecting this blog, haven't I. I have no excuses, really.

I'm probably forgetting some things, but anyway, some brief updates.

New picture of Annah (IHF Kenya). I've had a package for her (and both my CI girls in the Philippines) waiting to be sent for ages...I need to get on that. I'm terrible about corresponding with her, which is awful of me, because she is such a sweetheart. I haven't heard about Arupe from my friend whose daughter is corresponding with him, but I'll have to ask how that's going.



They grow up way too fast.


A letter from Wituelle (Compassion Haiti), who I'm also terrible about writing to. Okay, let's put it out there: I'm not very good about writing to any of my kids. I hope they know how much I love them!






And a letter from Thandiwe's uncle on her behalf. I wish there was something I could send to thank the relatives who write for her. I've thanked them in my letters but it doesn't seem like enough!

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!