As you're probably aware, a little less than a week ago several of us from CI were in the Dominican Republic.
Because I've visited the Dominican Republic (or "The DR," in CI lingo) a number of times in the past, I can't say I was surprised at the poverty. Saddened, yes...but not surprised. Neither was I surprised at the heart-rending stories of incredible hardship that we heard over and over. That generally goes hand-in-hand with poverty, and it's an ugly reality.
But I'm happy to say that I wasn't surprised, either, at the way those stories usually ended. Moms, kids, families...practically all of them emphasized how hopeful they are. They also unfailingly mentioned the incredible impact sponsorship has had on their lives and how they credit their sponsors with giving them the chance to rise above their circumstances.
And it didn't surprise me when one of our doctors called me into her office to discuss several children with critical medical issues. But I'll confess that made my day -- maybe even my trip...not because of the medical issues, which are all tragic, but because of the obvious confidence in the doctor's face. She was certain the sponsorship program would be able to help, because we've developed a track record of doing just that.
To some, helping save a child from disease through reliable medical care, helping save children from poverty by providing access to education, and helping children in poverty by showing them the way to a brighter future might seem to be the stuff of superhero fables. But when you have the privilege of working with an international children's charity like Children International, it's an everyday reality.
No surprises there.
P.S. Did you see Wednesday's post by Sarah? Oscar sure could use a sponsor. Will you help us spread the word?
Because I've visited the Dominican Republic (or "The DR," in CI lingo) a number of times in the past, I can't say I was surprised at the poverty. Saddened, yes...but not surprised. Neither was I surprised at the heart-rending stories of incredible hardship that we heard over and over. That generally goes hand-in-hand with poverty, and it's an ugly reality.
But I'm happy to say that I wasn't surprised, either, at the way those stories usually ended. Moms, kids, families...practically all of them emphasized how hopeful they are. They also unfailingly mentioned the incredible impact sponsorship has had on their lives and how they credit their sponsors with giving them the chance to rise above their circumstances.
And it didn't surprise me when one of our doctors called me into her office to discuss several children with critical medical issues. But I'll confess that made my day -- maybe even my trip...not because of the medical issues, which are all tragic, but because of the obvious confidence in the doctor's face. She was certain the sponsorship program would be able to help, because we've developed a track record of doing just that.
To some, helping save a child from disease through reliable medical care, helping save children from poverty by providing access to education, and helping children in poverty by showing them the way to a brighter future might seem to be the stuff of superhero fables. But when you have the privilege of working with an international children's charity like Children International, it's an everyday reality.
No surprises there.
P.S. Did you see Wednesday's post by Sarah? Oscar sure could use a sponsor. Will you help us spread the word?
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