Joy is being so nervous to meet little Stefanie, but being greeted with big hugs and smiles at the door.
Joy is finding a baby doll at Target that speaks Spanish.
Joy is seeing a little girl so eager to share her new things with her baby sister. Joy is being told that Stefanie is a girly girl who dreams of growing up and wearing beautiful dresses. Joy is telling her that I love beautiful dresses too, and one day we can twirl in them together for Jesus.
Joy is Stefanie’s mother asking me to pray for her as she prepares to enter school next year. Joy is telling her that I’ve been praying the same thing for my son.
Joy is a having abuelitas who care so much.
Joy is meeting Stefanie’s big brother who is dressed up like a cowboy. Joy is telling him that I live in a place known for cowboys and teaching him to say “Howdy, partner!” Joy is showing the kids a picture of an armadillo.
Joy is Stefanie’s mother telling me that in our family photo, my son looks just like my husband. Joy is spending the whole day with a little girl who will grow dearer and dearer to me through the years. Joy is seeing that she’s a daddy’s girl.
Joy is now having family in Guatemala.
Joy is eating Dum-Dums together in the bus. Joy is being given a Guatemalan headband and wearing it right away. Joy is Stefanie’s father saying that we are two peas in a pod. Joy is him saying that I look happy.
Joy is Spanish coming back to me after a long time. Joy is feeling like I would take 7 more years of Spanish classes just to get another day like this.
Joy is visiting the student center where Stefanie and her brothers are nurtured by godly men and women.
Joy is drawing pictures of rainbows.
Joy is playing with balloons. Joy is missing my Jackson but having tons of little boys to play with.
Joy is meeting several college students in the Leadership Development Program who have had the same sponsors since the age of six.
Joy fills my prayers for God to give Stefanie the grace to do well in school and enter the LDP program one day. The ultimate joy would be to continue sponsoring her and attend her college graduation.
Joy is the promise of writing letters. Joy is having to say goodbye to Stefanie, but knowing she will continue to be taken care of in Jesus’ name.
Joy is reading this post…and knowing that another sweet little girl from Guatemala named Amanda Esperanza (Hope) that I decided to sponsor yesterday…will also have the blessing of a hope and a future because of the work Compassion does 🙂
Praise the Lord and thank you, Elizabeth! Amanda’s life will be changed because of your investment. She will be waiting to hear from you!
((*tears streaming*))…. Oh, what JOY!
Joy is the tears in my eyes as I read your post! Blessings!
Amanda – incredible work in Guatemala. Have sponsored a child through Compassion named Glendi for many years and am such a believer in their work, especially their connection with the local church. Seeing these pics and reading your heart is wonderfully inspiring. Reminds me of what a privilege it is for us to engage the vast variety of cultures God created on this earth for the gospel. How creative, how merciful, how fun of God to invite us into this. Thank you for sacrificing and going and reminding us that sometimes this whole thing is just plain about joy.
Joy is the tears streaming down my face as I read about the beautiful, precious little girl whose family you were privileged to meet! LOVED the pics and your moving thoughts about your visit! So glad you got to do that and share it with us! Muchas gracias y vaya con Dios, Amanda!
I loved these pictures so! I have a 13 year old son we adopted from Guatemala, so God has given me a very soft heart for the country and especially the children there. Thank you for sharing your pictures and comments! They made my day!
I was doing “okay” (ha) until I reached the picture of your little friend wearing her “SHINE” tee shirt.
Jesus loves her. This I know!!
Thank you for this blog. My husband of almost 36 years, best friend, and the Godliest man I’ve ever known died suddenly last week, and I’ve been crippled with sadness for our loss – even though comforted by knowing he is finally at his real home, welcomed by the Savior he loved and served – the hole he has left here on earth is huge. Thank you for being one of the nudges and gentle reminders of the work left for me to do, the lives that I still need to touch, to love, to point to Jesus until He calls me home, too. Thank you.
Kim, I have no words after reading your comment. To say I am so sorry about your husband is a gross understatement. I pray that the Lord and his people will minister deeply to you in this loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. All my best, Melissa
Oh sweet Kim…what a blessing that you can say your husband was the godliest man you have ever known. My heart just aches for you and your terrible loss. I pray that your life will continue to cut like a sword in the darkness. I pray that God will care to your heart with such intensity. Love and prayers. I am so so sorry.
Kim,
I am praying for God’s peace to fill that huge hole in your heart. May you continue to praise God in your pain, for there are many women you can encourage by your faith!
Your sister in Christ,
Shannon Kissimmee,Florida
Kim,
You are in my prayers, SO sorry for your loss.
Kim, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I’m praying for you right now.
Kim, I am so sorry. I am praying for you today.
Kim, I’m praying that God will comfort you and hold you in His loving arms. I’m so sorry, I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, but know that there will be many praying for you.
Kim,
My heart truly breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss and complete heartbreak. I will pray for you and I will think of you often. Hang in there.
Much love,
Kim
I don’t know if I should clap or cry!! It’s incredible seeing God move EVERYWHERE…not just in America where we have “everything” at our fingertips. How wonderful to see Him use so many to bless these children. I’m so excited that you got to meet the child you sponsor! WOW!!
Joy is what I experienced reading this blog entry. Thank you so much for sharing JOY with me. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing JOY! I’m still crying. So awesome! 🙂
Joy, it is oozing from you Miss Amanda!! This past year I’ve learned that JOY, is Jesus, Others and then Yolanda. Love to you, Yolanda
I forgot to share, just today in the mail I had a letter and a colored picture from my little Compassion gal. I love when her letters arrive in the mail. Vaishnavi, she is precious and lives in India.
I’ve just read all the comments, and was comforted to know that SO many others were weeping after seeing the pictures and reading your words! Many years ago, my young son sponsored a Compassion. I am ashamed to say that, after several years, we were forced to end the relationship. After following Melissa’s trip to India, my heart was stirred, and the thought of adopting again has been on my heart and prayer list ever since. Several days ago, I found myself thinking of things I could give up to make it happen. This post was was convicting. Thank you Melissa! I know that I can decide the sex, the country, the age (I think even the birthday(!)…too many decisions for me!! I’ll let the Lord of my Life direct all of that. The very thought of ever getting to put my arms around that child, or meet his or her family is beautiful, but for physical reasons, that is not an option. But, I will trust that there are angels that will take care of that, and I’ll look foward to dancing together one day!!!
Truly REJOICING with you, Amanda! This post brought back such sweet memories for me. “These are a few of my favorite things…”
I just have to say…with Stefanie being a girly girl and wanting to have pretty dresses, She has been sponsored by the right family!! 🙂
Amanda, Thank you for sharing your Joy with us. It brought tears to my eyes and smiles to my heart.
Hugs,
Michelle
How do you say Bibby in Spanish???
Tearjerker of a post! Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Amanda… the fears AND the joys. I can’t imagine what it would be like to meet our sponsor child in Tanzania. I think my heart would explode. I’m so glad you’ve had this opportunity this week!
Oh! Lord, THANK YOU for this post! We have been praying about adding a child to our Compassion program, and after this post- we knew just where God wanted us to sponsor! We just added Milton, from Guatemala, to our family! Oh, Father- would you bless Him with knowing You and grow Him into a man of faith and compassion! Thank you, Amanda for sharing your story. I can’t tell you how God used it mightily in our home today!
Renee, I am so excited about your new sponsor child, Milton– I hope one day you get to meet him! God’s best to you and your entire family. Love, Melissa
Renee, thank you for investing in Milton’s life! He will be eager to hear from you. The kids told us today that they long to hear that their sponsors love them.
So so true. It amazes me how quickly our other sponsored kiddos write back when we send them notes or cards. I remember loving getting mail as a kid- can you imagine how special it is to these? Our God is so amazing…there isn’t words to describe.
God bless you and keep you, sister!
Amanda – this is the most beautiful post, and I thank you for sharing such a personal journey with us! Seriously, it is such a tender time. You got to do what those of us who have had Compassion kids have always longed to – go. see. them. Hug them. Gift them. Pray with them. I LOVE the pictures, because they truly shine with your love for her, and hers for you. May God grant you continuing mercy for today,especially, and the travels ahead. I love you so much.
n.
Joy is me getting to read this and see pictures after I have been praying so hard for y’all this week!
I think it is time for me to adopt one more compassion kid.
Thank you for your prayers, Jenny. If you do decide to sponsor another child, know that your money will be used efficiently and effectively.
Yes! Through your blog and Ann’s, our family has decided and made the commitment to sponsor children in Guatamala..through compassion.
What a wonderful experience Amanda, that you got to travel and meet Stephanie. I love your comment about the three young men having the SAME sponsor since they were six! Lord, I want to be proven faithful!
Hearts before coffee or nails, or another pair of shoes!
Thank you, Sandee! I’m so grateful! You cannot imagine how happy this will make the child’s family.
Amanda!
You need to just stop it! You have had me sobbing with every post you have written. I am just going to have to stop even trying to wear mascara! : )
Just teasing you, girl. I am sure my tear ducts needed cleaning, and I would never seriously tell you to stop writing. You have a gift. Your blogs have been so beautiful and touching. I believe God is using this trip to change you in mighty ways.
Little Stefanie looks like the sweetest little thing. Thank you for sharing your journey.
NJ
Pure Joy reading your post! Beautiful!
I have a little girl in Guatemala too… and she will also be starting school this year. I hope that one day I can meet my little Lesli and see her smile like your Stephanie. All the pictures they send look so sad, and I just KNOW she has a beautiful smile! You are SO blessed to have had this opportunity… and they are sO blessed to have you!
HeY Siestas,
JOY!, Is knowing that God of this Universe loves each and everyone of us very much!
I have enjoyed your journey.
Thank you for letting us be a part of it.
Shannon
Thank you so much Amanda. Joy is watching another woman walk through this journey ahead of me!
I am traveling with Compassion to Uganda in two weeks. We will do a trip similar to yours; four days in the village of Kakinga where my church is partnering with a Child Survival Program, then one day with our sponsored children.
My toughest thing is having to cram as much as possible for my child in a backpack…while staying under the 50lb weight limit required by the airlines.
Anyway, I cried tears of joy and expectant excitement reading this…and found myself thinking – “What a blessing, and her hair looks great too!” 🙂
Thanks again for always sharing your journey with us.
Lisa, that’s so great. I took a carry-on sized suitcase for my gifts and was prepared to pay extra for it, but it was actually free because I was on an international flight. Just something to check into before you go. Blessings!
LOVED the pics and the post! Thanks so much for sharing your story and their story with all of us ~
Joy = Jesus all Over You in those pictures! Blessings for sharing.
PS I’m glad that Dora the Explorer taught me what and abuelita is!
Amanda,
It sounds like you’re having an amazing time! Thank you for taking us with you through the blog. The pictures are beautiful! You are on my mind and in my prayers often.
Beautiful_God’s Love is beautiful. Giving hope to others is more than words can describe.
Little children learn to pray
Jesus loves them in a special way
Their tiny hands are folded just right
As they bow their head for prayer at night.
Their words are always so kind and sweet
With warm hearts that are very meek
They always thank God above
For the people and things that they love.
Day by day, their faith will grow
With bright, shining faces that just seem to glow.
Is it no wonder that God shows He cares
When little children are so humble in their prayers.
~joyce~ Mark 10:15
A picture is worth a “million” words- I pray your generosity will spread this JOY- My soroity sister’s daughter, about your age, is involved with a renewal ministry in Africa and the young man we have sponsored is four years old and started school with the sponsorhip- it seems the love for Christ is so natural and automatic with these children and families.
Please know I am sending much appreciation and many blessings to you as you share God’s love in our world.
Amanda,
The picture of Stefanie’s abuelita made me bawl. I had to pull my husband in to show her to him too–she looks so sweet and loving and it just touched my heart to see her part of your journey. Thank you for being willing to go and bring us a firsthand view of the realities we don’t face.
Lisa in CO
Add me to the list of those who experienced and shared in your joy by just reading this post, and seeing those beautiful pictures… Wow…
I am so glad that you will have these pictures to help you remember your experience, although I am sure this is not an experience you will ever forget.
Joy is having already sponsored a child in Ecuador through Compassion International this summer because of my exposure to them through you in the past. Thank you so much!
I think that joy is also fitting into the jeans that you are wearing because weight watchers worked. You always look beautiful, but you are skinnified, which, I believe, was a big goal of yours. Congratulations!
Much love and appreciation!
Valerie
I enjoyed this post so much!
Amanda – It has truly been JOYFUL to read this and to share your JOY with your Guatemala family. Stefani just fits with you – that long hair and sweet little dimpled smile. Were you just beside yourself to get to meet her? You look so JOYFUL. I love Compassion so much and am going to be more faithful to write my little boy, Iduar in Colombia – after seeing how REAL the connection is.
Praying for you as you travel home and that you will have a JOYFUL reunion with your Texas family! 🙂 You are a precious young woman, Amanda. Your heart and smile brought me JOY in this post.
Love, Mrs. Jan
PS: I am partial to the abuelita since I am one. The picture of her head bent in prayer just did me in.
Amanda, those were beautiful pictures!!! My family sponsors a Compassion child too, and I have always dreamed of going to Thiland to see “Bam” ( her actual name is something no one in my family can pronounce so we call her Bam :P). She is 9, and very cute! She lives with her Grandmother and has no siblings.
Bam has humbled my family very much, one time I remember when we sent her 10 dollars for her birthday she. Used j
Held it together until the picture of Stefanie in the SHINE t-shirt….ugly cry all over the dog in my lap. JOY = being home on a Saturday night mired in the mundane responsibilities of family life and suddenly getting a glimpse of heaven all the way from Guatemala! Thanks Amanda.
Amanda, those were beautiful pictures!!! My family sponsors a Compassion child too, and I have always dreamed of going to Thiland to see “Bam” ( her actual name is something no one in my family can pronounce so we call her Bam :P). She is 9, and very cute! She lives with her Grandmother and has no siblings.
Bam has humbled my family very much and I wish we had more time to write more letters!!!!
Dear Amanda,
Yes, JOY is reading your post and seeing God in action in Guatemala through you and all the others there! You have gotten to do what I’ve always wanted to do, and can’t (yet)–we have 3 sponsored children through World Vision in Guatemala, India, and Tanzania, but we cannot go visit due to my needing to take care of children and aging parents at home. God bless you and many many others through this blog post, and your work with Compassion Int’l!!
I can only imagine how proud Siesta Mama is too!! 🙂 Thank you for sharing your visit and God’s joy with us!!
Jen
Thank for you all you are doing and sharing Amanda. Your ‘Joy’ post was absolutely beautiful and has helped me and my husband take the next step in what we have been talking and praying about for awhile…sponsoring a child through Compassion. And now I know we will choose a child in Guatemala. I can’t wait to go there someday as well!
Oh, and I have a son going to Kindergarten next year too so I understand:) Also, saw your mom here in Richmond a few weeks ago…speaking God’s truth in an amazing way as always…John 1:16 always on my mind now and sharing with others. SO grateful to Jesus for you all!
That’s so great, Lori!
That is wonderfull….
Amanda,
I have been reading all your posts this week and want to thank you for all the good you’re doing there. I have sponsored a little girl for many years and yesterday morning when I read your post about the hurricanes, I felt God nudging me to sponsor another child. So, I did – I got a little boy named Natan, age 8! I am a single mom who works two jobs to provide for my three kids, but we serve an amazing God who keeps providing for us. You’ve given me a heart to help these little ones, so thank you for that.
I’ve been reading the other blogs, too and haved loved taking this journey with all of you. Y’all are an amazing group and I love your sweet hearts!
Thanks for the blessing that you have been to all of us.
Joanne
Thank you for blessing this child, Joanne!
God bless you, Joanne.
We have sponsored a Compassion child for many years…and have enjoyed reading her translated letters. A few years ago – when she was about 17 – we noticed that her letters were in English! She is in the Leadership Development Program. Humbling to realize…we didn’t just help her eat and learn and play as a young child…we have helped her get to college. Thank you, Compassion.
we just started sponsoring a child from guatemala this past summer. however, we are doing it through world vision. i really thought it was through compassion until all was said and done and then we were told that the two programs were not related in anyway. i hate to cancel my sponsorship to switch to compassion but would really rather be donating through them. do you have any thoughts on this?
Shaun is sitting right here with me. He says World VIsion does great work and there’s no reason that you’d need to drop what you’re doing there. I hope that helps! If your family decides to sponsor an additional child at some point, you can always do it through Compassion then if you want to. Blessings!
thank you so much!!!!
Oh yes I share your joy. My daughter wants to know if our little girl we sponsor in Guatemala can come stay with us when she gets older. Wouldn’t that just be awesome. My daughter also said that she would be able to speak spainish when we went back so she could talk to all of the kids. Tha is joy.
Sherrie Watson
Oak Ridge NC
Joy is seeing such a beautiful woman of Christ, who’s the daughter of a beautiful teacher of Christ. Joy is watching this same daughter be a mother to two beautiful children and knowing someone out there is going through the same season of life. Joy is knowing we share the same love for our children (biological and otherwise) and our school, WHOOP! I didn’t know you then, but I’m able to get a small glimpse of the person I would have loved to call friend. Heather, TAMU ’99
Loved this post!! Stefanie is soooo adorable! I loved ALL the pictures…thanks for sharing! I’ve been sponsoring a girl through World Vision for 9 years now. How neat it would be to meet her like you met Stefanie! Glad you’re having such a wonderful time. I pray for safety and good health for all of you!
Love,
Missy in SC
My favorite post ever!
I have thought about you all day and prayed for you all day Amanda. This has inspired me also, I am considering sponsor a child going to talk to my Husband about it. I am sure he will agree! Kim I read your post about losing your husband. I am praying now for your broken heart! Praying for God to comfort you!
What a blessing to actually met the child and family that you sponser. We also sponser a boy, Rowlin from Guatemala and our son got to meet him last summer when he was there on a mission trip. It just makes Rowlin seem like part of the family now. And we so treasure all the pictures and notes that he sends to us. Compassion does a great job!