Cinderella, golden pigtails, my cat, Amelia Bedeilia books, the color pink, floral dresses, my first ice skating experience, and climbing trees- all gems that flavored my life at seven years old. Just a spoonful of happiness kept me smiling for a week, my greatest concern being avoiding timeout during recess. How quickly we forget blissful simplicity. And even when we don't forget we easily release it to the wind, shifting our gaze toward complex splendors that stretch much farther than a bicycle ride around the block, freshly free from training wheels.
Meet Sara.
She's seven, and one of the newest little girls to join hands with Dove. She loves to hug and loves to give. She wears two pigtails on either side of her sweet face, and darts across the playground in a floral dress of blue. Her precious momma waits for her outside toward the end of the afternoon, unable to stop herself from smiling as her little girl pushes back the struggles of her life to simply and abundantly love. The pictures she paints, the songs she sings, the endearing way she embraces her little sister- these things tell me that the castles Sara builds in her head are far more magical than tangible ones grown ups chase, thinking themselves too old for fairy tales.
And though the path is beaten with time, and I can barely recall what it was like to have Sara's heart and spirit, I will grip her hand and try as hard as I can to repeat a walk. It becomes more familiar by the step. Yes, she thrives in a world completely different from the one I knew. Yes, financially there's contributions to be made by my family as a sponsor. But much more beauty exudes from this sprouting friendship. As a sponsor, you are vital for the road that exquisitely paves its way before your child of Dove Missions. It's not a stroll, and oftentimes the lamp is only bright enough to see the next step, but through it all, you share in his/her story, serving as a constant reminder that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
As my parents and I begin to answer the call toward child sponsorship, my heart is completely warmed by two of our volunteers as they care for one of Dove's cherished boys CoCo. Kathy and Kara Lapso not only physically give to this amazing kid, but they visit his home and laugh with his family, trying more and more to learn his special heart, which is ever-increasing with thankfulness.
Here's a brief rundown of sponsoring a Dove child:
Cost: $30.00 per month
Provides for: Groceries for the familyof the child each month
Contributes toward: A school uniform, school supplies, medicines, microloans, and all programs associated with the Dove Missions Club (advanced English classes, jewelry classes, sewing classes, music classes, art classes, etc.) These programs are aimed not only at providing productive projects and goals for the kids, but also at better equipping them for the work-field. Furthermore, if you decide to volunteer with Dove Missions, you can play and visit with your child and his/her family personally! How sweet is that!
Need: There are currently 20 Dove kids who still need sponsors! Let's make it happen!
Contact: If interested, please email volunteer@dovemissions.org
Sweet friends, the walk you could potentially take with your sponsor child is one of marvelous adventure bathed in prayer, and probably the occasional happy tear! What a beauty it is to share in their precious stories as a giving encourager they will forever remember! Let's take a walk.
-Betsy Coughlin
Summer Volunteer for Dove Missions
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