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There is so much that I want to share with you all as we start our Compassion blogging trip to Tanzania, but my mind is literally whirling because of some travel glitches. We just arrived in Tanzania today and immediately headed to a nearby child development center to meet the church and pastors that run the center. We asked many questions, learned SO much more about how the programs are run in conjunction with Compassion International~ and I’m going to share more about that throughout this week.
Because of all of the traveling, my body is completely out of whack {read s.i.c.k.}. I decided to stay back at the church while others on the blogging team went on some home visits. During that time I sat and talked to a few different people and little by little I was surrounded by the sweetest little faces.
Just watching me. And smiling.
As they began to gather around me, I began asking their names. Tickling bellies and then asked them to sing a song for me.
And truly you all ~ I was blessed beyond measure. My eyes are welling with tears picturing their sweet little faces, clapping, and singing praises to God. I’m halfway around the world and feeling sick, wanting desperately to minister to those sweet faces, and THEY are the ones ministering to me.
Simply sweet and amazing.
The center that we visited today in Mwanza serves 230+ children. Out of those children, there are over 50 that are still needing sponsors. They have become a part of the Compassion program, but need families that are willing to open their hearts and sponsor monthly. Would you be willing to sponsor a child in Tanzania for $38/month?
In addition to helping that child you are also helping the child’s family as they have more resources available for other children in the family as the needs of one are taken care of. I can honestly tell you that sponsoring a child is a blessing to your entire family as you develop a relationship with that child ~ and share so much more than just the basic needs to help release that child from poverty.
Those who went on the home visits today will also be sharing how they were impacted as the day progressed. Be sure to visit the Compassion Bloggers website to visit the blogs of others and read more. I can’t wait to share more with you this week, especially as I meet one of the children that we sponsor and hope you will continue following!
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Look at you in the circle of love…beautiful. I am so sorry you are sick, but so glad God is using it to touch your heart in a special and wonderful way. It is amazing how we go to serve and are often the ones who feel served. Thanks for the glimpse into your first day. I miss you.
I hate that you’re not feeling well, but I know that God has you right where he wants you. You’re ministering more than you know. Praying for you, friend, that God will work in and through you in a mighty way this week.
So sorry you are sick, Jolanthe! Praying for you and so excited to hear about your amazing week! Love you!
I am so sorry you’re not feeling well! I’ll send up extra prayers!
I hope you’re feeling better soon and I look forward to reading more from you, Jolanthe!
Such a sweet picture! So sorry you are sick. Praying that you feel better soon! Miss you!
Hi! I’m a new follower cuz of the trip! :)
It sucks that you’re sick – but God truly works for good in everything, doesn’t he? :)
It’s funny how we usually go into things thinking we’ll change lives – and in the process the lives we change, change our lives too. I love how God works that way.
Praying for you and the team! :)
Alyssa ~ Thanks so much for following along this past week. It was truly something life changing for me {and our family}. I LOVE how God works!
Love you friend!! I am praying for healing to your body and for you to feel great the rest of your trip! What an amazing opportunity for you to minister to these people but to be the one also receiving ministry!
Your post brought a smile to my face and yes, tears to my eye. Praying for loads of sponsors for these – God’s children.
Love you!
Maggie
This is amazing! I love seeing how the Lord is working around the world! I’m praying for you to get better, and I can’t wait to see what else the Lord does in Tanzania!
Hope you feel better soon. Looking forward to hear how God is at work in this place.
Wow! Words can not express the joy I feel as I look at this picture….I can only imagine the joy you feel sitting among those precious children. God has given you one of the most amazing adventures of your lifetime and I can already see the impact He intended!!! Love you friend….praying for healing and rest. :)
most definitely the adventure of a lifetime! :)
Oh, just look at you in the middle of those beautiful children! As I scrolled down and saw the picture of you in the middle of the kids, I got a lump in my throat and teary-eyed. You’re doing it! God has amazing things lined up for you this week. I hate that you aren’t feeling well, but I can’t wait to see what He has to show you…and us through your words. Praying and sharing for you friend!
Oh, just look at you in the middle of those beautiful children! As I
scrolled down and saw the picture of you in the middle of the kids, I
got a lump in my throat and teary-eyed. You’re doing it! God has amazing
things lined up for you this week. I hate that you aren’t feeling well,
but I can’t wait to see what He has to show you…and us through your
words. Praying and sharing for you friend!
hope you are feeling better. will continue reasing!!! <3 xoxoxo
Praying for your health, but our God works in ways that we cannot comprehend. Look at the smiles and joy of these sweet children of God that are surrounding you! You ARE doing the Lord’s work, even through your illness!! Bless you!
Wonderful photo of you with the kids. Sorry for your sickness. I pray the kids get sponsored. If we didn’t already have so many that we sponsor I would love to add another :)
We’re hoping to sponsor a few more and also start writing to kids that are sponsored, but have sponsors that are unable to write. Our kids love writing letters!! :)
I’m so sorry to hear you were sick, but it seems that it was God’s will for you stay behind and be with those children! How beautiful. As a fellow Compassion blogger, I just read Amy’s blog and it’s so incredible to see this through different eyes, view points, and passions. I pray you feel better soon, and I look forward to reading more of your blogs this week.
Praying for comfort for you, I’m so sorry your are sick. Looking forward to reading more and seeing you meet your sponsored child!
You are truly blessed by God’s sweet little faces, aren’t you? God will give you the strength that you need, no doubt. God bless you!
I hate that you are sick, but by the looks of that picture, you were supposed to stay at the church and spend time with those beautiful children! Can’t wait to see what God has in store for the rest of your time there. In the meantime, I’m praying for a fast healing!
Beautiful! Grateful for your story today. My husband just read your post with eyes watering. We all work with Shaun, so we are praying and following your trip!! Much love!!
the support and encouragement from you all has been so wonderful ~ THANK YOU!! :)
“Blessed beyond measure.” I was moved by your humility of having to stay back but also by God’s faithfulness of still blessing you for showing up. I am praying that this week is exactly what He wants it to be for you, whether sickness or health, comfort or discomfort. May His blessings for you be beyond measure!
Praying for you, Jolanthe, that you heal quickly. I’m looking forward to reading about the rest of your trip, and just know that God will be using you in amazing ways.
So amazing! Praying for you and trusting that God is going to heal you so that you can fulfill His purpose for you on this trip.
Praying for you to feel better. What a beautiful experience you had in the midst of your sickness. Thank you for going and for sharing your experiences with the rest of us.
What a wonderful experience – even if you’re not feeling at the top of your game, those kids are just joyful to have you around. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed you must be with love!
How exciting! Praying for you! Thank you for sharing……
Grace,
Teena
That picture is priceless. Praying you have renewed strength each day throughout your visit. Miss you and thinking of you constantly! (I almost called you yesterday to ask you a question…duh!!!) ;)
Praying for you sweet sister in Christ! Asking God to abundantly bless those whose lives you touch and sharing your vision with others out there on my pages. Hugs! Felice
Thanks, Felice! ;)