Our next sponsorship story is from Brooke St. Clair!
Partnering with Caroline's Promise has been a blessing for many reasons. I have personally found a lot of amazing relationships and deep healing in my life. However, thinking about the partnership we have in Guatemala, I can't help but think of the way that child sponsorship has impacted my life.
In 2012 I went to Guatemala for the first time and met a kid that changed my life in ways that are hard to describe. When I left, after only spending one week there, all I could think about was how am I getting back. If you know me and we've ever talked about Guatemala at all, there's a good chance that I've told you about Carlos.
When I met Carlos in 2012, I knew he would always hold a special place in my heart. We've written letters throughout the years, and I have had the absolute privilege of knowing his family. Without a doubt, they are my family, and I love them more than I ever thought possible. That first year, his smile lite up the room, and even though I knew almost no Spanish at the time, we connected. I wanted to know more of his story and his family.
Fast forward to the summer of 2017. One night I was sitting in Guatemala talking to Lisa, and she told me that Carlos needed a sponsor. As a very recent college grad with a lot of new responsibilities coming my way, I panicked because I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I had spent so many years investing and getting to know Carlos and his family. I called my mom and explained the situation and asked what she thought I should do. Her response was confident and genuine. She told me that she would be happy to help because she knew how much the relationship meant to me.
Sponsorship through Caroline's Promise is SO much more than $40 per month. If you choose, it can be a life changing relationship. I have had the gift of watching Carlos grow up and knowing his amazing brothers who lead and point him to Christ. The greatest part about choosing to partner with Caroline's Promise is knowing that if you go on a trip, there's a great chance you'll get to continue to build those relationships. It's not about anything that I've ever done in Guatemala, it's about partnering with our incredible Guatemalan friends on the mission of a God. People are being transformed by God's matchless love through this incredible ministry.
See the thing is, we're all called. "To the nations," is not a suggestion or something that certain people are "called" to do. I was a 17 year old high school student who knew next to nothing about Guatemala. Now I'm passionate about the culture, people, and the amazing ways I see God working there. If I had not stepped out in faith, I would have never gotten to be a part of this beautiful partnership of child sponsorship. God calls us to things to much bigger than ourselves. How is he calling you to invest?
To find out more about sponsorship and to see children who need sponsored, click here