We value our donors immensely. Their dedication to children, families and communities they’ve never met is inspiring to us and the people they help. So, it’s uplifting to hear from long-time donors like Janet who’s been devoted to helping children with us for nearly 20 years. We chatted recently about her 12-year journey with her current sponsored child, Ritzy. The Nicaraguan youth is learning English and excited about her future. Keep reading, as Janet tells us more about herself and her bond with this special teen.
Could you describe yourself in three words?
Caring, environmentalist, family-oriented.
Why do you love supporting children?
Because every child deserves a good life.
Tell me how you’ve bonded with Ritzy
She loves being outside. Because that’s what [I] love, too, I felt like we had so much in common, even though we were so far apart and we’ve never met.
What’s your fondest memory of your relationship?
I don’t think there was any one moment. When we first [began sponsoring] her she was the age of my grandson now. Now she’s going to be 18. It’s seeing that growth over the years, the way she writes her letters now…. I’m glad I kept these letters.
Tell me about her letters and how they’ve evolved
She’s telling me more about her family and she mentions more about her classmates now — more than she ever did before. It sounds like she’s excited about her life. She sounds like such a mature girl. I don’t think I was that mature.
Can you see the difference your support has made?
Absolutely! We send her money for her birthday, and for Christmas and Easter, besides the regular sponsorship money, but I always get a little note or two back saying exactly what they did with it. You hear the thankfulness. I remember getting letters that said they were improving the water service and the sewage. I remember they got a brand new floor in their house. Then, of course, there is school now.
What are Ritzy’s hopes and dreams?
It says here [in her last letter], “I’m going to start a beauty class in March sponsored by the municipality and learn to cut hair, do makeup and paint nails. It may help me open my own business in the future.”
What is your wish for her?
Her dream of becoming a hairdresser, that’s wonderful. I hope if that’s what she wants, that’s what she’ll do…. If she thinks she can accomplish something, she needs to try it.
Sponsor a child today.