Inspired to make a difference
A television program is what did it for Marta Rottman of California.
Marta says she was first inspired to sponsor a child through Plan USA while watching a television program about a celebrity’s visit to Kenya:
I was deeply moved to see how many children’s and adults’ lives were improved by [the celebrity's] contribution. Even though I didn’t have this woman’s financial status, I realized that I, too, could make a different in the life of at least one child.
I was introduced to six-year-old Monica through the Plan USA sponsorship package I received in the mail. When I traveled to Monica’s community in November 2005, I was thrilled that I would have the opportunity to meet her at the beginning of our friendship.
Even adults love yoyos
The first stop was at one of the local schools in the community where we picked up a community leader and official Plan liaison person. He showed me a beautiful new school built by Plan that replaced an old one-room school house. The new facility had about seven large classrooms. The children were happy and enthusiastic and they all wanted to be in my photos! I was more than glad to oblige.
At Monica’s school, I met several school administrators. I gave them the coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, sharpeners, Frisbees and yoyos that I had brought for the children. They had never seen frisbees or yoyos before so they were curious to test them out. What a delight it was to see these men having so much fun!
And then off to meet Monica
Then I was taken to meet Monica. I was so happy to meet her. She is a beautiful six-year-old child, typically shy for her age. Her mother, nineteen-year-old Susan, spoke excellent English and became my guide and close friend for the day. She related that Monica loves school, excelling in math, languages and religion. Susan herself returned to high school to have a better life.
In addition to Monica, her mother, grandmother, and teacher, there were about fifteen other people who had gathered at Monica’s home to be part of this special event. Several of the women had cooked a delicious vegetarian meal. I was very humbled by the amount of effort and resources that went into the five different dishes.
Susan gave me a tour of the family’s home. At the entrance to the brick structure there was a large room that led into what appeared to be several bedrooms. The bedroom where Susan, her sister, and Monica slept had two small cots. There was some sort of cushioning-like material on the beds but it was far from soft. The family could not afford mosquito nets (when I returned to the U.S. I sent them five nets) or cabinets so Susan’s and Monica’s books were piled on the floor. And as the house has no electricity or running water, the family members must haul water from a communal well that is not very close by and use kerosene lamps for light.
A sweet farewell
As the end of my visit drew near, I was honored to receive a gift from the family—a zippered tote bag containing two pineapples from the fields where the family worked. They suggested that I use the bag for produce shopping at an open air market. So you may see me with my new bag at the farmer’s market in Berkeley, California!
My visit to Monica’s family and community was a joyful celebration of friendship and love. My heart expanded to embrace this sweet precious child, her mother, sister and grandmother as part of my own family.
Despite the hardships of life, Monica and her family members have a positive uplifting attitude. I was so impressed at how they did the best they could with their limited resources and how capable the people of her community are in dealing with their challenging lives.
I have wonderful memories of this extraordinary day. Most importantly, I have the heartfelt satisfaction of knowing that I am making a meaningful difference in the life of one child and her family.
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Marta says she was first inspired to sponsor a child through Plan USA while watching a television program about a celebrity’s visit to Kenya:
I was deeply moved to see how many children’s and adults’ lives were improved by [the celebrity's] contribution. Even though I didn’t have this woman’s financial status, I realized that I, too, could make a different in the life of at least one child.
I was introduced to six-year-old Monica through the Plan USA sponsorship package I received in the mail. When I traveled to Monica’s community in November 2005, I was thrilled that I would have the opportunity to meet her at the beginning of our friendship.
Even adults love yoyos
The first stop was at one of the local schools in the community where we picked up a community leader and official Plan liaison person. He showed me a beautiful new school built by Plan that replaced an old one-room school house. The new facility had about seven large classrooms. The children were happy and enthusiastic and they all wanted to be in my photos! I was more than glad to oblige.
At Monica’s school, I met several school administrators. I gave them the coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, sharpeners, Frisbees and yoyos that I had brought for the children. They had never seen frisbees or yoyos before so they were curious to test them out. What a delight it was to see these men having so much fun!
And then off to meet Monica
Then I was taken to meet Monica. I was so happy to meet her. She is a beautiful six-year-old child, typically shy for her age. Her mother, nineteen-year-old Susan, spoke excellent English and became my guide and close friend for the day. She related that Monica loves school, excelling in math, languages and religion. Susan herself returned to high school to have a better life.
In addition to Monica, her mother, grandmother, and teacher, there were about fifteen other people who had gathered at Monica’s home to be part of this special event. Several of the women had cooked a delicious vegetarian meal. I was very humbled by the amount of effort and resources that went into the five different dishes.
Susan gave me a tour of the family’s home. At the entrance to the brick structure there was a large room that led into what appeared to be several bedrooms. The bedroom where Susan, her sister, and Monica slept had two small cots. There was some sort of cushioning-like material on the beds but it was far from soft. The family could not afford mosquito nets (when I returned to the U.S. I sent them five nets) or cabinets so Susan’s and Monica’s books were piled on the floor. And as the house has no electricity or running water, the family members must haul water from a communal well that is not very close by and use kerosene lamps for light.
A sweet farewell
As the end of my visit drew near, I was honored to receive a gift from the family—a zippered tote bag containing two pineapples from the fields where the family worked. They suggested that I use the bag for produce shopping at an open air market. So you may see me with my new bag at the farmer’s market in Berkeley, California!
My visit to Monica’s family and community was a joyful celebration of friendship and love. My heart expanded to embrace this sweet precious child, her mother, sister and grandmother as part of my own family.
Despite the hardships of life, Monica and her family members have a positive uplifting attitude. I was so impressed at how they did the best they could with their limited resources and how capable the people of her community are in dealing with their challenging lives.
I have wonderful memories of this extraordinary day. Most importantly, I have the heartfelt satisfaction of knowing that I am making a meaningful difference in the life of one child and her family.
Sponsor a child today!
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