After years of exchanging letters and photographs, Plan International sponsor Wendy finally met her sponsored child Obed face-to-face during a recent trip to Rwanda. The visit, coordinated through Plan, turned out to be a day she will never forget. Here’s what Wendy had to say about the transformative experience.
What inspired you to sponsor a child with Plan?
Sponsoring a child was an easy decision for me. I used to live and study in Ghana, West Africa, in college so I have a personal connection to needs in that region. It was a no brainer since I have always known about the very real issues in Africa.
What do you enjoy most about being a sponsor?
I think it is a very special thing to help people in this way. The issues for children in that region in Rwanda are serious, and I know how much of an impact it makes to be a sponsor, whether it’s a donation or the monthly sponsorship of a child. I think in our everyday lives, it is easy to disconnect from the reality of life in other parts of the world, and I knew that even a little goes a long way. Obed was also very young when I first saw his picture. He seemed so little and we were excited to get to see him grow up.
How did it feel to meet your sponsored child in person?
It was incredible! And surreal! I mean, we had only seen our sponsored child in pictures, so to meet in real life was really quite something. My daughter, who is 12, was so excited to meet him, and I think she was surprised that all of the other kids in the village came out to see what was going on. We also met Obed’s parents, family members, teachers and school principal. Everyone was so gracious and kind. I felt a huge sense of community and togetherness and that we were really doing something rare and special, bridging a gap across oceans. I think we became real for them just as much as they became real for us.
Wendy’s daughter, Avery, was excited to finally meet Obed.
What was the best part of the day?
To be honest, the whole day really was one of the more incredible experiences of my lifetime. Everyone was so kind and welcoming and truly happy to meet us. It was truly a privilege to be welcomed by the family to their village.
My daughter Avery wanted to give Obed a soccer ball as a gift. This was a big success and he really loved it. The kids formed a circle and got to pass the ball. She loves soccer, and these kids did too, so it was an amazing thing to see them getting along and playing in this way. It was the moment when Avery realized how much she had in common with all the kids.
The Plan staff were also so helpful at showing us around. I was personally most surprised to meet the person who translates the letters to the sponsors and the staff member who takes the pictures of the kids that you see in the mailers. Meeting the people behind the scenes firsthand brought everything to life!
Wendy’s daughter Avery had a great time playing soccer with Obed and children from his community. | Vanessa, ©Plan International
How did you see Plan’s work making a difference in the area?
We started our day by visiting one of the farming projects aimed at improving nutrition in the community and for the children. We were greeted by the whole farming co-op of around 50 people and got to tour the new greenhouse. The community took so much pride in their project. They had done such work and we felt so honored that everyone took the time out of their day to show us what they had done. It was then that I realized what amazing and diverse work Plan is doing to improve the overall health and wellness of the communities. We were also able to visit one of the schools that Plan helped to construct. It was beautiful. We learned that the school allowed more children to go to school and also eliminated the long distance they used to walk. Some of the kids had been walking more than an hour to school before the school was built!
Wendy and Avery visit Plan International’s Thrive project and tour the new greenhouse.
What would you tell other sponsors thinking about visiting their sponsored child?
If it is a possibility to go, you absolutely must go see the work Plan is doing in the region where you are sponsoring. It will be a life-changing experience and you will see how incredible this organization really is. A visit like this connects you to the world in ways you never expected. It makes you realize how big your monthly contribution is and how much it means to those receiving it. Visiting also makes you realize how lucky you are to have what you have. We came back with so much gratitude, feeling reinvigorated to help.
Wendy’s visit with Obed was a community celebration — and a day she’ll never forget. | Vanessa, ©Plan International
If you could share one message with someone considering child sponsorship, what would it be?
Don’t hesitate. It is the easiest and best decision you can make. And you will live with knowing you are making a big difference in the world. Your help is needed.
If you are interested in visiting your sponsored child, we would be thrilled to help organize that for you! All sponsor visits must be coordinated through Plan. Learn more here or call 800.556.7918 to speak with a friendly donor loyalty representative.
