I’m Leaving A Piece of My Heart In Africa
POSTED IN: Blog Posts, Compassion, Kenya Trip
Last week I introduced you to Ivon Magoma, our newest sponsored child from Kenya. I met her briefly on Wednesday when we visited her project in the Kawangware slum but I got to spend the entire afternoon with her today at Nairobi Mamba Village.
She was a little shy at first but she began to loosen up after I pulled out pictures of my family.
I couldn’t blame her for being shy and a little overwhelmed. Today was a day of firsts for Ivon.
Her first time at a restaurant…
Her first time in a bounce house…
Her first face painting…
My girls have seen giraffes at least a dozen times but today was the first time Ivon had ever seen one…
Her first time on amusement rides (or the African equivalent of them)…
Her first time jumping with her very own “skipping rope” that I brought her…
The first photograph she has ever owned of herself…
For a few hours today, Ivon was plucked from the poverty of the slums and allowed to experience the fun and happiness every little girl should know.
Our day of fun came to an end all too quickly. When it was time to go I hugged her tight and told her that I was so very proud to be her sponsor. I assured her that we would write soon and that we would anxiously await her letters.
As I got on the bus to drive back tears welled up in my eyes. I had only known Ivon for less than a week and yet I felt a love for her that made my heart ache.
Today was probably the most fun Ivon had ever had in her entire life…and yet why is it that I feel like the fortunate one? How could one little child affect me so deeply?
Today I and the rest of the bloggers here with me got to witness first-hand the power of a Compassion sponsorship relationship. I’m leaving a piece of my heart in Africa with this precious child.
You may never be able to meet your Ivon in person like I did today but your impact in their life will be no less powerful. You have the opportunity to change a life, to release a child from poverty and give them the hope for a brighter future.
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Visit My Website
March 7, 2010
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all welly-eyed by the end of your post, brad. i love how ivon feels like the princess she is…because of you.
Visit My Website
March 7, 2010
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wonderful posts!!! how lucky to be able to meet your child. i have a child in africa and in south america. don’t know, but hope, to meet at least one.
Visit My Website
March 7, 2010
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Beautiful post. Just like your new daughter.
Visit My Website
March 7, 2010
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I miss you so much! I hope I will get meet Ivon in person like you did. Can’t wait till you get back!
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March 7, 2010
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This was such a blessing to read. I love to see Compassion International at work in so manny peoples lives with showing the love of Jesus. its awesome that you have the opportunity to do this.
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March 7, 2010
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Amazing post! I can relate to the emotions and feelings you are experiencing. I met one of my sponsored children in Bolivia in 2008, and he was new to me as well. I wasn’t even sure if he (Noe) was even aware that he even had a sponsor when we first met. I will never forget that day; the day that I held one of the many faces of poverty in my arms.
THANK YOU for sharing your story with us all.
God bless you, and have a safe trip home.
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March 7, 2010
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Brad – I am so moved by your blog post today. SO MOVED! THE FEET are firmly in place on your ‘dream!’ Isn’t it interesting how we think we are going to MINISTER to another. Truth is, JESUS is there waiting to LOOK back at us through the eyes of those that we minister to. I ALSO LOVE your title of your blog….”LEARNING HOW TO LIVE” – it SO fits. Perfectly! Thanks for sharing.
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March 8, 2010
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Brad,
She is gorgeous! What an honor to make a difference in her life.
May God bless her and her family through yours.
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March 8, 2010
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*written with tears dropping down my cheek* Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing a glimpse into Kenya, poverty, need, and Compassion… My family sponsored 2 children yesterday… we had been planning to do so earlier, but hadn’t done it yet. This blogging trip that you guys have been so willing to do spurred us on. Thank you! – Michelle (Musika and Tugumisirize thank you, too!)
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March 8, 2010
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Thank you so much for sponsoring those children. This is why I’m here. Those beautiful children will never be the same…and neither will you. Write them often.
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March 8, 2010
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[...] I’ve only been in Kenya for four days now but already Africa has melted my heart. I’ll be leaving on Thursday but I’m leaving part of my heart here when I go. [...]
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March 8, 2010
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She is beautiful. What an unforgettable day you had with her.
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March 8, 2010
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Brad,
Very nice post. It really does put life into perspective.
I complain about stupid stuff all the time, but even the most simple things in life we take for granted is like gold to others.
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March 8, 2010
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What a beautiful thing to read and “see” first thing on Monday morning! To answer your question about wondering why you feel like the fortunate one…. I think both you and your little girl experienced a Blessing from God. It just affected you differently. I admire you a great deal for what you are doing in Africa, Brad.
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March 9, 2010
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Alece took the words right out of my mouth. She looks like a princess – and is one.
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March 10, 2010
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Brad,
I am FINALLY catching up on your posted and my eyes are soggy and my mind blown away.
I am SO glad you got to meet your child and wrote about it.
I cannot wait to meet my Nasim someday!
God bless you and keep you! May His face continue to shine upon you!
Thank you brother!
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March 13, 2010
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It had to be heartbreaking to leave Ivon to go back into the poverty she lives in. Bless you for giving her a special day to remember and for leaving her with your very special love. I pray some day to be able to meet my child, Nyumbura. She is so precious to me. Thank you for what you are doing and for sharing with us.