As I mentioned last week, my heart has lately been sucked into faraway places as I fall in love with two children I’ve never met. Our family has dipped its toes in the boundary-extending pool of Child Sponsorship, and are basking in the joy that comes with making a difference in the life of a child.

Mayli, the first child sponsored, is 3 and lives in Peru. Having spent time in that country during college makes me feel somehow closer to knowing her: I remember the landscape, I know the history, I’ve seen the squatter settlements. Mayli has captured our affections simply by virtue of being herself, and my own kids are thrilled to have her in our extended family.

Then, last Friday, something possessed me to scroll through the faces of the other children on World Vision’s site. This time I was looking for a little boy in Zambia, another country I’ve visited, and a place ravaged by the effects of AIDS. Let me just note that it’s nearly impossible to just “browse” through the catalog of children available and waiting for help! If your heart is open at all, you’ll want to claim one for your own. I think my husband is starting to worry  ;)

When I saw Rigan’s face, I just couldn’t leave him, smile frozen on the screen, waiting for a sponsor. What a little doll! Our kids were so excited to include another child to our prayer list; they’re clambering for opportunities to send love across the ocean.

If your family is searching for ways to teach generosity, selflessness, and love, please consider committing to a child. The teaching opportunities–and heart-training moments–are unmatched.

One of the delightful things we’ve been able to do together is to go to the store and purchase small items to send to our kids. Things like: colored pencils, a notepad, comb, hair clips, mirror, puzzle, and pencils are gifts that we can’t wait to send!

• Why not do a needs vs. wants lesson with your young ones?
• Or do a country study?
• Talk about how much money most families in that country have to live on each day.
• When you’re at the store, show your kids your shopping list and decide together what you’d buy if YOU were living on your child’s daily income.

Furthermore, the simple act of sending a card, photos of your family, or a letter are objects that become treasured in the small hands of your sponsored child. I’ve been following the Compassion Bloggers on their trip to the Philippines and was so touched by this article. WHEN you read it, be sure to scroll down and watch the video. [All of Emily's posts are gorgeous! Snoop around!]

• In fact, why not watch her video with your kids and compare and contrast the neighborhood shown with the one in which you live? Venn diagrams or a paper sectioned in half works perfectly.
• Also, discuss how the girl feels about her sponsoring family.
• Notice how she has kept letters and smiles as she reads them, probably for the hundredth time.
• Work with your kids to draw pictures and write small notes to send to your child.

YOUR TURN: How do you use Child Sponsorships to teach your children and grow your generosity?