I am always excited when I see the email in my mailbox: “Your sponsored child, xxx, has a letter for you!” Through my journey with World Vision, these letters are something I treasure very much.
When I opened Irm's letter, I was looking forward to hearing his updates again. But this time, the letter was written by his grandfather.
At first, I was worried. Then I read on, and it was good news. Irm has moved to the city to live with his mother and siblings.
Irm was the boy who chose me last September in Dornod — the funny one who actually made me “fall in love” at first meeting. I still remember his smile and his cheeky jokes. It was a touching letter from Grandpa. I felt happy that he now has a chance in a bigger city, but also a little sad that our journey ended so quickly.
Four hours later, another email came through from World Vision.
It was about Helen, the girl I sponsored for three years in Cambodia. She has moved on to pursue further education outside her area programme. I met Helen last February — the quiet girl who came with her grandmother. Soft-spoken, shy, but with bright eyes.
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| Photo recreated to celebrate the spirit of children I sponsor, while keeping their privacy safe. |
When I visited both of them last year, I could see they had bright futures. I truly wish that they will have better opportunities, better choices, and kinder roads ahead.
In sponsorship, once a child leaves the area programme, the journey naturally concludes. Another girl has now been assigned to me, and I look forward to building a new journey together.
Departures are not always sad. Sometimes departures are signs of positive change. It means they are moving forward, growing, stepping into something new.
Today, I hold both gratitude and goodbye in the same heart.
I am grateful that love can travel across distances and cultures. Over the years, through my journey with World Vision, I’ve met children with different stories, different smiles—each one a reminder of how much hope there is in the world.
The faces may change, the names may change, but the purpose stays the same. I will keep showing up, trusting that even small acts of care can help brighten someone’s tomorrow.
Every small act of support can make a world of difference. If this story resonates with you, consider joining me in sponsoring a child—you never know whose smile you might help change.
May xx
