Dear Wendy,

When I first met you, I think my heart cried. There was something about your sweet smile and the way you hid behind your mother's arm that made me knew that no matter what, I would love your kind spirit forever. When we entered the center, I instantly recognized you from your pictures. You were seven years old. You wore your hair in two braids, with one clip at the top and bottom of each braid. You wore a white shirt with a pink sweater and pants. You were nervous to meet me, and I was terrified to meet you. But you were kind, and I knew that the little girl that I would write letters to, and pray for would become so much more than just a little girl in a picture. Since the first time I met you, to the last time I saw you, my love for you has only grown. You have become like a little sister to me, and I am proud of the young lady that you are becoming. In the fall you will turn eleven years old, and I can't believe how much you've changed. I am so blessed that my family has had the privilege to sponsor, support, and love you and your family over the last few years. It has been a joy for me, and I love all the beautiful memories we have created when I have visited you. My hope is that you continue to learn and love God more, that you strive to achieve the dreams you have for yourself, never ceasing to smile and love those around you, and that you don't ever forget what God has done in your life.

With all my love,

Sophia

These are words I wish I could express to her in person. The young lady that my family has had the privilege of sponsoring over the past few years. She lives in the beautiful country of Guatemala, with her loving parents and three older brothers, any many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Four years ago, I had the greatest opportunity to travel to Guatemala with a group from my church. On this trip, we visited orphanages, schools, and communities of broken people seeking hope. With them, we shared the hope we find in our Lord Jesus Christ. It was on this trip that we also visited a town called Salama, where many families in our church sponsor a child through a global organization called Compassion International.

This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was fifteen years old at the time, and nobody from my family was traveling with me. Thankfully, there was families and individuals onn my team that kept an eye out for me and included me as part of their families. Even so, I had to be responsible, attentive, confident, courageous, independent, for my actions, words, and how I managed myself. It wasn't an easy task. A day didn't go by where I didn't wish my family was there with me. Either because I needed to feel comforted or because what I was experiencing was so amazing I wanted the people who I cared about most to experience it with me. Meeting Wendy, the child my family sponsors, has been one of the greatest memories that I have.

On the day I met Wendy, we began our debrief meeting by singing songs of worship to God. We then discussed what impacted us most about our day. One of the songs we sang that evening is called "The Stand". I remember looking around the room and watching others poor their hearts out, I remember replaying images of my day spent with Wendy and her family. That very moment is when my eyes filled with water. Shortly after, tears began rolling down my face. I felt overwhelmed by what I had witnessed that day, and I knew none of it would have been possible without God. In those moments, I was able to experience his love and awesomeness. It's hard to explain God for all that He is. We often fall short, but God never ceases to love and care for us.

Four years later, I sit here at home, wishing I could be there now. My parents and youngest sister are currently in Guatemala, and for the first time, my mom and sister will meet Wendy. I had the privilege of returning twice after my first visit, once alone and the second with my dad. I am so thankful for the years I was able to visit her and her family, and for a great God who made it all possible.

The Stand by Hillsong United:

So what could I say?

And what could I do?

But offer this heart, Oh God

Completely to you

I'll stand

With arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the one who gave it all

I'll stand

My soul Lord to you surrendered

All I am is yours