Jour 5

Ben says the darndest things in Africa

"Whatever kid picks the fox, he's mine."

"Your lifes a movie and it's rated PG-13."

Today was Compassion day, a day that is always legendary for every single person on the team. And everytime I have the honor of experiencing one of these days with people who have never seen the work of Compassion I am beyond blessed.

Let me tell you a little about Compassion before continuing with our day. Compassion is a child advocate program that is based in Colorado. It's goal is to seek and serve the least of these through a sponsorship program that costs a measley $38 a month. I have been sponsoring children through Compassion for 6 years now and have never once been disappointed with the program. From the American side Compassion works in that once a child is chosen to be sponsored a packet is received with all of the information about that child, the country they are from, what they like to do, information on their parents, and letter heads to write to the child. It doesn't seem like much is required of the sponsors but much is given, I have seen this time and time again in my travels to foreign lands, and in visiting multiple Compassion sites. On field Compassion is a highly respected program that aids in developing these children physically, emotionally, mentally, educationally, and most importantly spiritually. Compassion works with those who are the worst off, through a local church. I have seen countless lives changed by the work Compassion is doing, not just the children have profited but families, friends, and entire communities. In Burkina children go to Compassion on thursday (that's their day off school) and they are fed breakfast and lunch. Between the meals they are in classes, learning about Jesus, about health, and most importantly they are being taught how to just be kids. Here in Burkina once a child is about 3 they begin working, whether that means taking care of their younger siblings or helping make meals, they are put to use so almost none of the children actually have time to experience what it's like to play and Compassion allows them ample amounts of time to get out play games and have fun. One of the children's greatest joys about being involved in Compassion is corresponding through letters with the sponsor and this is where the 2 worlds meet. Letters are what inspires the children to pass exams, to play sports, to have fun, to go to church, to dream bigger than just today. I have sat and watched the indescribable joy that that child has as they receive a letter from their sponsor or as they write one in return. I have gone to the homes of the children and they have every single thing that has ever been sent to them (even stickers, still in packets), they cherish those things. The Compassion center also has extremely detailed packets on each child with letters, health reports, school reports, spiritual evaluations, copies of pictures, copies of everything. And the most amazing part about Compassion is that the children are not just a folder, or a packet, here on site the directors and teachers know every single child by name (up to 2 or 3 hundred per site) and know every single SPONSOR by name (of the children at their site). It blows my mind how amazing this ministry is. I could go on and on and on on my little soap box about compassion but I would much rather you check it out yourself, and see what Compassion is doing through the pictures below. Be inspired, sponsor a child, change a life!!!

www.compassion.com

(some random shots of normal sites along the road)

(a well in the city)

these children are fed, something they rarely get out here. In Burkina the man eats first, then the woman and if there is any left it goes to the child that they have chosen according to their potential for the future. (many children will never attend school because their parents can only afford to send one, and many will die of starvation or disease because their parents could not afford to feed them all-this is where Compassion is coming in to change and more so give hope of life.)

Quick funny story, this little girl was attached to Ben's hip, she said that he was her husband and she was his wife. Ben is now married to a much much younger woman who very much adores him.... ;-)

(that's fish in case you are curious)

The cook staff making lunch for all the children.

this is how they tie the children on the backs...Probably wouldn't fly too well in America.

Ben's wife giving him a kiss..

This is Claudine! I have been sponsoring her for about 6 years now and I have seen and visited with her, her family, and her center 6 times now. She has been the most amazing blessing in my life.

The most heart wrenching thing was to eat lunch with these children who literally have nothing apart from this program and to watch them offer you, someone who has everything in comparison, their only meal (maybe for that week). (There were few dry eyes during this time)

Our team with the majority of the kids at this center.

Dane sponsors a little girl in Burkina, her name is Florence and he had the amazing honor or meeting her, and her identical twin sister.

Susan also got to see Kadi again.

This is what children play with out here, trash.

This is 'ma petit soeur' aka my little sister Salee, she is quite a hoot and was soo excited to see me, as I was to see her.

Dane with the twins.

Dusty also got to meet the little boy he sponsors but he had the incredible opportunity to go to his house as well and meet the family. It was a very surreal moment in their lives, both Dusty and Serge his boy. This is the hat Serges family gave to Dusty for all he had done for them and their son. Receiving a gift is a very huge honor in Burkina, people will give all they have to bless you.

Dusty and the boys family.

saying goodbye

Today was one of those days that changes your life. No matter how many of these 'days' I have experienced I am never found numb to the power of Christ working in the lives of these children. Their joy overwhelms and captivates you and your heart beckons the love of Christ to be so much more than you are for their sakes and for Christ's commission.