Three highlights stood out for Celine and David Warne about their first meeting with their sponsored child, Mary Lucila: hugging Mary for the first time, seeing how proud her family was, and realizing how “together” they were and how hard they were working on improving themselves and their lives.
The Warnes had planned their January 19, 2011 visit for months and the trip was long and difficult – first, to Asuncion, Paraguay, and then a three-hour drive to the suburbs of Coronel Oviedo. But all of that melted away when they saw the family gathered outside their home, eager to meet them. In a three-hour visit, they shared photos, ate lunch together and chatted.
Then the Warnes got to see the school where Mary recently completed grade 9 with honours, thanks in part to the school support, snacks and lunches provided to her and her brother through CCFC's sponsorship program. Sponsorship has also allowed Mary and her mother to complete a manicure course offered at their local community centre, and her mother is enrolled in an adult education program to finish high school.
“The family works hard and our sponsorship helps them overcome the lack of employment opportunities. Mary is also a dedicated, hardworking student who has good goals, and her education will help her succeed,” the Warnes wrote to CCFC after their visit. “Our relationship with Mary was good; however, we will be closer in the future.”
Your $38 a month donation is all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.