My Sponsor Visited Me

Pierre Faye - Posted on January 5, 2009

There is nothing more special for a sponsored child than to meet their “friend from afar” in person. This is the story of Gilbert and his chance to meet his special friend.

“My name is Gilbert I live in Tattaguine. I am 8 years old. I attend my village primary school. I am in the second grade. I live with my parents since I was born, and they say that World vision started sponsorship activities since 2004 here.

I used to write letters, draw nice pictures, and send greetings and wishes as I keep on doing now. I also received letters, gifts, small books and school fees [from my friend].

But, the day I was told Jon, my sponsor, was coming to my village to see me, I was so happy that I spent all the day telling it to my friends who wished they could have such an occasion. I didn’t know Jon. I only read his letters.

My parents were also happy to expect this visit. No one could believe that he would travel from one country to another only to see me. Then, I realized that I have friend and was very proud to tell it to everyone.

My father, Ndiack, told me one day I am lucky, it is a chance (opportunity)!

The day Jon arrived in Poffine, he came with four other friends, one member of World Vision and my child supervisor. We did not organize a feast, but all the children of the family, all my friends, and my family were there.

The [area] was crowded; children were running, crying and clapping their hands for Jon and his friends. They greated everyone and entered the room to talk to me and my parents. I was so happy that I could not talk too much. It was the first time I was visited by a sponsor.

I noticed also that he was happy, he was smiling. He asked many question to me and my family. I did not know what he was telling in English, but World Vision agent translated for us.

My parents thanked him for sponsoring me, they prayed that our friendship would last long, they told him how they are happy and how they appreciate sponsorship and what World Vision is doing to help us. They asked him questions about his family and his life. Jon was very happy to answer and let them know what happens in his country.

My sponsor had many things to know about our reality, our way of life, where we live and this was the day he took photos with me and my parents.

Jon gave one bag and a ball. He told me to learn very well at school and play football with my friends. Jon arrived after lunch and we spent one rich hour. I appreciated that while I was having my photo with him, my mother gave him one traditional cloth and my father [gave him] one photo and they told him to remember us in his family.

At the end of his visit everyone was happy and I wish he could stay more with us. If he spent the whole day, I would show him our cows and the field where we grow millet.

I will never forget this day; it was a real pleasure for me to spend very good moment in my new family.”

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