I'm a Compassion Advocate. So what, right? I hesitated to become an Advocate because in spite of the fact that I'm a teacher, I don't like speaking to large groups. Actually, it's worse than that - I panic. (Teaching is different. It's sort of like being a singer or actress who is shy but has no problem taking the stage.)
The school where I work is currently moving to a new building (yes, in the midst of the school year). I now work as technology integrator/tech support, so it's my responsibility to make sure all the technology is set up and ready for the teachers to teach the first day after Christmas break. Besides computers, we have SMART boards, SMART document cameras, and SMART slates.
I found a Ning network for SMART users. When I completed my profile for it, I included this blog as my website. I almost changed it because this is not a technology blog, but I thought maybe I could reach someone on that site.
The next morning, I awoke to a message from another member of that Ning network who is also a Compassion sponsor. He read my post about letter writing and said that it was a slap in the face for him because his family sponsors two children through Compassion and two more through another organization, and he might have written four letters EVER. He has decided to write once a month and work up to twice a month by summer and asked me to hold him accountable. I cried.
I am so excited for those children.
That day when I went to work, I told my partner that story. She and I share webmaster responsibilities for our school, but only one person can get the stipend, so my plan was to give her cash when I get half the stipend at the end of January. She said that she had been intending to tell me that she wants her half to go to Compassion because she and her family don't really need anything, but the Compassion children do. I cried again.
Those are two of the best Christmas gifts I could ever receive.
If you feel that you need to write more often, check the Compassion website where you will find a great letter writing tool with really fun stationery. You can even upload pictures.
Do you want to sponsor a child? Click here. It will change your life.
The school where I work is currently moving to a new building (yes, in the midst of the school year). I now work as technology integrator/tech support, so it's my responsibility to make sure all the technology is set up and ready for the teachers to teach the first day after Christmas break. Besides computers, we have SMART boards, SMART document cameras, and SMART slates.
I found a Ning network for SMART users. When I completed my profile for it, I included this blog as my website. I almost changed it because this is not a technology blog, but I thought maybe I could reach someone on that site.
The next morning, I awoke to a message from another member of that Ning network who is also a Compassion sponsor. He read my post about letter writing and said that it was a slap in the face for him because his family sponsors two children through Compassion and two more through another organization, and he might have written four letters EVER. He has decided to write once a month and work up to twice a month by summer and asked me to hold him accountable. I cried.
I am so excited for those children.
That day when I went to work, I told my partner that story. She and I share webmaster responsibilities for our school, but only one person can get the stipend, so my plan was to give her cash when I get half the stipend at the end of January. She said that she had been intending to tell me that she wants her half to go to Compassion because she and her family don't really need anything, but the Compassion children do. I cried again.
Those are two of the best Christmas gifts I could ever receive.
If you feel that you need to write more often, check the Compassion website where you will find a great letter writing tool with really fun stationery. You can even upload pictures.
Do you want to sponsor a child? Click here. It will change your life.
I'm also a quieter sort of Advocate. I've felt a little discouraged during my first few months as an Advocate (although I will be doing some presentations this spring). I love hearing stories like yours...it is such an encouragement! Thank you for sharing.
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