It has been on my heart to sponsor a child since last summer, when I went on a mission trip and helped run a kids camp for the local children. I saw the need for love and attention, and when I came back home I was fired up to make a difference in the life of a child- right away.
I wanted to rush into sponsoring a child, but I had absolutely NO money and my parents didn't think it was a good idea at the time. So I waited. Then this past winter, I again felt the urge to sponsor a child- a little girl from Uganda named Eron. I talked with my parents and prayed a lot for God's guidance. At that point my parents finally said "okay", but God did not. After getting the okay from my parents, I had a horrible night sleep and felt sick to my stomach about the decision. Alright God, I get it, not yet.
Then, I hosted a Compassion Sunday this April. Four children were sponsored by church members and I was ecstatic! However, there was one little boy who was always looked over. He had been waiting an ENTIRE YEAR for a sponsor, and at the age of six that had to be hard! For the two Sundays I had the packets displayed, I always put this little's boy packet front and center. When people came to look, I mentioned this little guy, who had been waiting a long time. But there were no takers.
The deadline for turning in sponsorship forms was quickly approaching. I was waiting on one church member to turn in their form. While waiting, I prayed to God about this little boy, that someone would sponsor him and end his wait. Then an idea struck... I could sponsor him. I had recently gotten a summer job and had money saved up in the bank. God seemed to be screaming 'yes' this time! I was set on my decision, but had failed to run it past my parents yet. When I told them I wanted to sponsor this boy, they were quick to say no. But God was able to change their minds, and they knew it was something I really wanted to do.
So on Friday, May 18th, I officially sponsored Salif!