This is a little bit about me, Jill ~ the person behind this blog.
Jill and Jazmin in Peru ~ August 2010
- Wife ~ married to Kevin since 1996.
- Mother ~ two beautiful daughters whom I currently homeschool.
- Compassion Sponsor and Advocate ~ became a sponsor in 1994.
I created this blog as a resource for families to pursue the ministry of Compassion as a family. My prayer is that your sponsorship experience will be enriched and your family will be blessed.
Tiare · 604 weeks ago
simplybeth3 12p · 542 weeks ago
Bergies · 538 weeks ago
We are just really concerned about what is to be expected when a former sponsored child makes contact on their own and what is appropriate for us to respond to or say. We were told to just change the subject and that some cultures are more blunt about asking personal questions whereas, other cultures like ours are more blunt about other topics.
Does anyone else have experiences with former children they once sponsored and they made to graduation? What should we be concerned about? How can we interact with the now adult that we love, without offending them and yet protect ourselves. Should we be careful or even give it a second thought? We want to know what is "normal" for former/ graduated sponsored children to expect or request from their former foster parents. We understand that in North America we are definitely rich even those below the poverty line.
We were told by Compassion a while ago that we are not allowed to give out contact information either way. It is to protect not just sponsors but the children as well. We never imagined that a former sponsored child would have financial expectations of their former sponsor. Do you or does anyone else have any advice or suggestions on how to handle such questions and comments. I think there should be a place for former sponsors to know what to expect as they maintain contact with their child beyond sponsorship. Advice on how to nurture that relationship in a culture we know nothing about would be great. Unlike some sponsors we never visited our child, nor can we.
Have been trying to research this topic and found your site. It is difficult to find any helpful information on the subject. Your help or suggestions would be appreciated. We do want to develop and maintain a relationship with our "child." It is very difficult to want to move forward when you feel concerned that the individual may only be interested in what you can give them financially. Not saying this is the case, but it is difficult not to think so.
Thank you for your blog and your time.
fiddlejill 88p · 538 weeks ago
I have had limited contact with two recent graduates of mine. One was a graduate of the LDP program and I met him 4 years ago in Peru. He speaks Spanish and we can have limited conversations. The other was the boy we sponsored for 11 years in Kenya and speaks a little English. I have not encountered the issues you have, however.
If you don't mind, I would like to forward this to my advocate manager and see what advice he can give you. I could also present your situation as a blog post and see if other sponsors have advice for you. I know some sponsors have had great success in continuing a relationship with their sponsored child after graduation. I can be pretty vague about it - even let you read what I write before you post it. I'd love to know what others have to say about it.
Let me know if you want me to pursue either route for you.
Above all, I'll be praying for you and the situation. That God would continue to give you grace and wisdom in the situation and that a healthy relationship can be maintained.
Blessings,
Jill Foley
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sharon stanley · 525 weeks ago
fiddlejill 88p · 524 weeks ago
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