So I wanted to answer a few questions about Compassion. If you have more - I'd be happy to add on to this post and try to answer them.
1. First - how did I get to go on this trip and how can you go on one?
I was asked to go on this trip. Compassion has taken four trips now with groups of
bloggers. You can go back and read about the trips
HERE. You can also submit your blog to be considered for future trips. Keep in mind they like to have blogs who have pretty high traffic because the idea is to get the word out and tell the story of Compassion to as many people possible.
BUT Compassion also takes
group trips that you can go that would be very similar to what we just did. I told Scott last night I would rather go on another trip like this one than go to the beach. Sure I love relaxing in the sun and eating shrimp at night but hugging little children and realizing that you are SO blessed and making a difference - is priceless.

2. What if you can't commit to sponsoring a child? Can you make a one time donation?
ABSOLUTELY - go
HERE and you can help with disaster relief (like the hurricane that hit El Salvador) or to the Child Survival program or to clean water projects. This is just as
impactful!

3. Can I send my child something besides letters?
Just because of the cost this would involve - they don't allow packages. This would increase costs to Compassion and might take away from the actual support of the children so they ask that you just send letters. You can make extra donations to your child. The family does not receive the money. Instead - leaders of the project that child is at will find out the needs of that child - food, clothing, medicine, school supplies - and buy that amount and give it to them. They keep all receipts of what is bought and meticulous records.

4. Do you only support children as long as they become Christians?
NO! We support children of many faiths but the goal is to relieve them from poverty in JESUS name. The gospel is taught to these children and 95% of them do come to know the Lord. It is not forced upon them but rather shared in love because we don't only want to fill their material needs - we want to fill their spiritual needs. It is a Christian organization that works through evangelical churches and it does not apologize for that!

5. What if I have to stop supporting my child?
Compassion will keep your child in the program and give them the same support they were getting previously and that is funded by general donations. They will try to get them a new sponsor.

6. How have I changed since going on this trip?
I don't think it has made me more giving because I have always had a giving heart and I have always known that God has blessed me WAY beyond what I deserve. I always try to look for ways to give. Most of the time when I hear any kind of need small or big - I try to do something to help. But I think it just opened my eyes even more to how much WE have and how parts of the world have so little. It also opened my eyes to the joy and happiness you can have with out all of this "STUFF". It's made me realize that Jesus is really all we need.
I went to Target yesterday and felt so guilty to be spending money. I DO want to sell everything I own and just live in a cave. BUT I also realize that God has blessed me so I can bless others and I take that seriously. Scott and I since we got married never give each other Christmas gifts. Our church has a Christmas store where we supply toys and then families can come and shop for their children. 800 families are expected to come this year. Scott and I always go shopping and spend the money we would have on ourselves to buy toys. I can't tell you how much more joy I get from that than from opening some present I don't need.
I'm not sharing about my giving to "brag" on myself because I'm embarrassed at how little I do after seeing how big the need is. We are working at giving more than ever. I'm sharing because I want to give you some ideas and then I would love today in the comments if you would share ways you give. I know not everyone has spare money these days - but I've always said giving of your time is harder than giving out money sometimes. Volunteering at a local shelter or food kitchen is a great way to give.
When I met the girls at the Arkansas Promise House - home for teen mothers - I was burdened for them and I sent them a lot of baby stuff and plan to send another big box next month. We have planned for months that for Harper's birthday we are going to ask for NO gifts but instead that people bring items off a list we provide that the Ronald McDonald House in Tulsa could use. We were so blessed to stay there during Harper's NICU stay that we want to bless them in honor of her on her birthday each year. We have donated to them and will continue to.
You can always find opportunities to give or mission trips to go on through your local church and I urge you to explore those opportunities!