Don & Kay; Piraporn & Tosiporn

The founders of Handclasp, Don and Kay, arrived in Musekee on my last day. I'll write more about them when I share Tete's story, but it was nice spending time with them.

At dinner, I found out that the person who sponsors Piraporn & Tosiporn is going through some financial difficulties right now. So they're looking for new sponsors (many other kids are waiting for sponsorship as well!) Over the past few weeks, I've been feeling the desire to put my money where my heart is. I currently sponsor a child through another organization that I respect (otherwise I wouldn't be sponsoring a child through them!), but only about 15-30% of my monthly donation goes directly to the child. There are administrative fees, the need to support the staff in that area, etc. I understand all of that, but I want every penny to go towards the child.

I starting thinking and praying about sponsoring a child at the HRDC instead, but all these children that I know are already sponsored. I know that shouldn't matter, but it would definitely make my decision easier. So when Don told me about Piraporn & Tosiporn's sponsor, I felt like it was God dangling a string from Heaven telling me what to do. A total God thing.

[I will still support the other organization periodically, as I love how it is so in tune with what's going on in the world and provides relief to countries that need it. I have nothing against the organization; I just want to support a child who I can follow up on easily and keep in touch with his life after he turns 18 (which is when most other organizations stop their aid).]

The first boy that caught my eye on that first evening in Musekee was Piraporn. He was this cute little thing (it turns out he's 13!) with a sweet smile. He was standing in the back with the other guys, and I just knew that I wanted to love him. His twin, Tosiporn, is a little more difficult to figure out. He barely ever smiles and doesn't show his emotion quite like his twin (Tosiporn cries about 3 times a week!).

The twins have 10 other siblings, and the parents love their children so much and work so hard to make ends meet. Kay told me that she once visited their village and cried when she met their mom. Seeing this family made Kay put herself in their shoes. What would she do if she couldn't feed her family? What would she do if, even after working all day, she still couldn't provide for her family?

Wow.

Since coming to the center, the boys have gained some weight, and I expect them to be even taller and bigger the next time I see them. :)