Can I write too?

It was a warm sunny morning after a cold night. As I headed for the BOL Home, I started making mental plans of where and how to gather the children to write the Easter greeting for their sponsors.

The children’s communication with our ministry friends has been like a red thread (a Romanian expression that implies a main event that runs throughout history) that started back in 2003. It is interesting to see how this has progressed over the years. What was perceived initially as a task the children had to do became more of a friendship and relationship that they so desire, especially the newer children who do not yet have sponsors.

Children have asked me several times before: Do I have a sponsor? Did I receive a letter? They also want to write to someone. I tell them that maybe one day I will have a letter for you as well. Maybe next time I come to Brosteni, I will have a sponsor for you. Then you can write a letter to your sponsor.

On this particular day, as usual, I had a list of the children that needed to write letters to their sponsors. I asked them to come with me to write the letters, but I did not anticipate what happened next. As we headed for the office, I turned around and was surprised to see a much larger group of children following me than were on my list. I turned and playfully asked them: “Where are you going?” I knew that only a small number of sponsored children have ongoing communication with their sponsors. The children looked at me and explained, “We want to write Easter letters too. You promised that we could send letters too next time.”

I could feel my heartbeat rising, and I found it hard to control my emotions as my eyes began to tear. For a second, I stood watching their smiles, not knowing how to answer. They all wanted to have a friend to whom they could write. They all want to feel that special bond with someone and have the excitement of receiving a letter.

So I took all of them with me to write Easter letters. After a brainstorming session, we created the text of the letter and translated it into English. Then everyone worked diligently with great effort to write the letters in English. They were all so happy to be able to do that for you.

Maybe for us, the letters might seem old-fashioned, routine, or lacking significant topics. But, to the children, they are filled with connection and meaning.

At the BOL Home, they now have a new life, no longer defined by hunger, sickness, or neglect. With God’s help, we are devoted to changing their present and their future. Yes, they are well fed and cared for in the home, but they also long for a friend, someone they can open up to and share their heart with, someone especially for them.

That day was time well spent with them, but I had a sad thought on my mind and in my heart. What would I now tell them when they ask if they have a reply to their letter?

What would I do with all these unaddressed letters? Now we have many letters, each filled with the heartbeat of a child. Letters ready to be sent to a ministry friend.

Would you consider becoming a pen pal for one of the new children at the BOL Children’s Home in Romania? All they need is a few minutes of your time. You can mail your letter through the postal service, attach a photo of your handwritten letter to an email (bolsponsorship@gmail.com), or just send an email letter. We will translate and pass your letter on to the children right away.

Thank you for reading about my experience on this random day in the children’s life. Each day is exciting and unique when you have a family of over one hundred souls as we do at Bread of Life. Your involvement is much needed and treasured. Will you help me have an answer for the next time? God bless you.

Luminita Panican