International Highlight: Uganda

GENERAL INFO

If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Uganda.

Compassion asks that we pray for three things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for the children and families who were evicted from their homes and are now homeless. Pray for God to provide for their needs in this time of transition.
2) Pray that Compassion can continue to train parents to learn skills that will provide financial stability for their homes and safety for their children.
3) Pray for the more than 12 million children in Africa who suffer from AIDS. Pray that Compassion staff will know how to meet the unique needs of these families.

And for some beautiful photos of Uganda, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN UGANDA

If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Uganda, read their ministry highlight here.

I love learning more about the churches and projects where our kids are involved. You can read more about the pastors here: Pastors in Uganda: Is Willingness to Serve Enough?

This is a challenging post that shares about the Batwa people of Uganda: Where Beauty and Extreme Poverty Meet.

Here is a fun post about how the Leadership Development Students (LDP) are investing into the lives of sponsored children: Equipping Emerging Leaders Through Service Opportunities.

Compassion provides vocational training to many of their kids and you can learn more about it through this post: What Do Sponsored Children Do When College is Not an Option?

Compassion's Complementary Interventions (CIV) is helping to create Food Security in Uganda! I love reading about Compassion's additional programs.

This is an eye-opening article about HIV and AIDS in Uganda. I recommend reading it if you have a child there.

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Margaret Makhoha was a sponsored child and is now a Ugandan senator! You read about her here and watch her story below:


Akite's entire family is being helped via his sponsorship! Check out his story: One Child Sponsorship Helps an Entire Family.

Olive is currently a social worker in the United States--but she was also sponsored by Compassion. Her story is inspiring: Living to Know Christ More. You can also watch her story below:


David was also a sponsored child and was released from poverty: Former Sponsored Child Becomes an Entrepreneur Success Story.

Hannifah's story is challenging: Living with HIV: One Mother's Journey.

Lawrence was a sponsored child and is now an LDP student: From "Cry Baby" to Respected Leader.

It's always fun to hear about sponsors visiting their kids! Check out this post where Shauna meets her sponsored child, Saddam: Sadaam {it's more than a sponsorship}.

Peter has been a pastor in Uganda for over 13 years and you can read his story here: A Profile of Courage: Pastor Peter Mugabi.

Fancy has a powerful story: Overcoming Abuse Through the Love of Jesus.

Patrick is an LDP student and committed to integrity--watch his story below:


And if you ever wonder how Compassion is combating malaria, read Anite's story: Treatments for Malaria -- What Helps Children?

Check out this story: Mistaff Meets His Sponsor.

And here is another story shared Joanita's story--she is an LDP graduate:


This post gives insight into a typical day in the life of a child: A Typical School Day for Brenda.

I enjoy hearing the perspective of Compassion staff in country and here are two testimonies from staff: Inside Uganda with Jessica Masanganzira and Inside Uganda with Patience Musiime.

The Compassion Bloggers went to Uganda in 2008 and they are going again in 2014! I love reading their posts and picked out my two favorites:

* In Which I Am Humbled Again and Again: There are lots of sights and sounds from Uganda that will stay with me forever, but for some reason last Tuesday’s home visit seems to be on constant replay in my mind. I can’t think of anything in recent memory that has affected me so profoundly, and every single time I close my eyes to rest or to try to sleep, I see a mental slideshow of that afternoon. More...

* Our Boy: Yesterday I met the boy we sponsor through Compassion. All this time we thought his name was Mukanga Dissan, but it turns out that Dissan is actually his first name.
We all met at a well-known Chinese food restaurant (yes, I came to Africa to eat Chinese food), and the Compassion workers brought in the children. Dissan looked a little nervous, until I approached him. He saw the soccer ball I was carrying for him, and his face broke into a smile so big it could light up this hemisphere. He couldn’t even bring himself to put down the soccer ball for the first 30 minutes. More...

Here is an interesting post with questions 10 questions that the bloggers answered: 10 Questions from Uganda.

FOOD

Compassion's website shares this information about food in Uganda:

"Ugandans eat many foods, including bananas, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans and indigenous vegetables.

Peanut Soup
1-1/2 cups dry unsalted peanuts
3 cups chicken stock
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 tsp. hot pepper sauce
salt
1 tsp. soy sauce
1-1/2 cups milk, scalded
croutons

In a blender or food processor, combine the peanuts and some chicken stock. Puree. In a saucepan, combine the pureed peanuts, the remainder of the chicken stock, onion, hot pepper sauce and salt to taste. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the soy sauce and milk, and continue cooking over low heat for another five minutes. Garnish with croutons and serve hot. Yields six appetizer-size servings."

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Compassion's website shares a post the following information about holidays in Uganda:

"New Year's Day, Jan. 1
Liberation Day, Jan. 26
Women's Day, March 8
Easter Week, March/April
Labor Day, May 1
Martyrs' Day, June 3
Heroes' Day, June 9
Independence Day, Oct. 9
Christmas, Dec. 25: The Christmas season is the most important holiday of the year in Uganda and is very festive. Shopping is popular and usually begins the first week of December. Gifts, clothes and Christmas cards are purchased. Caroling is also popular.
Uganda also observes Muslim holidays."

AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Uganda who are still waiting for sponsors.

Meet Abigael, who's 5.

Abigael's birthday is September 14. Abigael lives with her grandfather and her grandmother. Her grandfather is sometimes employed as a laborer and her grandmother is sometimes employed as a laborer. Abigael works at home carrying water, gathering firewood and teaching others. Abigael is not presently attending school. Ping pong, singing and telling stories are her favorite activities. She also attends church activities regularly. To sponsor Abigael, click here.

And meet Luzze, who's 9.

Luzze's birthday is February 18. Luzze makes his home with his mother. Carrying water, gathering firewood and teaching others are his household duties. His mother is sometimes employed as a seller in the market. There are 4 children in the family. For fun, Luzze enjoys rolling a hoop, ping pong and soccer. He attends church activities regularly and is in primary school where his performance is average. To sponsor Luzze, click here.

To see more available kids from Uganda, please click page.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)

International Highlight: Thailand

Apparently I got confused in my alphabetizing! I posted about Togo before Thailand. Oops! Either way, I now have both countries posted.

GENERAL INFO

If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Thailand.

Compassion asks that we pray for three things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for protection over children and families during the rainy season. Pray for God to protect them from diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.
2) Please pray for the children and families located near the violence between the Burmese soldiers and the Karen rebels. Pray for God's peace to enter this land.
3) Please pray for the children who have been abandoned by one or both of their parents. Ask the Lord to provide a loving caretaker. Also pray for the children to find healing in the Lord so as not to carry the feeling of shame or guilt.

And for some beautiful photos of Thailand, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN THAILAND

If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Thailand, read their ministry highlight here.

I love how Compassion has a focus on sharing the Gospel with the kids involved--here's a neat post about kids receiving their first Bibles: A Bible = Changed Lives!

Ever wonder what your kid enjoys playing? This post shares about tire racing, or tee-wong-law: What's a Favorite Game for Children in Thailand?

I love how Compassion joins forces with the International Justice Mission. You can read how they work together in Thailand: Assisting Burmese Refugees in Thailand With International Justice Mission.

And here is an eye-opening post about Human Trafficking in Thailand. I really encourage you to read this post.

Here's a fun post about a church in Sakon Nakorn: Bringing Christ to Buddhist Villagers.

And you can read about Compassion's work in the high mountains of Northern Thailand: Yellow Leaf Spirits.

A group of Leadership Development Students are working with refugee children and you can read their story here: The Refugees of Sao-Hin.

And here is another neat post about the work that Leadership Development Program students are doing: The Give With Love Club.

I love learning more about what happens to the letters that I send my kids, so I found this post really interesting: How Does Our Letter Translation Process Work?

And here is a fun post about the changed lives of some moms involved in the Child Survival Program: How I Came to Christ.

Ever wonder what happens when Compassion has been helping a church for years and the church becomes self-sufficient? I loved this post: How Does a Church "Graduate" from Compassion?

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Siriporn, a sponsored child, competes in tae kwon do. Her story is very encouraging: Siriporn: A True Christian Warrior and Christian Warrior.

Meet Suppakit, a sponsored child, and read his story: Life as a Burmese Refugee in Thailand.

Kittisak was a sponsored child, graduated from the Leadership Development Program and now he's a pastor! I recommend reading his story: Serving Jesus in Lamphun, Thailand.

Meet Wongduan, a mom who's enrolled in the Child Survival Program and check out her story: The Pain and Joy of Becoming a Mom.

The Child Survival Program doesn't just help mothers and babies--this CSP in Thailand was able to help Somporn, a single dad with a little baby: A Single Father's Journey.

Juli sponsored Nuy, a Leadership Development Program student, and was able to attend her graduation! I highly recommend reading Juli's post: How Deep Does Compassion Run In Your Family?

Vitoon is also a Leadership Development Program student! He had a special relationship with his sponsor, Richard: "You Give Meaning to My Life So I Want to Give You a Better Life".

The former sponsored child, Yamsuk, is making a differences in the lives of many: A Microlending Leader Emerges: Yamsuk's Life After Sponsorship.

Ever wonder What Difference Does the Child Survival Program Make in the Lives of Mothers and Babies? Check out Marisa's story!

Sudaphorn is another mom involved in the Child Survival Program and this is her story: "I Felt Like Ruth in the Bible".

Bee was a sponsored child--and now he's a Compassion employee! He has an encouraging story: From Sponsored Child to Compassion Employee.

FOOD

Compassion's website shares this information about food in Thailand:

"Thai food includes rice, beef, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruit and fish.

Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yam Goong)
This hot and sour soup is popular; each region has its own variation. This recipe makes four servings.

8 oz. shrimp, shelled and deveined, with shells reserved
3 cups water
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 lime leaves
3 thin slices fresh or dried galangal
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 stalks lemon grass cut into 1-inch strips
2 shallots, sliced
1/2 cup sliced straw mushrooms
5 green Thai chili peppers (optional)
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. black chili paste
1 Tb. chopped cilantro/coriander leaves

Rinse the prawn shells and place them in a large pot with the water. Heat to boiling, strain the broth and discard the shells.

Add the garlic, lime leaves, galangal, fish sauce, lemon grass and shallots to the stock, then the mushrooms and chili peppers, if using. Cook gently for two minutes.

Add the shrimp to the soup and reheat to boiling. When the shrimp are cooked, place the lime juice and black chili paste in a serving bowl. Pour the soup into the bowl, stir, garnish with the cilantro leaves and serve."

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Compassion's blog shares a post about the Loy Krathong Festival: Mai Pen Rai! Enjoying Thailand's Loy Krathong Festival.

AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Thailand who are still waiting for sponsors.

Meet Suppakorn, who's 12.

Suppakorn's birthday is December 22. Suppakorn lives with her stepfather and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water, teaching others and buying or selling in the market. Her stepfather is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Suppakorn participates in church activities and camp. She is also in primary school where her performance is average. Rolling a hoop, playing jacks and swimming are her favorite activities. To sponsor Suppakorn, click here.

And meet Jeerawat, who's 7 and who has been waiting 244 days for a sponsor.

Jeerawat's birthday is September 26. Jeerawat lives with his father and his mother. He is responsible for carrying water and making beds. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Jeerawat participates in church activities. He is also in kindergarten where his performance is average. Playing with cars, singing and art are his favorite activities. To sponsor Jeerawat, click here.

To see more available kids from Thailand, please click page.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)

International Highlight: Togo

GENERAL INFO

If you want to read more about the history, education and other information, read Compassion's page on Togo.

Compassion asks that we pray for four things for these kids here:

1) Please pray for the health of the children. There has been an increase in sicknesses such as malaria, typhoid fever, worms and other diseases. Pray for the Lord to protect and heal these children.
2) Please pray for parents to maintain their homes in peace and in unity. Pray the Lord will give them a desire to put away anger and violence and to have a heart of compassion toward their children and toward the child development center workers.
3) Please pray for the children growing up in families where there is often not enough food to eat. Pray the Lord will provide for them in abundance and that they will come to know of His love.
4) Please pray for the Lord to bless the child development centers. May these centers become known by the surrounding community as a place of love and opportunity.

And for some beautiful photos of Togo, check out Compassion's Flickr album here.

COMPASSION IN TOGO

If you want to read a thorough description of Compassion's work in Togo, read their ministry highlight here.

You can learn how Compassion is helping to bring safe water to Togo here: Safe Water Means Better Health.

Ever wonder how much your letters mean to your child? Check out this post: Sponsor Letters: Gifts from the Heart. Or ever wonder what your sponsored child likes to hear? You can learn that here: What is the Most Interesting Thing Your Sponsor Has Told You?

And here is a neat post about the Prayers of a Sponsored Child in Togo!

Here's a fun video about a different kind of Compassion Sunday:



Here are some posts about Compassion beginning their work in Togo: The Case for Compassion Togo, The State of the Children, The State of the Church and Compassion Togo: Putting Faces to the Statistics.

INDIVIDUAL STORIES

Meet Eyram, hear how Compassion was able to intervene in her life and learn about God's miracle: No More Fear.

And you can read Emile's story here: A New Home for Emile.

Gertrude is a child who suffers from epilepsy and I encourage you to read about the implications of epilepsy on her life: Epilepsy is Not a Curse from the Gods.

Fellow as the one millionth child registered with Compassion! You can read his story here: Our 1 Millionth Child and One Child, Each Child, Every Child is Special.

FOOD

Compassion's website shares this information about food in Togo:

"The most popular food in Togo is maize, which is made into a porridge called pâtes (French) or akume (Ewé). This simple dish is always served with "sauces" or stews, such as vegetable stews made with okra, ademe and spinach or meat stews made with fish, cow skin or large bush rats.

Fufu is another popular dish made with yams. Once the yams are cut and peeled, they are boiled until they have the consistency of dough. Like the pâtes, fufu is served with "sauces," with groundnut, goat and palm nut being popular flavors. Other crops besides maize and yams are prepared similarly.

Chicken Groundnut Soup (this would be a good soup to serve with fufu.)

1 chicken, cut into serving pieces, browned by frying and seasoned
1 large onion, chopped
2 fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
1 small tin tomato paste
1 Maggi cube
1 cup peanut butter
salt and pepper to taste
2 ½ cups water

Add the onion and water to a saucepan. Then add the peanut butter and tomato paste. Cook on gentle heat until the oil from the peanut butter starts to come to the surface of the sauce. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes before adding the tomatoes and seasoning.
Stir over a gentle heat and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
Serve with fufu."

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

And Compassion's website shares the following about holidays in Togo:

"New Year's Day, Jan. 1
Liberation Day, Jan. 13
Mouloud (Anniversary of the Prophet's birthday), March 9
Easter Monday, March 13
Independence Day, April 27
Labour Day, May 1
Ascension, May 21
Whit Monday, June 1
Day of the Martyrs, June 21
Assumption, Aug. 15
Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan), Sept. 21
Anniversary of the Failed Attack on Lomé, Sept. 24
All Saints' Day, Nov. 1
Tabaski (Feast of the Sacrifice), Nov. 28
Christmas Day, Dec. 25"

AVAILABLE KIDS

Please be praying for the kids of Togo who are still waiting for sponsors.

Meet Esse, who's 8 and who has been waiting 405 for a sponsor.

Esse's birthday is December 31. Esse lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for caring for children, washing clothes and helping in the kitchen. Her father is sometimes employed as a laborer and her mother is sometimes employed. There are 2 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Esse participates in church activities and Bible class. She is also in primary school where her performance is average. Playing with dolls, jumping rope and playing group games are her favorite activities. To sponsor Esse, click here.

And meet Azian, who's 7 and who has been waiting 405 days for a sponsor.

Azian's birthday is December 31. Azian lives with his father and his mother. His duties at home include helping in the kitchen, running errands and cleaning. There are 5 children in the family. His father is sometimes employed as a farmer and his mother is sometimes employed as a farmer.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Azian participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, playing with marbles and playing group games are his favorite activities. To sponsor Azian, click here.

To see more available kids from Togo, please click page.

(Note: all facts & photos are taken from Compassion's website and blog.)