It's like the lottery,

only you win every time.

Back in college, Compassion, came to speak at Chapel. They were encouraging students to sponsor a child. I felt the tug, the urge and had the desire to sponsor a child. There was just one problem. I barely had enough money to eat myself or pay for my books. No, I was not destitute, but the honest truth was that I really didn't have a penny to spare. Maybe I ignored God's pull and followed my own desires. Had I sponsored a child, I have no doubt that God would have provided the funds. However, I made a promise to God instead.

I would sponsor a child with each child I had.

Yes, I bargained with the Lord. I was a new Christian and had only accepted Jesus as my savior when I was a sophomore in high school. In my mind, it was an acceptable promise to make. I'm in no way justifying this bargain, but it is what it is.

Well, I remembered this promise and Craig and I are throwing the dice and Compassion is going to send us a sponsorship packet. We are specifying a few criteria because this child is going to also be Madeline's child to help sponsor and we want her to be able to relate. Therefore, we are requesting a girl, 3-5 years old from South America (3 is the youngest age you can sponsor). Craig's mom was from Chile and we want Madeline to learn Spanish and correspondence with her in Spanish will help. I did a quick search and there are 49 children that fall within that criteria. We have no idea which child will be chosen for us, but God already does. And He knew when I made Him a promise 12 years ago.

Yes, it's like playing the lottery accept we are going to win no matter what.

And another little girl is going to be part of our lives forever.