Resetting of the grief button

Matthew 18:10 ESV / 1

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew18:10

Our family just received one of those important news from your sponsored child letters from Compassion International today. It was the child that our daughter had sponsored.  Her name was Mischel Pumay and she lived with family and was attending a Compassion location in Guatemala.  We wrote letters to this girl and pictures that Maria had drawn were sent to her.  When Maria died we continued to support Mischel with financial and letter support. The letter was changed to 'The estate of Maria Gabrielson'.

The letter that was sent said that Mischel's family had moved away from the Compassion location and would no longer be involved in the Compassion program.  On an emotional level it felt like a huge emotional let down for our family.  As long as Mischel was part of our family's life there would be this connection with Maria.  On a logical level I understand that families move for a variety of reasons ranging from a parents new job in  a different neighboring village to moving to be closer to family.

Still it hurts. The letter was like removing a scab from a wound. Just when you think you have recovered the scab is removed and you relive the pain of loss. You relive the grief when your child died. Now, the pain is much shorter. It hurts a little while, but then it subsides. We reflect on the prayers and letters our family sent to her. We remember the moment we were notified that Mischel had prayed to received Jesus Christ into her heart and how we rejoiced for that decision she made.

This is what Compassion International is about. Opening up your hearts and sharing it with kids in countries like Guatemala. Through the compassion program their needs are met and they come to know Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Our family may never correspond with Mischel again, but we are grateful that we had a part in bringing the gospel to her.

We will probably request another child from the Compassion program simply because there are children who need this program. I encourage you to watch the above video and pray for the possibility of being part of a child's life through the Compassion program You will be glad you did.