Today I completed something that I have put off for far too long. Last year, we signed up to sponsor a child in Guatemala. We have sent in our money each month. Our delightful child has sent a letter each month or two telling us about her progress and daily life.

I receive those letters with equal measures of joy and guilt. Why? Until today, I had not written a letter. In a year…not one letter.

It’s utterly ridiculous that I have not written a couple paragraphs to our sweet child who has resorted to having to write, “I do so hope sister will write me back this time.”

What is wrong with me? Last fall, our family studied the pictures on the tables set up in the church foyer, trying to select a child to sponsor. I envisioned an entire project where we research our child’s country, discuss Guatemalan current events around the dinner table, and the children exchange glowing letters with our child in Guatemala resulting in life-long friendships. Is that too much to ask?

My life is a series of expectation management adjustments.

 I wrote a short and simple letter—a letter to say, “I see you. I am here.” Isn’t that ultimately what we all want to hear?

I attached a picture or two as well. Do you think this one will scare her too much?