Update on Marie Ange

So, I opened the mailbox today and found a letter from Marie Ange written on the 20th of February...just 8 days after the awful earthquake. I thought you might like to know what her cousin wrote for her.

"Happiness that is in Marie Ange's heart can't be measured. She feels glad to find this occasion that is so special to talk to you. How's your family? Marie Ange is very fine thanks to God, so his her family. She thanks you for the letter, thank you for giving much advice and lots of wishes to her. Thanks a lot for the gift of Christmas you sent her. With that money her mom bought a nice dress for her. She had nobody who died in the event that occurred, but her house has holes. She'll always pray for you so God blesses you. Help her to pray also because she'd like to become a great girl in order to be useful to her community and her church."

She went on to ask a few questions and sent me some good drawings. What a sweet family. I'm so thankful to know they are ok and all of their family is alive!!! Thanks for your prayers too!

Marie Ange

Matt and I sponsor a child through Compassion in Haiti. Her name is Marie Ange Benjamin and she is 5 years old. One of my favorite things is to open the mailbox and have a letter from her. Usually it's her grandmother or uncle writing it for her, but she always draws a picture for me.

I just got a letter last week and I can't help but wonder if that will be the last one. I got an email from Compassion yesterday saying they are working to locate her and will let me know as soon as they do. When I first heard of the earthquake hitting Haiti I immediately started to worry about Marie Ange and her family. I'm not exactly sure how far away they live from the capital, but I pray they were far enough away to avoid any harm.

I wanted to share with you one of the letters she wrote to us a few months back that brought me to tears. To think this sweet child wants to know more about me and how to pray for our family is humbling, to say the least. The letters are written in their language and then translated to English. That's why it may sound a little odd.

Here's what her sweet letter said:

This is a great pleasure for Marie Ange and her family to write to you any time it's possible. Much greeting to you in Jesus' name. Thanks a lot for your letter, your participation, and the Christmas gift you sent her. Her grandmother bought a beautiful pink dress for her with that money. Understand that God is using you to bless her. Know that God doesn't use people for nothing. May God in his grace accompany you in all that you'll do this year! May he always guide you on the right way because he says in Psalms 23 he's a good Shepard. Thanks for your love, your picture, and your beautiful smile. You are really a lovely family and the glory of the Lord is shining on your face. Bryan is a beautiful baby. She wishes that one day he will grow up into a big boy like his father, Matt. Thanks for everything! Do you have a sea in your neighborhood? (We sent a family picture of us at the beach.) Pray for her to keep on growing in the love of the Lord.

Her favorite animal is a hen. She likes almost all the birds and she likes to feed them. Her favorite colors are red, blue, and pink. She greets you and she takes advantage to ask you what you'd like Bryan to become so that she can help you pray.

I know many of us are tight on money, but there is one inexpensive way we can give. Text "Disaster" to 90999. This will add $10 to your cellphone bill next month and gives directly to Compassion to help in this time of need. If you'd like to give more, here's a link for you to Compassion's disaster relief fund.

Haiti, Our prayers are with you and especially with you, Marie Ange.