Like you I have no children and struggled initially with what to write about to my two boys who were 9 years old when I first started sponsoring them.  They are now almost 16!  

I tell them about my travels which can be educational for them because they like to go to the map to see where I have been.  I discuss holidays -- what they mean and how my family celebrates them. When we were going through the Presidential elections I told them very generically about the candidates and the historical significance of the outcome.   I do have nieces and nephews the age of the children I sponsor so I sometimes talk about them, their sports and classes.  If you work you can tell your child about what you do.  Doffie, Rose and Kristen who are also long time sponsors do not have children either so hopefully they will provide their thoughts too. 

I try to always include a picture in my letters.  When I don't I usually hear from them that they want pictures!    Make sure your picture and letter is less than 1 megabyte due to the limited bandwidth that they have in Kabul.  Short letters are better per Andeisha because they are easier to translate.  They just enjoy getting letters no matter what they say!

When I am rushed but thinking of them I sometimes just send a quick letter to let them know I am thinking of them and sending a big hug.

Hope this is helpful!  

Terry Cardwell

I am always stuck when I  write to him since I don't have children of my own. I never know how much I should ask about him or what kinds of things might be interesting to him. I don't want to make the letter too long.  I have been writing short letters and I usually include photos of interesting places I have visited but I think I need to branch out a little.  

What do you write to the children that you sponsor? 

No, it's not usual to have the story section entirely blank, although it can happen. Often, that initial "story" is very brief and you'll get more up-to-date information through your correspondence with your child. You should have received a link to the sponsorship site, where you can track your interactions with your child, including the emails sent back and forth and the donations you've made.

The orphanages have recently gone through a big burst of expansion, due to the sponsors who came on board after seeing Brian Williams' stories on AFCECO, and so some of the administrative side has been a little erratic as they try to manage all the new children and their sponsors. I've noticed that the emails from the children are being sent a bit irregularly, but I'm sure that will settle down once the new influx of children has been settled into the orphanages.

So, give it a little time and see what develops. If you don't hear from your child for a long time, drop an email to CharityHelp to see if there's any problem.

Rose

i just started sponsoring an afghan child, and have a couple of questions.  upon receiving my child's info, i noticed it was merely just a picture and the child's birthday and what orphanage she is in.  the section that was supposed to have the child's story was blank -- is this normal?  and i didn't receive info on how i can view the orphanage, as indicated upon registering -- is this also normal?  it's really no big deal, as i have already sent a cordial message to the child.  perhaps there isn't any story for this particular child, and no online info about the orphanage?  anybody have advice?  i did send a message to the administrator.  thanks, everyone.

~John~

Any amount of money is appreciated and as you mentioned a little goes a long way over there. Though not as far as it used to.  Within the past three years the cost of sponsorship has increased tremendously due to the inflated housing and fuel costs in Afghanistan.  This is why there are so many sponsorship levels.  The basic sponsorship used to cover it all.

My sponsored children have all known their birthdays which is very unusual.  Given that you were not provided with your child's birthday chances are she does not know when it is.  I am sure Andeisha has a way of addressing this.  I will ask her.  The children love to hear about day to day things in the lives of children their age so the content of your letters is great.  They also like to receive pictures of where you live and of your family.  I try to include one picture with every letter I write.  

I am just starting "Stones into Schools".  His first book "Three Cups of Tea" was wonderful.  It is now required reading for officers in the Army I believe.  Greg Mortenson has been advising the new commanders in Afghanistan on how to interact with the Afghan people particularly the tribal elders.  Hopefully this will help us be more successful in "winning the hearts and minds".  

AFCECO has a link to amazon.com where they have a wish list for items.  Just another idea for donations.  

I will get back to you after I speak to Andeisha.

Terry

I didn't get to see your reply until mid-January but had decided fight my impulse to send a "christmas gift". 

I like the idea about celebrating the birthday.  I had already been thinking that in my next email I will ask my child's birthday so I will be ready to send something special for that day.  The information I received of my child was only name, location, age and of course a photo..  She is 8 years old and our email communication consists of me trying to talk about stuff my own 8 year old son might find interesting and in return Salma draws us pictures and writes a short message.

Thank you for the gift suggestions.  I would of course make use of the CharityHelp monetary gift site but you've given me lots of ideas on what to request the money is used for.  I'm not sure how far the U.S. dollar will go there as far as clothes though.  I am amazed how far the dollar goes in terms of education.  How much is an appropriate gift, dollar wise?  I am aware of the gymnasium plans and hope to make a donation towards that in the near future.

I'm working through some books to educate myself on the region, the people and the struggle to bring education back to the children of the region.  I'm working through "Stones into Schools" by Greg Mortenson right now.  It is quite an eye opener.

Thanks again!

~John~

I apologize for not responding sooner. I have spoken to Doffie Rotter to make sure my thoughts were in line with other sponsors. We agree that it is wonderful that you are thinking of your child during this holiday season but you should not send them a gift to celebrate a Christian holiday.  Over the years the children I sponsor have sent me holiday greetings on Christmas morning.  This has meant the world to me and I find checking my e-mail on Christmas morning has become a ritual.  I have learned from their understanding of the importance of this holiday to me and try to remember them on their special Muslim holidays with the appropriate greetings.  

Sending a "just because" gift is something that some sponsors do.  Often it is in the form of a monetary gift (via Charity Help website) with specific instructions on how they would like the money spent. Cost of mailing to Afghanistan can be expensive and one never knows if items will make it through customs. I have been successful at sending packages to the orphanage but mailing times have varied from 3 - 8 weeks. It is nice if the gift is something that can be shared with the other children (dvd, games).  I send money for birthday parties for my children and ask that the party be for all the children with birthdays in the same month.  Celebrating one's birthday is new to most of the children and they really enjoy the parties.  I normally ask that clothes be purchased for my children for their individual gifts.  Most of these children have nothing so having their own new clothes is very special. AFCECO is in the process of purchasing equipment for a gym for the girls since they can not play outside.  Helping with this effort is another idea for a gift that can be shared.

I hope this is helpful.   Congratulations on becoming a sponsor!  It is an amazing experience.

Terry Cardwell

Thanks for any input!  ~John~

And now we all, old-timers and newcomers, have our place.