Hope for Afghan Children

Dear 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

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