Compassion International- Kay Smiley

Compassion International provides a lot of training for those of us who are child advocates, because frankly, there's a lot to learn! About poverty, about specific country needs, and about how Compassion works. The most moving part is hearing stories from people who were sponsored through Compassion. It always confirms why we do what we do.
One of the testimonies we heard this weekend from was Olive, a young woman from Uganda. She grew up in the northern part of the country where war and fear was a constant part of her childhood. After she relocated to the southern area, she was selected for sponsorship through Compassion. The family unit of seven was lead by her 16 year old cousin, because everyone else had died. Olive was treated for tuberculosis and started attending school. The Compassion staff frequently checked on the family. Olive did so well in academics, leadership responsibilities and community service that she was selected to attend University through a special Compassion program. After one year, a U.S. coach saw her playing volleyball in Uganda, and recruited her for a full ride scholarship to a college in South Carolina. She received another full ride scholarship to get her Masters Degree in Social Work. She currently works in Atlanta, Georgia investigating cases of abuse and neglect. She also travels around the U.S. and speaks on behalf of Compassion. She has hopes of returning to Uganda to help children affected by the war. Olive is a truly beautiful young woman who's life was saved by Compassion. A life that was filled with no hope, transformed into a mature Christian leader, who has already transformed others.
This is why I do what I do.