Plan Burkina Faso

I'm super excited so I thought I would share this right away. When I was on holidays I went out shopping in Van & was feeling good, etc. and I ended up signing up to sponsor a child through Plan 'Because I am a Girl' campaign. Now after I did that I had what I call 'buyer's remorse' - a feeling of regret and worry over how much I spent. I also was worried that I was being conned because I spent a long time in retail and became a very suspicious person. However, I have been thinking about contributing to something for years now, I just wasn't sure what I should do and I made no effort either. So, this guy was standing around near Kids Books and then voila! When I got home I looked this up online and I tried to convince myself it was legit. But, really, until today I felt like maybe I really was an idiot. One of the things that appealed most to me was that it was not religious based, which is why I have not been keen on some of the other organizations that advertise on T.V. so often. I am by no means opposed to their work, but I would personally rather contribute to something secular.

The proof is now here though and I am ecstatic that I'm not an idiot and I'm helping others at the same time. I got a pamphlet about the 'ambassador' child who's name is Hairata. She lives in Burkina Faso. They also provide some info about the community and provide pictures of Hairata and her brother, as well as more detailed info about how Plan uses sponsor donations.I had never heard of this country but it is just north of Ghana & Cote D'Ivoire (they were in the 2011 World Cup, though their main striker plays for a European team professionally - if you even care about Soccer, which you should). The money I donate does not go directly to the child, but the whole community. It's used for improving their schools, access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare (which includes things like providing mosquito nets, vaccinations, etc.). It's $35/month which is why I had the buyer's remorse - but it's really just the cost of a dinner & a movie or a pair of shoes which I can definitely do without. I can also claim it on my tax return so that will help a bit.

They encourage the sponsors to write to the child which I feel a bit weird about. I think About Schmidt is kind of in the background of my mind. But, I suppose it would be interesting for Hairata & her family to see pictures of where I live. I really have no idea what to say exactly but I suppose if I muster up enough umph to do it I'll just keep it pretty simple & not blab on about my problems. I will likely send a picture of Hal too though, because he is really cute.