With Heartfelt Gratitude

Sometimes a letter is sent from a student to their sponsor that is too good to not share with all of you. While this is written to one sponsor in particular, thank you to all of you who support this program who make these stories possible.

Dear Rhonda,  
You’ve restored my hope. Though we’re miles apart, I have felt your love, your support, and your presence for many years. This journey has not been easy, but because of you, I didn’t walk it alone.
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Graduation day was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Words cannot fully express how grateful I was. I thank God for you and for the entire Children of the Kingdom family. May you never lack.

My mother and my aunt were able to join me at the graduation. It was a bittersweet moment. When COVID-19 hit, my mother fell gravely ill and was bedridden for a long time. She was even paralyzed at one point, and the illness was unlike anything I had ever seen. The Children of the Kingdom staff did their best to support us during that time, but inside, I was breaking. I wasn’t sure if my mother would survive to see this day.

Despite everything, I pushed through. I sat for my final high school exams and, by God’s grace, made it to university. I kept it a secret from my mother—I didn’t want to burden her while she was still healing.

You and the Children of the Kingdom team walked with me. You helped carry the load. You became my family. You believed in my potential when life felt uncertain.
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One week before graduation, I called my mum and invited her. Her response was full of shock and questions:
“Who paid your school fees?”
“Who gave you food, transport, everything?”
“How did you manage all this without me knowing?”

She couldn’t believe it—and eventually, she went to ask Veronica (our Children of the Kingdom director) for answers, and she was overwhelmed at what had been provided for me every step of the way.

Now, as I write this, I am a university graduate having earned a Second-Class Upper Division degree. Kenya now has gained a new teacher in the field, and I will be teaching CRE (Christian Religious Education) and history.

My mum is doing very well now. She can walk again, and she is overjoyed.

Thank you for walking with me.  I pray the Lord continues to bless and provide for you according to His riches in glory.

Below is a photo of my mother and me on my graduation day—a testimony of God’s faithfulness and your incredible impact in my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Sydney