Former Sponsored Child: See Where Maribel is Now
From gathering broom grass to a thriving salon – Maribel, a former sponsored child, shares how a sponsor like you helped her grow, learn, dream, and succeed. Today, she’s living proof of what’s possible with a little help and a lot of love and determination.
Growing Up with the Odds Stacked Against Her
“I used to be covered in dust,” says 28-year-old Maribel, a former sponsored child who now runs a thriving hair salon in Bolivia.
“My parents sold brooms. They would gather the broom grass in the hills. My siblings and I started helping them as we grew up. Bringing small loads following behind them, all of us in a line, with my dad and my mom in front,” she says.
Maribel’s parents both worked multiple jobs to try and provide for their children. But it wasn’t enough. Every day was a struggle.
“I felt very sad,” Maribel says. “My family did too because we had many needs we couldn’t meet – medicine, clothes, and other things.
“As a child, I didn’t have a career I was dreaming of. I just wanted to leave school. My dream was to help my mom and go gather broom grass to support her, even if it was just a little,” she says.
The Moment Everything Changed
Maribel still gets emotional talking about the moment when, on the day of her 13th birthday, she learned someone like you had decided to put their love into action and sponsor her.
Maribel’s kind sponsor was Rachel from Kentucky.
“I felt so happy!” Maribel remembers. “I thought, ‘A sponsor? From far away? WOW!’ I really wanted to meet her. When I learned she had sent me a letter and I could reply, I was so excited.
“As children, we always called our sponsors ‘godparents’. I remember telling friends, ‘I have a godparent overseas!’ And I’d show them my little letters feeling so proud.”
Every day, generous sponsors like you are helping to flip the odds for children growing up in poverty like Maribel was. Children whose dreams are limited by the crushing weight of daily survival.
Your love is opening doors to a future filled with possibilities. A future where children can grow, learn, and reach their God-given potential.
Growing in Confidence, Belief, and Ambition
“My sponsor really motivated me to grow,” says Maribel. “She’d ask how I was doing in school and share about her own family and children. I would dream about receiving letters and reading them made me so happy. I wanted more and more.”
Soon, Maribel changed her mind about staying in school – and dreaming big.
“The Food for the Hungry team inspired us to do our homework,” she says. “They helped us with our assignments, and always told us we had to keep going, to keep studying, that our sponsors cared and would continue to support us.
“That’s what helped me stay focused – knowing I had to take this opportunity to study. I think that’s where my drive came from.”
Her sponsor’s compassion also provided practical support to help Maribel succeed in school. “They provided materials our parents couldn’t afford – school supplies, paints, paper, folders. It was an enormous help.”
Growing in God
“To my Food for the Hungry sponsor, l’d like to say thank you very much for supporting me and helping me grow, not just in my studies, but also personally, by introducing me to God.
“My sponsor talked to me a lot [in letters] about blessings and how God speaks to you and knows you, which helped bring me closer to God.
“I’m so thankful for the wisdom and blessings she’s shared with me and my family,” Maribel says.
Unwavering Family Support
Maribel’s parents didn’t have the opportunity to get an education, but they were determined to see Maribel break that cycle.
Her mom and dad were unwavering in their support and belief in her future.
“My mom always said to me, just like my sponsor and the Food for the Hungry team, ‘You can’t stop here. You have to keep dreaming. Keep going, keep studying,’” Maribel says.
Building Dreams and Businesses
Through her hard work and the love and help of her family and sponsor, Maribel reached for her dreams.
While still at high school, she studied pastry making and started a small business baking cakes for neighbors and friends.
She went on to university, where she completed Business Administration studies. At the same time, she earned her hairdressing qualifications from a beauty institute.
As a child, Maribel loved cutting and styling her dolls’ hair. She realized after earning two other professional qualifications, this was the dream she wanted to pursue.
After working in a salon and honing her skills, her parents encouraged her to open her own shop. With their loving support, she did! Today, business is booming.
“Thanks to all the support I’ve received, I’m here, with my education, my business, continuing to prosper not just for now, but for the future as well,” she says.
“I’ll keep improving, I’ll keep growing. In the future I see myself owning several hair salons.”
Paying it Forward
Maribel also volunteers with Food for the Hungry, paying forward all the kindness and care she received.
“The changes I’ve seen in the communities child sponsors support are remarkable. The children are so much happier now. They have the support to reach for a better future through education.
“It makes me emotional to see the kids, because I was once a sponsored child too, and I felt that same joy. I won’t forget the help given by sponsors, and I want to keep giving back,” Maribel says.
A Heart Full of Gratitude
“To Food for the Hungry sponsors, I want to give you my deepest thanks for all the support you give.”
“If I hadn’t had a sponsor, maybe my life would have been sad. I might not have kept studying. Maybe I would have just stopped there.
“Even though my parents supported me, having my sponsor pushed me even more to continue studying. Without their prayers, encouragement and support, I might not have reached where I am today.”
“Please keep sharing that happiness, giving from the heart as you’ve done until now. Thank you so much. Blessings to all of you. A big hug, and may God bless you always.”
A sponsor like you helped Maribel reach for her dreams and build the future God intended for her. Now, you can help another child grow, learn, and thrive. Start sponsoring today.
