The UALR Children International staff recently went on a staff retreat. One activity we did really stood out to me because it put all of us in the same place as our sponsored children.

Each of us was given a balloon, and we each wrote a name of a sponsored child on the balloon. The balloons became the physical repsentation of our sponsored children.

During the activity, we had to carry our sponsored children through the course of their lives and see them through the ultimate goal of high school graduation. But we couldn't touch our balloons or each other to reach that goal.

We had to trust each other and communicate effectively so no child would be left behind. If a balloon hit the ground, it represented that child dropping out of Children International and not reaching their high school graduation. I know. It's heavy stuff.

This really hit home for us as a staff because our sponsored children go through so much on a daily basis. We realized we could be the only structure and guidance our sponsored children are getting.

Our kids may go home from school to an empty house every day. They may make their own meals or not eat a healthy dinner at all. They may not have a parent there to talk about school and help them with their homework. Older brothers and sisters are caring for their younger siblings. This is their daily lifestyle.

All our balloons but one made it to graduation. As a staff, we felt humbled to have walked in the methaphoric shoes of our children, but we felt empowered to know what we do at Children International helps ease their burdens. It is a beautiful thing.

We were so happy. One little group activity changed our entire perspective on how we serve our sponsored children and their families. And we couldn't be more thrilled.