For sponsor Maurice Galli, letters are good but seeing his sponsored child face to face would be even better. That’s why he didn’t wait long before deciding to pay her a visit. Just a little over a year after sponsoring her, he was off to the Philippines!

Maurice wanted it to be a surprise but when he learned that it has to go through a certain process and that it would be impossible to keep it a secret, he decided to mention it in one of his letters. Although there were no exact dates, his sponsored child Ruffa Mae was so excited and looked forward to it every day.

Little did they know that it would be the same day as Ruffa Mae’s elementary graduation! Call it coincidence but having her sponsor attend her graduation made an already special day even more special.

If that wasn’t enough, the school principal thought that it would be a great honor to have a sponsor speak at the ceremonies since a significant number of her students are sponsored children. Maurice was more than happy to accept. As he calls it, it was indeed a “happy accident” that everyone would remember for a long time.

In his brief but touching speech, Maurice emphasized the value of education and challenged the students to make something out of themselves and do good in school. While keeping her identity anonymous, he also promised to do anything that he can to help with his sponsored child’s studies.

After the ceremonies, a simple celebration over stir-fried noodles and bread followed at the child’s house. Maurice was met with a warm welcome from the entire family and with a few words, they were able to express their love and gratitude for him.

With this visit, he saw how significant a sponsor’s contributions are to a child and his or her family after seeing their humble situation. But more than that, it made the whole sponsorship experience more real for him. “Before she was just a picture but it’s different now, when I write letters it’s as if she’s sitting right beside me.” Now, every letter would be more personal, from a grandpa to his “Filipino grandchild,” as he calls her.

P.S.

The day after his visit, Maurice entrusted Children International with a fund that would cover Ruffa Mae’s education until college…and an additional fund to improve the child’s home.

More than just a happy accident, a happy ending is definitely in sight!