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Where Is Grevil?

9 posts
Llewellyn, Susan
April 15, 2014
My first sponsored child was named Grevil Omar Santamaria Acosta.  He lived in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.  He was age 7.  The year was 1996, and Children International had no online presence at all.  I had a paper photograph. And a printout of his family.  I sponsored him for 10 lovely years.  I went to visit him when he was 8. And our letters continued. I sent him stickers and viewmaster reels, postcards and photos.  He wrote back. 'I will wait for you with all my heart'...  my own little son.  I watched him grow up before my eyes. I tried to guide him through our letters. To always do what was right.  No matter what.  He wrote back that he understood.  All was wonderful.  Until he reached the age of 17.  All of a sudden, correspondence came to a screeching halt. With the only explanation being that 'his family has moved out of the area'.  No thankyou note from Grevil. Nothing.  Considering the close relationship we had, I think this is most unfair. Grevil would be 25 this May. And to this very day, I wonder what really happened.  I sponsor Florence now. I started when she was 3 and today she is nearly 13 years old.  But I hesitate to get very close to her. It is very difficult when they suddenly disappear.
debbies
April 15, 2014 in reply to Llewellyn, Susan

We wish we could consult with our sponsors before any decisions concerning the children are made.  But, with over 326,000 sponsored children in our care, this would be an impossible task.  Especially when our field staff is given little or no notice or warning by the families before they make decisions which can effect their sponsorship status.  

Our records indicate that Grevil's family's circumstances improved to the point that they no longer required sponsorship help and they left the program. While news such as this is always great for the family, it is always difficult for the sponsor.  One thing to keep in mind is that it is often the support of sponsors that helps give impoverished families the tools they need to seek a better life. 

Missing user
April 15, 2014 in reply to Llewellyn, Susan
Since he is no longer in the Sponsorship program, you are not in any way prohibited from trying to contact him on your own. My first child, Gisel, is 26 years old now ... and I found her on Facebook! And she wrote back to me, so now after all these years we have contact again. =) I've also found my third child, Joan, on Facebook ... but as of yet she has not responded to me.
Llewellyn, Susan
April 16, 2014 in reply to Missing user

Thanks, Saddare.  I am glad u managed to find your kids...this is great!  I have been looking up Grevil, from time to time.  And he knows my full, real name as well.  I feel certain that we shall encounter each other again, online. 

Best wishes...and I hope the other child contacts U soon.

 

 

Llewellyn, Susan
April 16, 2014 in reply to debbies

What kind of person receives money, love, visits, support from someone they have not even previously met, and when things improve...just walk away....no...I am sorry....that explanation just never satisfied me....

But..I continue on with Children International.... 

 

debbies
April 16, 2014 in reply to Llewellyn, Susan

We appreciate your continued support.  

Llewellyn, Susan
April 16, 2014 in reply to debbies
I told Grevil and Juan...a very important way to become successful in life, and to remain successful...is to display good manners.  And it is only good manners to write a Thank You letter if their circumstances improved and they no longer needed sponsorship.  And ...I know that the boys. . They would want to.  In fact...both Grevil and his little brother Juan would have insisted upon it. So it seems very strange to me that this was not done. It is not even a matter of continuing a relationship with them as adults.  But about the sudden, abrupt departure with no thank you letter whatsoever from the boys. Could they not have written a thank you letter?
debbies
April 16, 2014 in reply to Llewellyn, Susan

When families initiate their departure from the program (by moving, no longer wanting to participate, or notifying us of improved circumstances) our staff does not ask the families to write a final thank you letter to the sponsors.

However, if a family wanted to do so, the staff would have accommodated them by providing stationary, pens, etc. and would have forwarded the letter to our Kansas City office and we in turn would send to the sponsor. 

I wish we could have checked on this for you in December 2006 when Grevil and his brother left the program. At that time, we would have been able to send a memo and asked for a final letter from Grevil or even for more information about why the family felt they no longer need the support of our program.  

At this time, it would be hard to try and get any information. That being said, since we still have the SAC where Grevil received benefits, I can send a memo to ask if the family is still in the area and if so, share your e-mail, FB or other info with Grevil. 

Llewellyn, Susan
April 19, 2014 in reply to debbies
Debbie..thanks for your efforts.  But that wont be necessary. 
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