Mihretu

A few days ago while browsing the Internet I came along a banner ad that reminded me on something I wanted to do since my early 20’s.Since then I was interested in sponsoring a child in need. I could have started doing so while I was working in this bank back in Germany but after I went freelance money was very often an issue. I experienced one of the most embarrassing moments in my life at an Indian restaurant called “Curry in a Hurry” in New York City about six or seven years ago. I had ordered a vegetarian platter to go for $ 6.80 when I realized that I was not able to pay for it. I had no cash on me, nothing in my bank account and the credit cards I tried to use to pay my dinner were both declined.When the food was already sitting on a counter I had to tell the guys who worked there that I don’t have the money to pay for my order. They looked at me in disbelief, they looked at each other and then one of them said, “Just take it”.This was a very humbling experience. I walked out of the restaurant, down Park Avenue. Here I was, over 30 years old in one of the wealthiest cities in the world, walking down the street where the richest people live with less then a Dollar in my pockets. It was not a good day.During that time sponsoring a child was of course not an option. I had to take care of myself and make my life work. I have done that and things are much better now.I know what it means to have no money but at the same time I am so fortunate. I live in the land of opportunity. For me the American dream is still alive I can become what I always dreamed to be. Saying that actually makes me realize that I am already who I always wanted to be. I have great friends who always helped me when there was no money to buy food. I had a tremendous amount of spiritual help to let go of wrong ideas and beliefs about myself and to open me up to live my highest potential.I scanned through some of the pictures of kids that were available for sponsorship. Then I closed my eyes and hit the random selection button on the site and there she was, Mihretu. Mihretu lives in Ethiopia in an area that is severely affected by AIDS and is 11 years old.I take this very seriously. I made a commitment and I will sponsor Mihretu until she gets out of school. Knowing that there is somebody who cares about her and me being able to write letters might help her to overcome what she had to go through so far and enable her to live a better life in the future. At least that is what I am hoping for.   "Mihretu" My computer screen/Screenshot of WorldVision Website 12-06-08 at 11:45 AM