Imagine sitting at a dinner table in Nicaragua with a few of your friends from church as well as a few local people you are meeting for the first time.

Not knowing Spanish, you sit patiently as everyone introduces themselves and shares where they are from and the impact Rainbow Network has had on their life.

Our supporters know that our mission is double-sided: people give in order to create life-changing opportunities for others, but the giver’s life is almost always impacted as well. There is always common ground between our supporters and the people we serve.

Steve was sitting at this table, listening to about 25 people share their stories. He had spent a few days in Nicaragua witnessing first-hand each of our programs, and he could relate to each story he heard. He also knew, thanks to his student’s profile picture, that his sponsored student was at the table. He could not wait to share who he was and interact with his student.

But Steve didn’t know who was sitting right next to him.

He didn’t recognize her face or name, and he listened as she shared her story. She shared that she was the mother of a scholarship student and that the scholarship program had changed her family’s life.

Through tears of gratitude, she shared how she wishes she could give her daughter’s sponsor a hug and thank him. She said her daughter’s name, and it dawned on Steve who this mysterious woman was – it was his student’s mother!

Keeping calm… or at least attempting to… Steve introduced himself next. When he said his name, he saw this woman’s face light up as she realized who he was. It was a joyful and tear-filled moment that Steve will never forget.

It was during that dinner that Steve saw the impact of his generosity – his dollars really made a difference.

He understood that he was partnering with his student, her family and her community.

Steve shared with me that sometimes he wonders if his donations to other organizations are really making a difference. He gives to Rainbow Network because he has seen how his donations change lives, and he encourages others to support this mission as well.

The school year has just begun in Nicaragua, and we have several students who are available for sponsorship. You can follow Steve’s lead by becoming a sponsor and seeing a family’s life change for the better. Sponsor a student today.

–Megan Herrera, President

*Steve’s name was altered to protect his identity.