By Holly Sosa
World Vision has always been a cause close to my heart. Two years ago, I decided to sponsor a child through the program. Partly to fulfill a calling the Lord had placed in my heart and partly to help heal my grief. The boy we sponsor has a birthday just a few days shy of my late son, Liam’s, and he lives in Bolivia, a country whose blood ran through Liam’s veins. We receive letters and pictures from our sponsored boy. Sometimes he colors us pictures; in his last letter, he shared that his dream is to become a police officer, a dream I don’t think could have been afforded to him had it not been for the work of World Vision in his village. Sponsoring a child has been both a rewarding and humbling experience for me, but if a monthly donation just isn’t a possibility for your family I’d encourage you to consider purchasing your holiday gifts from their catalogue of beautifully handcrafted options. I’m sharing this World Vision gift guide to inspire you to purchase gifts this season that aren’t only beautiful, but serve a bigger purpose.
Vietnamese Silk Scarf
Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers weave these traditional silky smooth scarves, helping to provide them with a sustainable income with fair trade wages.
Tree of Life Votive Holder
These artisans in India work hard to raise themselves out of poverty and help light the way for their children’s education.
Turquoise Medallion Necklace
This brightly beaded medallion is handmade by families in Delhi.
Upcycled Artisan Bowl
This stunning bowl is up-cycled from reclaimed industrial waste such as wires and metal. Artisans in India have hand bent and soldered each piece into inspirational shapes to create this artistic and elaborate bowl that is great as a decorative piece or to hold special items.
Silver Vines Cuff
A gorgeous, adjustable silver cuff bracelet with an intricately laced vine pattern, designed by artisans in Old Delhi, India. This stunning piece is the result of once-mistreated jewelry makers banding together to support their families through fair trade practices.
These gifts will encourage local economy growth in the villages while helping to provide the needs so many children and their families desperately need. They encourage children to learn trades, help get them into schools, and provide them with food and clean water to live. World Vision helps families achieve their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. They’re child focused and community based work has helped nearly one hundred countries. So, if you can’t sponsor a child I’d ask that you please consider their catalogue this holiday season and purchase a gift that gives twice over.
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