A few weeks ago, I bumped into a couple of young guys at the Skytrain Station. I was on my way downtown and they seemed harmless enough. Not sure how it started but we started chatting and the next thing you know, I'm getting a rundown on Plan Canada (formerly known as Foster Parents Plan). After a bit of conversation, they asked if I'd ever considered 'adopting' a child and to be honest, I had. My only concern with the specials I'd seen on TV was that they were usually affiliated with a religion and to be honest, I didn't like the idea of some of my hard earned money going towards spreading a belief I myself don't stand behind.

It was a good day, I was feeling generous and I signed myself up. A week ago, I received my introductory package in the mail along with the first pictures of Fatou Diop, a two year old little girl from Senegal whom hubby and I will help put through school. My paltry $35 a month help provide her with vaccination and medicine, food, clean water, school (when she's old enough for it) and clothing. $35 a month is just slightly more than what I pay for my monthly Zip membership. Not a whole lot of money to help save a little girl's life.

I've shared her story with my mom who is very excited about sponsoring her own child. I can't believe the amazingly rewarding feeling I got from two little pictures and the knowledge that I was making an impact on a little child halfway around the world.

From here on in, you'll probably have semi-regular updates on Fatou so you may as well meet her:


I know. She's ADORABLE!

I've also uploaded a photo of Fatou and her mom which you can see here.