"I fell in love with Lesly Viviana from the moment I laid eyes on her. It was a few days before Christmas 2004, and I had decided to give myself a present by fulfilling a long-held promise to myself. I had always wanted to sponsor a child, and I finally found myself in a place where I was able to do just that.

I looked through the waiting children on Children International's website and gravitated toward the pre-schoolers, because I worked with young children and enjoyed being able to watch them grow. Almost instantly, one little girl caught my attention. It was her brilliant smile and the glow in her eyes. I could tell that she was a happy child, full of spirit. I signed up as Lesly's sponsor right then and there.

I have had the pleasure of being Lesly's madrina, or godmother, for three-and-a-half years now, and it was by far the best Christmas gift I could ever have given myself--or her. She is my chiquita bonita. I have the satisfaction of knowing that I am making a difference to a special little girl, and helping her single mother provide her with a better quality of life than would be possible without sponsorship. She turned 7 on August 7th, and being able to raise these funds for her is the best birthday gift I can imagine!"