A Message and Request for Help from My Daughter

This showed up in my Myspace Inbox yesterday. You'll have to read the message to understand my words, but I'll just say this girl continues to amaze me everyday. The myths about teenagers being selfish is just that: A Myth. I know so many well informed, active, and overall wonderful teenagers.

Now: On to Chelsea's Message:

Children International

I currently sponsor a 7 year old girl from Zambia. Her name is Natasha. I sponsor her through an organization called Children International.

Today I got a letter in the mail informing me that because of my sponsorship I was entered into a drawing to win a free, all-expenses-paid trip to visit Natasha in Zambia. If I were to win I would be able to go to Zambia for four days, and during that time volunteer as well as take Natasha on a $200 shopping spree. Seeing as her family makes $21 a month, this would be a huge deal.

For every person that signs up to sponsor a child through my Lift One Project between June 15 and September 1st, my name will be entered into the contest once again, increasing my odds at winning.

Also, if I find at least one new sponsor during the contest period, Natasha will receive a special gift.

The sponsorship costs only $22 a month. With your sponsorship you get information on the child you sponsor (as well as the country they live in), and the opportunity to correspond with them through letters.

So why should you sponsor a child? Well, of course there are the obvious reasons. These children are in poverty, and a simple $22 to us is a lot to them. It's just part of our paychecks, while its doubling some of their monthly incomes.

To find out why I trust Children International, go to my Life One Project.

And why do I deserve this trip? Well I've been wanting to go to Africa for a while, because I'm very interested on the ongoing poverty and wars throughout it. Although I am lucky to have the money I do, I have no where near enough money to go to Africa. I have tried searching for free opportunitys, but most of them have qualifications required that I do not have.

I would love to be able to meet Natasha, and learn more about Africa by being there. I have written letters to, as well as received letters from, Natasha. It would be an amazing opportunity. I pay the $22 a month because I honestly care about this child. Last fall I gave up my blackberry for the simple reason that I wanted to spend the money I spent on the blackberry bill on sponsoring a child instead.

Although the sponsoring itself is rewarding, I feel like I deserve and would benefit from getting this trip. Unfortunately my words cannot convince a random drawing, but it can convince people to sponsor a child and increase my chances of winning.

I do not want to beg, or con anyone into this. This is just something that is extremely important to me. I would appreciate it if you could help.

Once again, please go to my Lift One Project to sponsor a child. You must sponsor the child through my project for me to increase my chances of winning.

Thank you for your time.

Chelsea