By Deron Denton
Dr. Meixner knows as well as anyone how important it is to keep children healthy. There are just so many preventable conditions which can cause long-term problems in children that might not be so serious for adults. Malnutrition, for example, can impair organ functions. And repeated ear infections can impede speech development and hamper a child's education.
Dr. Meixner was inspired by the obvious love he saw between Christine (middle) and her mother.
So Dr. Meixner was especially pleased to find his sponsored child, 12-year-old Christine Santos, in good health, in good spirits, and in good hands on his visit to Quezon City.
Here's more of what he had to say:
What inspired you to visit Christine?
Over the past several years, I've watched Christine's progress through letters, reports and pictures. She has become a part of my life. To meet Christine and her family was a large part of the reason I decided to travel to the Philippines.
How would you describe your initial thoughts upon meeting Christine and her family?
Christine is such a cute and sweet girl. I was very happy to meet her and her mother. I could tell that Rosalinda [Christine's mother] is very kind and loves her daughter very much.
Can you explain some of the ways you witnessed how your sponsorship is helping Christine?
I could see that Christine was healthy, which is very important in a child's life. I was also impressed with the facilities the children have access to. I read up on Children International before I became a sponsor; so I knew that their children are taken care of – but I didn't realize it was to such a great extent! As a university professor, I keenly understand the importance of education. I am glad to see my sponsorship being used efficiently and effectively.
Were there any particular anecdotes that helped you understand how sponsorship works in Quezon City?
Yes, I was able to meet the physician and dentist who help keep the kids healthy. I also met college student volunteers who, along with CI staff, tutor the children. I was very impressed by the whole operation.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Christine's birthday was coming up soon after my visit. So I told her that I'd like to get her an early birthday present. I expected she'd ask for an mp3 player or clothing, but she asked for food for her family. That really touched me: that an 11-year-old would think first about her family. I hope to have daughters like her someday.
