A Heart Connection
“When Ed and I decided to sponsor a child through Mitrata, we had no idea how our eyes would be opened to life in Nepal or how our lives would be enriched in so many ways.
Our first photo of Sanjiv showed a very small, serious looking child. One of his initial letters told us he was eight and lived with his mother, attending school in Grade 1 at Hilary High School. Now, his University graduation has us once again reading over fifty letters, cards and drawings from him.
Sanjiv wrote that he dreamed of becoming a doctor for several years. He later changed his studies to computer science, and seemed very happy with his decision. We always looked forward to hearing how he was progressing. Sometimes we would see him on Facebook, with his friends. More recently, this included one very anxiety inducing (for us) bunging jumping video!
Sanjiv always reported on how he was doing in school. He was a good student. We hoped our letters and support would encourage him to stay in school. When we heard about the devastating earthquake in 2015, we worried, wondering if he and his Mother, or any of the children in Mitrata were alive or injured. We were so thankful for the communication from Mitrata’s Executive Director, Dr. Christine Schutz, and the Mitrata and BSF staff, for all that they were able to accomplish in the wake of the earthquake. I expect we were not the only ones who cried tears of joy when the email came that said they were all safe. And then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to Mitrata and BSF, Sanjiv was able to continue school. We were glad to hear he and his mother were able to recover from a COVID-19 infection.
Although we have never been able to meet in person, we feel a very strong bond to Sanjiv and Nepal.
Through our letters each of us shared about family, hopes, dreams, the ups and downs of life and things that we think of as important.
We started out strangers, became friends, and then family.
We could not attend Sanjiv’s graduation, but seeing how happy he was in the pictures was an emotional moment. I thought of his mother, who he loves and admires for how she struggled to do well in spite of very difficult circumstances. We want to acknowledge her for encouraging Sanjiv to stay in school and taking care of him for all those years. She must be so proud of her son.
Watching a little boy grow into an educated, confident and joyful young man ….there are no words to describe the feeling.
We are so proud of Sanjiv for what he has accomplished.
We will always have a heart connection.
The Mitrata story began many years ago with one little girl in need of care. We are glad to have been part of that ever expanding story. And we are thankful Sanjiv is a part of our story, as we are a part of his.”
Ed and Doreen Kozeny
Sanjiv’s Sponsors and Friends of Mitrata
