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Lucy and Mercy in spring 2014.
This fall, Canopy Life has been celebrating our Sponsors. Each of our Sponsors is as unique as the students we serve, and we literally couldn’t do what we do without them. Today we want to introduce you to Lucy Holloway. An artist and designer living in Atlanta, Lucy was one of the first people to join a Sponsor Family when Canopy Life opened its doors. She’s traveled all over the world (including Kenya), has a reputation of being a connector of people, and is known for her commitment to mentoring the next generation. We’re really glad she’s part of the Canopy Life Family!
Read below for some of Lucy’s thoughts about what it’s like to mentor one of Kenya’s future leaders.
Why did you decide to sponsor a Canopy Life student?
I met my sponsor child Mercy when I visited Kenya with the 410 Bridge in 2014. I started sponsoring her through 410 following my trip because she is a gifted leader, beautiful light, and loving little soul. I wanted to support her education through continued sponsorship and hoped to be able to stay in touch through translated letters as she learned English.
After my trip, I connected with Christi and learned of her dream to open Canopy Life. It just so happened that God led Canopy Life’s staff to choose Mercy as one of the students that would comprise their first class of fourth graders. Christi had no idea that Mercy was the little girl I always spoke of!
I remember when we both made the connection that my sponsor child was going to be at Canopy Life. I was thrilled because I knew this would open endless opportunities for Mercy’s growth and future. I jumped at the chance to continue sponsoring Mercy and was excited to interact with her through Skype on a monthly basis. Christi’s vision for Canopy Life is incredible and I have loved watching God orchestrate beautiful things through this ministry.
Do you have a favorite moment or memory from a conversation with or letter from Mercy?
There are so many! One of the standout moments was my first Skype with Mercy. When I met her a year before, she spoke little to no English. On our first call together, after only four months at Canopy Life, her English was nearly perfect and we were able to communicate directly for truly the first time. It was remarkable to see how her time at Canopy Life had really enhanced her language skills and I loved being able to experience her personality on a new level and really get to know her.
What’s something about Canopy’s Child Sponsorship program that has surprised you?
The organization and consistency with the Sponsorship program is always impressive to me. I am always aware of what’s going on at Canopy Life and receive specific updates about Mercy. The communication with staff is seamless and the program runs very smoothly.
What are three words you would use to describe to a friend what it is like to sponsor Mercy?
Important
Impactful
Special
Is there anything not covered in these questions that you want the world to know?
On our last call, I asked Mercy how she was doing and she said, “I am busy growing in Christ.” She is seriously the best.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Lucy. We love our Global Mentors and Sponsors, and are grateful for the investment they make in the spiritual, academic, and physical development of our students.
If you’d like to learn more about Canopy’s Child Sponsorship program, check out CanopyLife.org/Sponsorship.
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Lucy and Mercy catching up over Skype.