I’ve been waiting over a year for this photo.

That’s Wondemu (pictured above) on his seventh birthday; the photo reached me yesterday. He lives in Ethiopia, Africa.

I’m not sure why he’s not smiling, but looking at him makes me smile. It makes him real.

Wondemu is one of the Compassion International children sponsored by the company that I work with. For 13 months now we’ve sent money to his country to help secure an education, food, and other basic needs for him.

For 13 months I have personally waited, wanting almost desperately to see him beyond the initial photo issued to us when he became ours.

He’s grown so much since October 2008.

In the letter that accompanied this photo his translator shared that Wondemu is in school, and enjoying his experience.

Enjoy it Wondemu. Enjoy it my friend. I’m enjoying your photo.