Ginny is a teacher, and grandmother, and a world traveler. She says her goal is: “To make the world a better place.”

Surya is a very active and talkative little boy who loves to get to know volunteers. He is happy to be at Rising Star with his brother, Karthik Raja who is in 6th Standard. Surya loves to color and draw and his favorite thing is playing soccer with all the boys his age. One day, all on his own, Surya painted pictures for each of his sponsors and carefully sounded out each name the best he could. He is so sweet and thoughtful. 

When asked about her experience sponsoring Surya R., Ginny had the following to say:

I am a teacher.  I know the value of a good education.  I understand how important it is for children to have someone to support them in their education; morally, financially, emotionally.  When two of my most trusted friends became involved with Rising Star, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to help a child gain a good education.   I didn't really choose a child to sponsor. How could I pick one out of so many wonderful children?  So I asked to be given a child who needed a sponsor. That's how I came to be a sponsor for Surya. 

I thoroughly enjoy the letters and artwork (especially the colorful pictures) Surya sends to me. I keep his photo and his artwork on my refrigerator, next to that of my grandkids. I try to paint a little picture of my life in America in the letters I write to him and I share some of the things he tells me about his life in India with my grandkids.  I hope I'm building a bridge between their two worlds. 

Sometimes the world seems like a scary place.  But just knowing I have a little friend halfway across the world makes me feel better.  I guess I think of Surya more as a friend, than a child I sponsor.