Hello Sponsor!

A blissful day to you! I am Anabelle C. Ranalan and am 17 years old. I have two siblings, and I’m the youngest. My father’s occupation is welder while my mother is a sari-sari store vendor.

When I was a young I experienced poverty. We were living near the river. Most of the time, my parents would go to work and my brother would bring me out to the street with a sack. We collected junk and unused things. After selling them, my brother would give me 2 pesos every time I worked with him to pick up scraps. My parents did not know that when they were at work, my brother and I were busy collecting junk for the needs of our home. There were times that we didn’t eat 3 times a day because the salary of my father was not enough for us. We didn’t eat breakfast; only a lunch meal. During that time, my younger brother also worked instead of going to school. However, my father did not tolerate him going to work because he wanted him to continue his studies.

In our difficulties, due to lack of money, we never imagined that we would eventually have 2 graduates! At an early age, I needed to work so that I could help pay for the expense needs of my continued studies. Even though my parents struggled to pay for our school fees, we compensated them with the awards we receive in school. We have certificates and medals! Also, every semester my brother was always at the top of his class. In the simple ways, we are giving our parents a happiness and hope that in the right time we will finish our studies.

Seeing my parents struggle and persevere pushes me to study hard so that we don’t experience what they experienced before. They can’t afford to send us to college. However, the good news is that through Bright Lights, I can continue my studies now! It’s my privilege to be able to study with the support of Bright Lights and our sponsors. My brother has already finished his college and is now working at a bank as an encoder. My mother has been extraordinarily encouraging and always has a great advice that can really affect the type of dream I have for the future.

Bright Lights gives me the opportunity to pursue my college degree. They will help me by providing my tuition fee and enable me to attend college. They not only help me financially but also spiritually. I now attended a cell group gathering and a Sunday service. They encourage me to get closer to God. I do my journal and daily devotion everyday as one of our subjects in our Bridge class. It is a wonderful and encouraging experience.

I am grateful that my family is now attending Sunday Service also. I’m also happy because I am one of the youth ushers every Sunday.

To my dearest sponsors, thank you so much for your unending support. I will not waste it. God bless you always!