Day 30

Half way, woo. *party popper*

Dear Sponsor Child,

Hello, I'm your sponsor, Meg. I live in Australia, which according to Google maps is a very long way from Rwanda (hysi) where you live. I don't think either of us need to really worry about that, though, seeing as we have no immediate plans to actually meet. It was nice to receive a photo of you. Do you mind if I scan it and put it on my Instagram? You are quite cute, but you know, digital permission and all that, I thought I'd check. Are you on Facebook? If so, friend me and I'll add you. I'm the only Meg Hitchick.

Your letter said that you live with your mother and grandmother. That must be pretty full on. I can't imagine lasting more than a few nights under the same roof as my mum and nanna, it would be like the perfect storm. Picture a Jedi fighting a Ninja and you get the idea. Angry Birds, much! Do yours get on alright? I hope so. I live with my husband Dave, and his second wife X-Box, and our two children Finn and Harvey. We have a small home, only have one spare bedroom and one living area (plus a dining room), so conditions are pretty crowded. Two toilets though, thank goodness. I don't know how people live without a second toilet. Means more cleaning, but it's sooooo worth it.

We also have a pet dog, Bear. I realise that that sentence is going to translate funny, but he isn't a dog-bear, that's just his name. Bear is cute and fluffy and sleeps on the heated floor under our bed. He is pretty useless, and it just cost us $200 to get him neutered, but that isn't much in the scheme of things when you think of how much we will spend on him over his whole life on food and grooming and stuff. Like, if he needs an operation or something we could be up for $2000 right there. Australian anaesthetic is so pricey. You guys have it so good, operations are heaps cheap where you are, so I've heard. It's only like $50 to get laser eye surgery over there, right? I bet it's even cheaper for dogs to get surgery.

So, you're five... did you have to start school yet? Finn started school this year. At the school where I work. Only three weeks until holidays, I can't wait, school is so dreary at this time of year. Especially cause it's so cold and dark in the mornings, and the cleaners have only just turned the heaters on in the classrooms when I get there, so it's freezing for like, the first hour and a half. My fax machine had a total spack this morning, I think because of the cold. I feel sorry for the kids who have to spend an hour on the bus each morning just to get to school, they must have to get up so early.

Do you have any idea what you want to be when you grow up? Pretty much everyone over here wants to be a rock star when they grow up, you know, really make a difference to the world. Rock stars are awesome because, like, when they speak out about things like poverty, people really listen and get on board. Some stars even sell their merchandise and donate some profits to charity. Forty bucks is such a rip-off for an album, but people will pay it, cause they totally get that it's for a good cause, every little bit helps hey.

Your letter said that your job is carrying water for the family. That must be nice, being outside all the time and keeping fit. You must have awesome biceps. Mine are so lame, because I don't get to the gym often enough. I'm just so freakin' busy, you know? So much to do. I work three days a week, which is so full on, I just want to come home and crash in front of the telly, but then it's like 'pack the dishwasher, do a load of washing, check my email, have a shower'... never ends. You know what I mean - or at least, I bet your mum does. With five kids, man, she must be doing like eight loads of washing a day. I bet she is disposable nappies all the way.

What do you do in your free time? You play any sports? Do you read much? My favourite books are the Harry Potter books. You read them? Maybe you've seen the movies. The books are better, you should read the books. I could send you some Harry Potter stickers if you like.

I'm so starving right now and I can't find anything to eat, I'm dying for some chocolate, but it's all gone *sobs*. So I'm off to go hunting, for some biscuits or something.

Anyways, catch you soon. I'm going to write all the time, except when I'm like, super busy with work and stuff. Or if my internet goes down again - sorry in advance if it does, stupid country internet is so dodgy. First world problems, eh?

Laytahz!

Meg xx