Three Year Old Teachers

I went to Guatemala the end of July for ten days with the hopes of helping as needed at the Home for Life in San Andres.  The days were full and purposeful; however, I felt that I received much more than I gave from three three-year olds.  Venancio, Luisito, and Hermalinda were my teachers for a week. They are teachers that I will never forget.

Venancio

Venancio taught me joy.  He jumps head first into each day determined to live it to the fullest.  Venancio  loves life amid difficulties.  He had a painful hernia when I was with him at the Home of Life; however, it didn't stop Venancio from enjoying each day.  He didn't let adverse circumstances rob him of his joy.   

Lord, thank you for my three- year old teacher, Venancio.  Bless him and continue to fill his life with abundant joy.  Lord, too often I have let circumstances rob the joy you have given me.  Forgive me, Lord.  Like Venancio, I want to freely receive your joy and jump head first into each day that you give me. 

 

Luisito

Luisito taught me about being a warrior.  He always had a stick in his hand ready to take care of whatever was in his way.  The stick in Luisito's hand seemed to get bigger and bigger as the week progressed.  One day he layed the stick down while he was coloring at the table.  When it started to rain, Luisito raced over to his stick, wrapped both hands around it and started beating the ground.  There was no doubt in his mind that he could stop the rain with that big stick.  Luisito lives with determination and courage; quick to pick up his weapons (sticks) and fight the enemy (rain).

Lord, thank you for my three-year old teacher, Luisito. What great plans you must have for his life!  May he continue to grow in your strength and courage.  May he be a mighty warrior in Your army.

In the past few years I haven't wanted to fight the enemy.  Luisito reminded me that we are in a battle and we are warriors.  You give me all that I need to stand strong.  I'll put on my armor, carry the big stick to advance Your Kingdom.

Hermalinda

Hermalinda taught me about receiving the Father's Love. In a few short weeks of her arrival at the Home she transformed from a scared, withdrawn little girl to a vibrant, irresistable three year old.  She has a heart melting smile that innocently lures others to pick her up and love her.  Life gave Hermalinda reason to withdraw from loving hands and hearts.  She had to leave her family to receive the nutrition she needed.  When she arrived at the Home, she didn't know Spanish and couldn't communicate.  However, Hermalinda was quick to trust and receive the love of others. I saw an amazing and beautiful transformation in a little girl who was brave enough to open her heart and receive love.

Father, Hermalinda is such a beautiful flower in your garden.  May she grow and continue to bloom. Send many gardeners in her life to nourish, care for, and love her.  Protect her from the weeds and thorns of life that would want to bring her harm. 

Thank you for bringing my three-year old teacher, Hermalinda into my life.  She gives me inspiration to open my heart to trust and receive your abundant love and the love of others.