Pakarina (8), Giovanna (6), and Giovanni (4) are three children who attend the Agua Viva Kids Club. The three children are very well behaved and energetic. They are happy children and quite thankful for what they have.

The other day I walked them home after Kids Club. When I entered their home, I was shocked by their living conditions. They live in a two-room home. One room is the kitchen, and the other room is a bedroom for all 8 people in their home.

Recently, their mother had a difficult time giving birth to twin girls. When I visited, the twin girls were happily asleep even though it was quite noisy in the home. There was a special bond with all the children, and I could see that they were thankful in spite of these conditions. Pray for Pakarina, Giovanna, and Giovanni. May God’s peace and love continue to abide in them.

I thank God that He gave me the opportunity to meet and bond with all three of them. They are a joy to hear as they giggle and laugh out loud when I take photos of them with the funny effects on Photobooth. They are quite sweet and always greet me with a big hug. Pray that they will accept Christ as He will provide a better future for them. I am pleased to say that Pakarina, the eldest knows that she wants to study medicine. She seems quite focused and decided on her career, and she is only 8!

Written by Michelle Alvarez

(Michelle serves as the chaplain, art teacher, and curriculum developer at Agua Viva Kid’s Club.)