We really are so small and helpless when it comes to the great mystery, adventure and beauty that is the life of God’s love. I am reminded that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are childlike, to those who are small. One must become small in order to love greatly.

So it is the children themselves who are great teachers in this kindergarten of love. We have many kids who come to our house, whether to play, sit on our porch, listen to music or learn guitar and the ukulele. These kids are from all walks of life and many of them have very difficult pasts and complicated families (spending most of their time on the street to be away from home). When they come yelling at our door begging to come in, I first think of what I can do to change their lives, to make an impact on their heart because that’s why I’m here, right? Well, I have learned so much from these bundles of energy.

Normally, they are screaming and running around, throwing things, fighting with the others, or just simply ignoring me when I try to tell them something. However, God has not let moments go by where they have not taught me something. Two boys around the age of ten were trying to play a card game with me and I was having trouble understanding the concept and one of the boys, AJ, finally goes, ‘’No, Maria look… (as he stopped the game to slowly go through the motions) you only hit the bell when there are five of the SAME fruits not if there are five DIFFERENT fruits, okay do you understand?’’ ‘’Ohhh!’’ I said as I thanked him for his instruction (seems simple right?!). As soon as there were five of the same fruits, I was quick to hit the bell! ‘’YES! You got it!’’ He exclaimed as he and the other boys jumped straight in the air with excitement.  AJ’s joy that I understood and learned from him brought so much joy to my heart. It turned out the best way to be present to the sufferings of these children is to be a child yourself. Allowing them to teach me (even something as simple as a card game) showed me that it is important that they know they are more than what they are told by their parents or street kids. They have something to offer another, something that is good.