A little background on our day up until when the doorbell rang: Presents were opened, Christmas breakfast has been served and we sit around and enjoy each others company as we try to assemble toys and play with the kids while carols play loudly in the background. My cup runs over, truly I am blessed and these children behind our black metal gates are reminding me of this truth. I am overcome with emotion and I freeze not really knowing how to bless 10 little kids. I run inside and announce to our kids “assembly line, we have lunches to make.” Thank God we had just bought ham, bread and lots of snacks. I go back outside and tell them to give us 5 minutes and we will serve them lunch. We do OPERATION BROWN BAG with our kids so they are very use to assembly line lunch making. Usually, though we go out to the streets and find the children who are juggling for money or selling candy at stop lights or the park. But not today, the Lord brought them to us, our very own front door to remind me that I have been given much. My boys were hesitant at first in helping make lunches because that meant leaving their new toys for a few minutes. I looked at them and said “today you have been given much now it’s time to give to others“. Immediately, their attitudes changed and we got the lunches made. The kids sat right outside our curb and immediately ate the lunches. The kids and two mom’s were so sweet, they continuously said “Dios te pague” (God repay you) and wishing us a Merry Christmas.
It was such an honor to welcome these little visitors from the South. Enjoy the holidays and may you also be blessed with the joy of giving.
A lot of the low-income families live South and North of us and they take a bus early in the morning to come into the big city to sell their goods. Depending on the season it varies sometimes strawberries or avocados and candy. Sometimes they travel for hours on a bus to come into town and try to make a buck or two. Christmas weekend they go to the more developed neighborhoods asking for some kind of Christmas gift: toys, candy or money.
Mari Hernandez-Tuten wears many hats throughout her day: mom, wife, friend, counselor, missionary, and founding editor of the Ezine, Inspired by Family and our quarterly online flip-page free publication. Our Ezine is a place full of creativity, laughter, celebrations, encouragement and good eating that we hope spills over into your home. So stop by and grab a seat, a cup of Cafe con Leche, and let’s get inspired!
Thanks for letting me share a special memory for our family, with your readers. ~mari
Thank you Mari for sharing such a special memory with all of us. I hope it inspires us to reach out to others with our children.
Wow love this!
There are so many things that I just deeply appreciate about this experience. I cannot wait to share it with my boys tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to share with us a special memory One of the things that really stood out to me was that your children were already accustomed to working, helping others. So, in a time a need, there was no arm twisting or cajoling needed. A very powerful example. Thank you!