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Esperanza Viva is an orphanage in Puebla, Mexico run by Living Hope International. The following is from a member of a Woodland Hills mission team that served at Esperanza Viva in July of 2008.
 Over the years of serving at Esperanza Viva, I have developed some very strong connections with both the staff and the kids. The very first time I visited the orphanage, I remember holding a little baby named Manuel. He had just been brought in by his mother, who expected him to die. I remember how small and light he was in my arms. That week I returned home carrying Manuel in my heart, hoping to return the following summer to an even healthier baby. By a miracle by God, Manuel lived, and continued to grow, as I saw for myself every year I returned.
The most recent trip I took to Esperanza Viva, in July (2008), I was blessed with the opportunity to bond more then ever with little Manuel. He is now about eight years old, but he is so much a small child at heart. His playful spirit has always made me smile, and it continues to remind me of my constant need to find my joy in my Heavenly Father, no matter what my circumstances are in life. Manuel¹s gentle, loving and sharing heart has shown me so much of God's character over the years.
When I see Manuel share what little he has with his friends, he continues to challenge me to not cling to the abundance that I have. He continues to have a very special and tender place in my heart, and I pray that God will continue to use Manuel as a miracle in many other people’s lives.
Voices piece by Pearl Wininger
contact the author at sugarbabi6@hotmail.com |
