family tree

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

-Luke 18:16

Every Tuesday and Wednesday I have the privilege of going to the Lar.

 The Lar (meaning home)   is a children's home for kids of all ages that have been removed from their homes due to bad circumstances. I have been with these kids several weeks now and I am growing attached; I tear up just thinking about leaving them in December. Each Tuesday and Wednesday, we bring a craft, game, or an activity to help them with their English. We are there to teach English with an ultimate goal of showing and teaching the love of Jesus. Yesterday we decided to teach the vocabulary for family names, 

ex: mom,dad,grandma,grandpa,sister,brother...

We started out by showing flash cards with each word in English and that same word also in Portuguese. Dad=Pai 

Then, we played a matching game with the cards and asked the kids to pair the English word with it's Portuguese word, or vise versa. 

After the game we discussed what  a family tree was and showed one of a made up girl named Rita.We then passed each kid his or her own blank family tree that needed to be filled out. 

I also filled a tree out and it took me about two seconds and I had more family than could even fit on the tree. However, these kids did not and it completely broke my heart. 

Most did not know their father's name and none knew their grandparents names.

Sitting there, it reminded me of how blessed I was to grow up with two parents who greatly loved me and worked hard so that I could have all that I ever needed and then some. I also grew up with the knowledge of whom all my grand parents were/are and have/had relationships with them. So, Why me?! This is what I thought to myself as the kids struggled to know what to do with the blank boxes on their trees... why did I not have this life? The Lord could have very well placed me in a Lar or He could have placed me in the dump in Guatemala. Yet, I still do not fully appreciate all the blessings God has poured out upon me!!! What is wrong with me!!? My cup overflows and I still at times want more poured in!!! 

These kids have a certain joy growing inside of them that I lacked growing up. They are content and happy with what they have been given. 

After the family vocabulary lesson yesterday, we realized it was not that great of an idea to bring them family trees and have them filled in. However,I am so thankful that we did, because the kids didn't seem very shocked by it, but it was as if a lightning bolt struck down to the deepest depths of my heart and said, "Jennifer, WAKE UP!" 

I have wasted so much of my life disrespecting my parents and not being grateful for what I have.  Last summer God sent me to Guatemala and my eyes were opened to what true poverty looks like and now I am here working with kids who may never get to go to their first homes... God is teaching me to soak up every moment and open my eyes to the great mercies and gifts He bestows. 

I may not be able to take these babies back home,but I can point them heavenward. The true, everlasting Lar. Please pray for these amazing kids and our ministry. I am heading out the door now to go paint fall pictures with them, they bless me far more than I could ever bless them. God is the true Father!!!