Little hands in prayer

As a kindergarten teacher, I'm constantly watching little hands doing different things. Sometimes these little hands are holding crayons to create a beautiful masterpiece. Other times, especially if teacher is busy, they are doing some stuff that they probably shouldn't. At these times, i've seen these little hands be used as weapons, climbing instruments, and some are just hanging around inside their clothes (please don't ask me why lol). Today however, with just about 5 mins left of class, I saw a pair of these hands doing something really special. Sure some of the other little hands have done these before, but this time, these little hands did it without being asked to.

His english name is Daniel. He's been in my classroom for about almost 2 weeks. He's my newest addition to the clan. He's my first SDA kindergartener student. He's a little shy, and at the same time, quite demanding. I have a hard time communicating with him because of the language barrier, but he always finds a way of either drawing, or using motions. Well, today, it had been quite an emotional day. I'm still not fully recovered from my trip to Palau, 2 of my girls got in trouble yesterday (decided to give a new hair cut to one of the older girls) and well it felt like today one of the parents wasn't too happy about the punishment. Thankfully, the Lord guided us both and came to an agreeance. Then, our yearbook, which I thought was basically finished, hasn't been returned to us for editing, and there are other corrections that I need to make. Well, it was 5 mins and then my school day would be over. The kids were sitting in the circle finishing up their snacks, when I notice Daniel standing up. I look over to him and see him with his little hands held together, right in front of his face. I wonder if he's ok, but something tells me to just sit still and watch. So I do. I suddenly notice that he is ok, he's just praying. He finishes his prayer, and starts to look around. I call him over and he explains that he lost his sticker. I give him a sticker and he leaves, but doesn't look content with the outcome. Then all of a sudden, I see him get up and dart to his backpack. He opens it, looks at me and gives me an "I know where it is" look. He opens his pencil case, and gets out his sharpener. Apparently, he was looking for his sharpener and not his sticker (lost in translation lol).

This is my little Daniel!

I felt so touched by this experience. Watching this little boy, just turn his only worry over to G-d, made me wonder why I don't do it often enough. Today, the Lord spoke to me through someone else, twice. Thank you Lord for those two people and for always reminding me that you're right there!

So the next time you're around little hands, just stop and see what they do!

The Apple of my Eye!

Its all my fault really. I did it to her. I always tell her the same thing. If it weren't for me, she would be just Raquel, the lovable, G-d fearing, responsible, amazing, intelligent, unique, (list goes on) person that the Lord made her to be. But, because of me, she became all that, AND my mother! (lol)
Way back in the day! (notice the glasses lol)

She's the reason i'm alive, both physically and emotionally. She's the reason I'm a christian and the reason I've learned to depend on G-d. I've loved my mother my entire life and known just what an amazing woman and mother she is, but it wasn't until about 6 years ago that I realized that she wasn't just amazing, she was EXTRAORDINARY. Our family went through some upheaval 6 years back and it feels like we've never been the same again. In some ways, I'm quite thankful for it. See, I was able to find G-d in a closer sense. One of the reasons for that, was my mother.

My mother truly is my rock. She held on to G-d in those tough times, which allowed her to be strong enough for us (my brother and me) to hold on to. Even through our difficult times, she manages to allow others to hold onto her aswell. My mother didn't finish college when she was younger due to her families' insufficient funds, but about 20 years and 2 kids later, she went back to school and became a Medical Assistant, graduating with a 4.0 GPA! She also raised two amazing kids. Now, what I just said and what I'm about to say isn't as a reason to lift myself up, but more as a testament to her amazingness! My brother is graduating this year from high school which he did in 3 years and has managed to finish with a 3.9 GPA. He is a junior deacon at church and has preached twice for our church services. He has probably one of the most compassionate hearts I have ever known. He's a very quiet person when it comes to deep things, but when he talks, people listen. He likes to be the one to have people laughing, and is pretty darn good at it.

My brother Adrian and my mom at his 8th grade graduation.

Me, well, i'm currently a missionary, about to start my 3rd year of college, and there have been many amazing things that have happened in my life like preaching at the GC, and well many others, but I don't like talking about me...Point is, all these things, everything my brother and I am have happened because of my mother and her trust in the Lord.

My mommy and my about 2 years ago


Mami, I want to thank you for being an amazing mother. Funnily enough, I'm 9,000 miles away and still can't seem to do something without your approval. You've always trusted in me and my decisions and I thank you so much for letting me spread my wings and fly (even when it meant not seeing me for a year). Thank you for trusting in G-d and teaching me to do the same. You're my angel on earth and in my heart, I always carry you. If in the future, I become atleast half the mother and woman that you are, I will consider myself the most blessed person on the planet. I love you mami!




Happy Mother's Day and I will be in your arms soon!