“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
This verse has been on my heart for the last couple of months. Realizing what God’s perfect plan for my life is and walking through it with him has been an amazing experience. Part of His plan for me has been working in La Pintana with Vision for Chile. My journey in this part of Chile began during a community service project in school. We were given a list of places and had to choose where we wanted to go. The school Forjadores del Futuro was on the list, and I knew that this school was connected to House of Hope. My friend’s mother is a part of Vision for Chile and House of Hope, and right away I felt led to go to this school. We organized games, made play dough, and baked goodies for the children to enjoy. Right when I arrived at the school, I was bombarded with hugs and kisses. I was overwhelmed with the love these kids had in their hearts, despite their situations. A permanent smile was glued to my face the entire two hours I was there.
As the time for me to leave approached, many of the children wanted to know when I was coming back. Looking into their eyes, I knew in my heart that I had to return. That moment was the start of a beautiful adventure, one where I would be changed by these kids and by God. I took into account that I wouldn’t be coming back to La Pintana through my school because I would be moving soon, but I quickly realized that God was calling me to come back on my own. I contacted Kelly Galatoire, public relations and fundraising consultant for Vision for Chile. I was able to go back with Mrs. Galatoire to both the school and House of Hope three times already, and I am anxiously awaiting the last couple of times I will be visiting until I leave Chile.
Although I am leaving soon, I will hopefully come back in a couple of years when I am in college, to teach English at the school and work with Vision for Chile. I recently had the chance to meet Marie, a college student who was here doing just that, teaching English at the school and sharing God’s love with these children. I am so grateful to have these connections with Daniel Trujillo, (House of Hope director) and Kelly Galatoire. I feel as though God has led me and put me in this wonderful position where I have the real and possible opportunity to come back to Chile and serve this deserving community.
These children NEED love. God has blessed me with a loving family and so many privileges. I am so fortunate, and God has been showing me that it is my job to share these privileges with those who are less fortunate than me. I often wonder why God has blessed me with love and a beautiful life. I could have been born into a broken family just like these children. Why them? Why not me? Only God knows that. God has had a plan for my life since before I was born, and I am starting to understand that he wants me to use my life for the good of others. God has a plan for your life as well, and he wants to use you. We have to let go, and let God. We won’t always understand why God is leading us away from something and towards another thing or vice versa, but if we let Him move through us, He will open doors for our lives. The Lord has definitely opened a door for me through Vision for Chile.
All in all, one of the most important lessons I have learned through this experience has been that you are never too young to do big things. I am only fourteen years old, but I have had this wonderful opportunity to shine God’s light wherever I go. I am so excited to see what God has in store for the future in my life, and in yours!
By Emily.
Vision for Chile depends on your involvement!
There are many ways you can be involved with helping the girls through Vision For Chile. Whether it’s a donation to the House of Hope, joining us and GO to Chile on a work team, or sponsoring a girl – Vision for Chile depends on the generosity of her supporters time and resources.
Contact us for more information!