In February I was visiting at an orphanage run by a Christian mission.I was drawing with a little girl.I asked her about her friends in her first grade class and she said that a lot of kids make fun of her. In the same sentence she said,"...but I forgive them.""I forgive them because it is written in the Bible that I should forgive others who are not nice to me...so I forgive them."It was as simple as that.It is written in the Bible so I should do it.She had a sense of victory in her voice; a sense that she would not allow those mean classmates get to her.She had a ready defense.She was also comforted that at her home she has friends and she is loved. I wish that all orphans would have that strong defense on their side.We go about once a week and spend time with the 18 children living there.We usually try to take them out and do something special.

On Friday, my friend Jean, who is a missionary from Ireland, and I were discussing our work.I was visiting in her 9th story apartment.She was showing me photos of their Christmas activities/ministries.She told me about a young 13-year-old girl who walked three miles in the snow to get to church.She wanted to be there early to prepare for the Christmas service for the children.She had only canvass shoes and the temperature had dropped to 5 degrees F.She said that this girl is so reliable and shows up no matter what.She is not from a family that attends church.She comes alone.Her big ambition is to be a Sunday school teacher.She has a strength and steadfastness to her.

Joanna is our 12-year-old daughter.This is the first year that she is staying at home for home school.It is a bit odd because she is the only child at home at all.Her brother and sister are going to school away from home.She struggles with being lonely and being the only student in her class.No school situation is perfect.There are positive aspects and drawbacks for everyone.She wrote this reflection.

Walking on Water
By Joanna Marie Hill

"James put the sails down the wind may get caught in them and rip the mast off. "

"Sure thing John, last time I was in this kind of storm Jesus calmed it with a wave of his hand."

"Yeah I remember that. "

"Hey Peter look is that someone walking on the water? "

"I dunno I can't tell it's so dark out it looks like it maybe ah ah ghost!!!!It can't be can it John?!"

"Of course it could be Peter ...wandering spirit leave us alone, and don't come any closer!"

"It is I; do not be afraid."

"Jesus it is you and you are walking on the water!"

"Yes it is I John. "

"Jesus come on into the boat, for you a scaring me walking on water."

"There is nothing to be scared about if you believe me you can walk on water too."

"Well can I Lord?!"

" Of course Peter!"

"Woohoo yeah!! "

"Come walk with me."

"Ah Jesus are you sure it's safe for Peter to walk on water?"

"Of course John you can too if you want."

"Ah that's okay Jesus.I'll let Peter be the special one right now."

"Okay it's your choice."

"May the Lord be with you Peter... oh wait he will be walking right next to you ok."

"Ugh yeah!"

"Oh my goodness he is walking on water. Wow!!"

"Lord Jesus he is sinking help him, .......... what happened why did he start sinking because he stopped believing that I was helping him walk."

"Peter are you Okay?"

"Yeah I'm alright John.Sorry Jesus that I did not trust you."

"Peter next time just trust Me."

"I know Teacher but sometimes it's hard, especially when you hear the wind and see the crashing waves."

I learn from the faith of the children around me.God speaks to the heart of children.I am reminded to rely on a simple faith, as a child has.I love spending time with children from tiny newborns to teens.All of my work here in Latvia is working with children: the neonatal hospital; teaching special education; leading mother and child playgroups; teaching Sunday school; puppets; humanitarian aid projects. May God have mercy on the children of the world.