A few weeks ago my team was out doing ministry in the farthest part of one of the towns in Guatemala. We were handing out books to the kids there. Our ministry host told us that due to local poverty, it would most likely be the first book that any of the kids had. 

After our program in the park, one of my teammates was bent down watching this little boy build a kite. Granted, he only had a couple sticks, a sand which bag and some used string. 

He was so excited to show us how it flew. He wore this big smile on his face and the joy that came off of this little boy was contagious. It dawned on me that he doesn’t have much of anything but he’s still so beyond content with what he does have.

It made me think about being content. I want to learn how to thrive in joy and peace over what I have while still accepting blessings as they come. 

As we walked back through the streets we saw kids running ahead of us to get their siblings and cousins so that they could have a copy of the book too. We had parents stepping out of their stores to ask us for a copy on behalf of their children and grandchildren. To the kids, the opportunity to have a book was just as exciting as watching a homemade kite fly. And while they didn’t need it, they were so excited to receive it. 

I don’t think I’ve ever felt a joy so contagious. 

If you’re reading this and looking for ways to support the mission you can email me at alyssamking4@gmail.com