I teach English in a community called El Cerrito in Guatemala. Most of the houses are pieced together from tin and other collected materials. While the fee to attend the school is minimal (about $2.50 USD a month), some families struggle to pay.

The joy and enthusiasm of the children I work with is refreshing. Before their semester ended, the kids learned that a summer English class would be offered. The week before I started, children were eagerly asking a visiting Buckner team if they were there to teach.

That enthusiasm hasn’t faded–in fact, it’s what I’m greeted with every day. Some kids even ask to return later in the day to take the class again, claiming their older brother or sister won’t be there and asking to take their place. Can you imagine not only being excited to go to school during your summer vacation, but asking if you could come back for more?

My kids’ excitement reminds me of the passage in Matthew where the disciples try to keep parents from bringing their children to Jesus. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” [Matt. 19:14]. 

What if we had as much enthusiasm for Jesus as the children of El Cerrito have for English class? Shouldn’t we be so eager to come into His presence that we’re willing to give up other things to know Him better?

My kids know English is an investment in their future that will offer them better opportunities as they grow up. To those that come, it’s worth sacrificing their summer break.

Do we recognize the value of spending time with our Savior, or do we let other things take precedence? If the purpose of our lives is to know Him, serve Him, and prepare ourselves and others for eternity with Him, are we reflecting that in how we live?

I long to share my kids’ eagerness in my relationship with the Lord. I long to say, “Jesus, I know there are other things I could be doing, but I just can’t get enough of you. I want to be a part of what you are doing because I know that your works and your purposes are the only things that will last.”

Krista Edmonds served as a Buckner intern in Guatemala City for 10 months.

Prayer Requests:

-God, give us childlike joy. Help us to delight in you.
-God, be with the children of Guatemala. Protect them as they grow, provide for them as they have need and let them know they are loved.

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