By MJ Zelya –

If I think about what I am thankful for this year a myriad of things come to mind—a big list. Especially all the good things received from our Heavenly Father. He has been watching over us and did not abandon us despite storms and circumstances, in which we live daily. What we failed to accomplish through the year teaches us not to give up, to continuing fighting for what we want and to have hope beyond the difficulties.

For some maybe this was a good year, for others less so, but in the end the most important thing is that we are alive and that’s a great reason to be thankful!

Being grateful is a quality that we try to model in our lives, being thankful for all that God gives us and to sharing with others without expecting anything in return. Every day we (the Dorie’s Promise staff) pray and thank God for the day and for his continued grace with this ministry to orphans.

We want to share our thanksgiving with you because you are an important part of our lives and help make possible the ministry of Dorie’s Promise.

Nohemi Peña (Special Mother)

I thank God for my health, for my job- that is very special to me, my family, for Dorie’s Promise, for the labor that Heather Radu (our founder) does on behalf of our children, for Alejandra Diaz (our director), and all the mission trippers we received this year, and for the lives of every child in the home.

Lorena (Special Mother)

We thank God for the opportunity given to Maria Jose and Franco to find a forever family (read about it here.) I also give thanks for all the children that we have the opportunity to help and change their lives for the better.

Nayeli Lux (18 years old)

I’m very grateful to God for all the opportunities he has given me, and for what I learn from those opportunities. I’m especially thankful to him for giving me the opportunity to be in this home surrounded people that love me. I pray that the Lord would have mercy on those people that are in war and that he would give them peace.

Silvia (9 years old)

I am thankful because I’m alive and because God blesses me with food, clothing and this home. I pray that the Lord would bless the children that live in the streets that have no food as he’s blessed me.

Jennifer (12 years old)

I thank God because he saved me from many dangers and problems that a life on the streets would have brought. I thank him because I’m in a place that takes care of me and shows me about God and his purposes. The other kids, Special Mothers, staff, Heather and visitors from USA and Canada that come every year and make us feel special—they are my family and I’m so blessed to have them in my life.

Maria Najera (8 years old)

I’m happy because I have a family and a house where I can live, and for the opportunity God gives us to attend to school.

Brayan (15 years old)

God gives me a family, I am thankful for that. I am thankful for my bed, my house, food and home.

Yire: (5 years old)

I am thankful for everything He gives me, because He promises that He is my father and He will give me what I need.

God is good! And don’t forget what’s written in the Scriptures:

Rejoice always

Pray continually

Give thanks in all circumstances

For this is God’s will for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18