M & E

Maria Y Estephania

Yep, that's right Maria and me.  My name is Estefania when I'm at Prince of Peace and if you look closely you'll see our friendship bracelets, hers with the "M", mine with the "E".  You can read a bit more about Maria's story here.  I've talked about her before, maybe you'll recall, but had no idea she would continue to drastically transform as she has.  She is proving herself a pre-teen!  I was greeted by her and a few other chicas in Casa B with a trumpeting, "EEEEEESSSSSSTTTTTEEEEPPPHHHHAAANNNIIIAAA!!!!" Followed by a WHOLE LOT of screaming and giggling.  It's beautiful.  It's hard to remember how quiet and hollow she first seemed.  Her Spanish is amazing!  I asked her this time (and she is not at all shy to speak!), "Your Spanish is great, Maria!  Did you know Spanish before you arrived?"  She smiled, a bit shyly and nods, yes.  I winked and gave her a squeeze.  I was under the impression she only spoke her native dialect based on a few conversations with staff and because she just didn't talk in the beginning and then only a tiny bit when she did speak.  I know kids pick up language quickly, but she is rattling off like it's nothing new…and apparently it is not!! ...though maybe not the language she used in her home environment.  

On with the story!

When I arrived to Casa B, the girls sat me down on the porch and proceeded to ask questions and play games.  Maria sat right next to me and would not let go of my hand.  Eventually she got up, told me to wait, and then ran off into the house.  She came back with the above bracelet with an "E" which she'd made for me.  WOW!  Sweetest gift, it's currently on my wrist.  The back story is her bracelet.  Many of the girls have those bracelets with their initials in them.  When I was in Antigua with a team back in April, I saw those bracelets and thought of Maria.  She didn't wear any and I thought it would be a sweet little surprise and act of love to try and break through to this (previously) shy girl.  When I showed up this time, she had it on and she had one for me!  

This picture is from the night we ran for freedom.  I was running along with the girls, busy snapping as many pictures as I could (this was A MOMENT TO REMEMBER!) and suddenly felt a hand grab a hold of mine.  I looked down and there she was with Daniela, both faces covered with huge smiles.  The three of us ran along holding hands for quite some time and, being sentimental at moments in my life, I realized I wanted a picture of this.  I want to remember the transformation I've watched in Maria's life.  I want to remember that it's small things like bracelets that make the best gifts.  I want to remember these girls are FULL of love and at the same time, they need to be shown love.  And I want to remember that it is often in the times we have no great or amazing intention, that our intention makes a lasting impact.