Yaretzi and Me
Vanessa serves on our leadership team, is the director of our school program, and also teaches the fifth- and sixth-grade classroom. Even with these responsibilities, Vanessa is uniquely intentional about taking time to know each student at EA—not only those in her own classroom. This month, Vanessa shares what God has been teaching her through her relationship with Yaretzi.
Yaretzi is a sweet and smiling 10-year-old girl; she is in the fifth grade. This is her first year at Esperanza de Ana and she is in my classroom. She lives with her mother and an older brother. Her father is currently in prison.
Over the past six months, as I've walked alongside Yaretzi, she has gradually opened up to me and shared the things she carries in her heart. I can see in her eyes that she bears many burdens. She feels excluded and rejected by her classmates at school. She also carries sadness and embarrassment because of her father’s situation. Part of our work with Yaretzi is helping her name and process these emotions in healthy ways.
I have tried to draw close to her through simple acts of care—listening and caring for her in simple ways, sometimes even brushing her hair. One day, while I was brushing her hair, she told me about her dad and how difficult it had been for her to visit him in prison. It broke my heart to hear what she had experienced.
Through Yaretzi, God has reminded me that seemingly simple acts of care can have a profound impact and gently point someone toward Him. I can see Him working in her heart, teaching her to trust and to believe that she is loved and valued. At the same time, He is teaching me to trust Him and never underestimate the work of the Holy Spirit in ordinary moments.
Pray with me that God would bring truth and a sense of worth to Yaretzi's life.
Pray that He would give wisdom, encouragement, and peace to her mother so that she can guide her daughter.
Give thanks to God with me for allowing Yaretzi to meet new friends at Esperanza de Ana and to experience relationships marked by his love.
Yaretzi’s story reminds us that the ministry of presence is powerful. Because Vanessa is with students day after day, she has opportunities to sit with them, listen, and respond consistently over time, creating space for God to bring healing to hearts and minds.