In May, I was asked to be the godfather of Maricielo who is the stepdaughter of the cook at the Hogar in Anta, Peru. Maria asked me to be Maricielo’s godfather to provide for her a positive force in her life. Her birth mother had not cared for her, and Maria was raising her as her own. I agreed, but with one condition. I wanted to be godfather to all of the girls at the Hogar. I wanted them all to know my love and devotion to them was equal. I wanted them to know I would always be in their lives. For Maricielo, this would serve as her formal baptism. For the other girls, most of whom had already been baptized, our ceremony would be symbolic but still as meaningful.
On Saturday, November 13, this was my day…
Licet always shows up to welcome me.
Hermelinda says very little. Her smile is her voice.
Sharmely and the girls’ newest puppy.
Peace – Love, Heidy
“The formula for success: Love + Work = Success”
Mi consejera, Sister Ana Yolanda.
The baptism of Maricielo — She was taken in as an infant by Maria who rescued her from her birth mother who was living on the street in squalor. Maria also took in two boys, Richard and Fernando, and has raised all three as her own with very little resources but for the most important of all: love.
The baptism of Fernando, with his godfather (and stepbrother) Nino.
The baptism of Richard, with his godfather Nino.
Maria with Maricielo.
Maria with Richard and Fernando.
Nino with his godsons.
To break bread together.
Silver necklaces for all the girls representing El Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit).
Thank you to my friends for helping provide new shoes and backpacks for all the girls. It was my honor to deliver them with your love.
Sister Graciela and las ninas with all their joy.
Maricielo.
New godfather Nino. Nino is Maria’s birth son and is a musician living in Spain. He is a very kind and joyful soul. I was honored to share such a special day with him, and to become part of his family.
I wasn’t expecting this special gesture and symbol of my bond to the girls. It was an overwhelming expression of love. (Holding back tears here, hence the stunned expression.)
“For his kindness and generous heart, we name him Honorary Godfather for every girl in this Home. Our gratitude.”
Oh how I love them so.
Love,
p
beautiful…absolutely beautiful
What an incredible honor it must be to be able to share in these little girls lives like this. Congrats!