We are surrounded by the goodness of God, by His love, His compassion, His humility. He makes himself known to us in the simplest of ways: through the smile of a child, a flower, a falling leaf, the poor, sick and distressed. He surrounds us with gifts, which, more often than not, we do not recognize: sunshine, rain, a beautiful day, the counsels of a friend and myriad of other simple happenings during die course of our lives. Simple gifts that are so vitally important to our well-being. His ways are quiet. He does not impose himself although we are constantly in His gaze. His concern for us is infinite, all-encompassing. In the blur of our everyday existence, in the frenetic activities of the day, we lose sight of His loving constancy and do not appreciate His gift of Himself.

Jorge is a 13 year old with severely malformed lower extremities. When he entered our home three years ago his legs were curved into a position below his abdomen and he mobilized himself by crawling with his hands. After three surgeries and intensive physical therapy he is ambulating with a walker. Watching him struggle to his feet and pushing himself along with the walker I sense God's benevolent presence, His unconditional giving of Himself. Jorge's fortitude, his persistence, his spirit are manifestations of God's love for His child. Victor is another gift God has sent us to remind us of His concern for His children. Victor was born without arms and only one leg. When he entered our home 2 years ago he could not speak and was essentially immobile. After surgery and intensive physical and speech therapy he now mobilizes himself with a walker and prosthetic leg and speaks incessantly. He is a bright, beautiful child who radiates joy and literally holds court in the home, being so lively and pleasent to be with. Our hope is that both Victor andjorge will one day be able to ambulate without the use of walkers and that Victor can be fitted with prosthetic arms.

We must never lose sight of God's continual presence and love and must never fail to love Him in the people that come into our lives, especially the poor, sick and distressed. In no way is His presence more concrete to us than in those who need our help.

As always, my gratitude to you for sharing with our children. We love you and wish you God's peace.