Blessings

In Venezuela, it is traditional for children and even adults to ask their older relatives for a blessing every day or every time they see them or talk to them on the phone. Traditionally, the children would actually kneel to ask the blessing, but nowadays it is more common for them to just fold their arms in front of them. The response from the older adult is "Que Dios te bendiga" (God bless you). We have tried to teach our kids about asking for the blessing, but it's hard when we are not around extended family very much. But while Abuelita was here, she appreciated the kids asking for her blessing every day.

In the days before Abuelita left (she had a really great trip back to Venezuela, btw), she actually wrote out a blessing for each of the kids and even for JD and Miguel and I. She read her blessing to each child and then prayed over them. I'm not sure that they understood everything that she said, but it was a special time with Abuelita and I think that every child appreciates being prayed over. :) Here they are getting ready to start...

When Micah's turn was over, he came over to me

and whispered, "I loved that!"

Gracia had a little trouble concentrating,

but since she spent many nights upstairs sleeping

with Abuelita, I think that they had some

special times together.

Jojo's smile says it all...

Jkaile was super-interested in playing with his castle

when it was his turn, but we got him distracted

with a candy and then he was able to settle down

and listen. :)

And then it was JD's turn!

Oh, JD...
Here they are...finally serious. lol!