What makes children in poverty most thankful?

Written by: Amber Van Schooneveld

Each year at Thanksgiving, my family goes around the table and we each share what we’re thankful for. Usually, we share about how grateful we are to have each other and for how God has provided for us. I love reading what these 10 Compassion kids around the world had to say when we asked them what they were thankful for. I never thought to thank God for my toothbrush!

Ruth, a girl from honduras, smiles at the camera. She has brown hair and wears a shirt with a ribbon on it.

Ruth, Honduras
“I’m thankful because I have food on the table.”

Bella, a girl from honduras, smiles at the camera with her hands on her cheeks. She has brown hair and wears a red shirt and head band made out of flowers.

Bella, Peru
“I am thankful to God for my family, for my sponsors, for my food, for water, for my toothbrush and because I am happy.”

Jesus, a boy from honduras, smiles at the camera holding up a sign that say, Be Thankful. He has brown hair and wears a blue zip up sweater.

Jesus, Peru
“I am thankful to God for I am alive; He changed my life completely. I am thankful for the Compassion centre, because we are supported and taught about Jesus. I am also thankful for my tutor, my sponsor and my parents.”

Borna, a girl from Bangladesh, smiles at the camera standing in front of a green field. She has black hair and wears an ornate white and orange sari.

Borna, Bangladesh
“I am grateful for the opportunities that I am receiving to achieve my ambition of becoming a doctor.”

Puja, a girl from Bangladesh, stands in front of a green field smiling at the camera. She has, short, black hair and wears an ornate blue shirt.

Puja, Bangladesh
“I am thankful to have the same opportunities to study as boys.”

Amir, a boy from Peru, stands with two other boys and smiles at the camera. He wears a blue toque and blue shirt. His friend holds up a sign that says, Thankful.

Amir, Peru
“I am thankful for God’s forgiveness.”

Cinthia, a girl from Honduras, smiles at the camera. She has brown, braded hair and wears a blue and white tank top.

Cinthia, Honduras
“I am thankful because I have a sponsor.”

Somali, a girl from Bangladesh, smiles at the camera. She has black, pulled back hair and wears a blue shirt and colourful scarf around here neck.

Somali, Bangladesh
“I am thankful to my beloved sponsor, for because of his love I do not have to stay hungry anymore.”

Hector, a boy from Honduras, smiles at the camera. He has black hair and wears a pink t-shirt with a pattern of eye glasses on it.

Hector, Honduras
“I’m thankful for my child development centre. I love to come here.”

Paola, a girl from Peru, smiles at the camera holding a black sign that says, Thank You. She has brown hair and wears a plaid, red shirt.

Paolo, Peru
“I give thanks to God because He loves me so much and that makes me smile.”

 

Do you want to be one of the things a child is most thankful for this year?

Sponsor a child!
Reporting and photos by Betsy Grandez, Juana Ordonez and J. Sangma

Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld is the Managing Editor of Compassion International's blog.