My Story

Juan Manuel is the calmest, most smiley baby you'll ever meet. If you smile at him, he smiles back.

He's the youngest member of the Open Arms family. Juan Manuel is the younger brother of Sofia Fernanda, who also attends our daycare. Before coming to Open Arms, Juan Manuel and his sister spent time at their mother's job. Juan Manuel’s mom is a single mother who came to Camalu looking for a better life, but she was alone; she didn't know anyone. She started working as a cashier in a local warehouse, but she was taking her children with her. She was working long hours, even on weekends, and her children spent all their time there. Although they were with their mother, it wasn't good for them to be there.

They couldn't play, they couldn't take naps, they ate whenever they could and not on a set schedule. Sometimes she found herself in situations where Juan Manuel just wanted to be in his mother's arms while she had to serve customers. Thank God we had a place for them at the daycare and were able to welcome them. Children need a safe place to grow and develop, a place where they can be children. We know God has a purpose for this family.

Please keep Juan Manuel and his family in your prayers, so that through Open Arms they may come to know Jesus and their lives may be transformed.