The Story of Maria

Can you think of a time when you had to stay home from school because you were sick? Maybe your mom made you your favorite food to help you feel better or maybe you got to sit in your pajamas on the couch all day. With all of the extra love from your parents, you may have thought it was even a little fun to be sick!

Maria is 11 years old and up until recently, she spent every day home “sick” even though she wasn’t actually sick. She can’t walk and wasn’t able to go to school in the neighborhood she lives in. Her parents both have to work to help provide food for the family, so Maria spent every day alone at home. Nothing about that was fun!

But that was before a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World team visited Maria in Peru and brought her the gift of a wheelchair. Maria’s parents thought they would never be able to get a wheelchair for her because they work hard just to earn enough money to buy food. They would never be able to buy a wheelchair!

You can imagine how happy they were when Maria received her own wheelchair. And when they found out that Joni and Friends was giving the wheelchair because God wanted to show His love to them, it made a big impact!

So next time you are feeling sick and have to stay home, thank God for the wheelchair Maria has that allows her to go outside and then think of ways that God is showing you His love today!