Michael (Pato) Ronaldo

My first couple of Potter's Field Kids Clubs were some of the most fun times of my life. Getting to hang out with and grow closer to the kids of Antigua, Guatemala and being able to show Christ's love through kids songs and relay races was such a blast. Much like programs like this in the States, I noticed quickly that the older kids wouldn't participate as much as the younger kids were in the games or in the songs. This is what I would have done when I was the older of the kids group, so I made it my goal to reach out to those kids. One of the funniest things about these guys is that they have made nicknames for eachother. Most of which are named after different animals.

One of the first kids that I met was nicknamed Pato, which in spanish translates to "duck". I'm kind of ashamed to admit this but I didn't even know Pato's real name until I decided to write this story on him. Michael Ronaldo is his name, he is 12 years, old, in sixth grade, has two brothers and one sister, who also attend Kids Club. He loves fried chicken and you can always pick him out of the crowd because he always wears his white/red shorts with his soccer cleats. That being said, he loves soccer! While he doesn't play on a team at school, he loves to play anytime he gets the chance to. Not only does he attend Potter's Fields Kids Club program, he also attends the Tutoring that is offered from the Ignite students at the Center. Due to the tutoring, his academics have acceled noticably, and he has continued to learn more and more about God. His favorite Bible story is that of Jacob and Essau because it gives us a great illustration of what we should do to be good. Michael has been attending the Potter's Field Kids Club program since it had started. He heard about the program through hids friends from school, and says that he loves to come for pretty much everything that we do here but especially that he can come here and learn more about God. Not only did he hear about this program through his friends, but he also has made a ton of new friends through this program.

Michael is a leader. He is a child who has passion for things special to him, and who cares for those around him. When I see the way he interacts with the other kids, I can tell he doesnt know how much they look up to him. I continue to pray that Michael will see whats worth living for through this program, and that he will follow Christ and lead those who look up to him to Christ as well. Please keep Michael in your prayers, Thank you!

Michael's ready to play some Kickball!



Alexis and Michael