Dia Del Nino
June is widely recognized in Ecuador as the month of the child, anchored by the national celebration of Día del Niño on June 1—a day dedicated to honoring, protecting, and uplifting children across the country. At the Santiago Children’s Home, this spirit isn’t limited to a single day. It’s woven into the rhythm of daily life.
Each morning in June begins the same way: the children gather in a circle for prayer.
One child is chosen to stand in the center. They’re asked how the community can pray for them—what burdens they’re carrying, what hopes they’re holding. Then, one by one, others step forward, tightening the circle. Hands are extended toward their friend in the middle while prayers are said aloud. It’s a simple act, but a powerful one.
Their requests are tender and sincere: prayers for good health, for success in school, for difficult family situations, for courage, for peace.
In the mornings, the older children gather while the younger ones are at school. In the afternoons, the younger children take their turn while the older ones are away. No matter the age, the posture is the same—open hearts, open hands, and a deep trust in God’s presence.
I recently spent eight days in Ecuador with a mission team from First Union Congregational Church in Quincy, IL, and the time we shared there left a deep imprint on my heart. Our team was invited into this sacred space on several different days. It was humbling to hear their prayers and an honor to join them. When we introduced ourselves, the children greeted us warmly—“Good morning, Jessica”—their voices rising in unison. When they shared their names, we responded in Spanish with “Buenos días” or “Mucho gusto,” small exchanges that bridged our worlds.
These moments reminded me that prayer is not just spoken—it is shared. And in that circle, surrounded by children lifting one another up, we witnessed a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.
As I think back on those mornings and afternoons in the Santiago Children’s Home, I’m reminded that faith is often lived out most clearly in the smallest voices. These children—each carrying their own stories, challenges, and hopes—pray with a sincerity that humbles and teaches. Their willingness to lift one another up, to speak blessings over their friends, and to trust God with the details of their lives is a quiet testimony to resilience and grace.
June may be the month of the child in Ecuador, but at the Home, every day reflects that truth. Every prayer circle, every shared greeting, every moment of connection is a reminder that God is at work in and through these young lives. And for our team, being welcomed into that sacred rhythm was a gift—one that continues to shape how we see community, compassion, and the simple power of showing up for one another.
Image taken by Jessica outside the Santiago Children’s Home in Cayambe, Ecuador.