The Little Girl with a Big Heart

That was not a good choice!”  Has anyone ever told you that?  Probably they have.  Sometimes adults make very poor choices.

Zinnia’s* father did—over and over again—and his unwise spending of money left his family with very little to make ends meet and left him in poor health, addicted to bad things.  Besides that, his children found themselves with a father who wasn’t around and was unable to take care of them well when he was. 

Zinnia’s mother tried to earn some money by cleaning houses, but in India, that brings in very, very little money.  How could she possibly care for three little children and a husband who didn’t help at all? 

Sadly, the family lived in a slum on the streets of a big city in India.  There was no running water, no electricity, no bathroom, and their ‘house’ was made with whatever they could find on the streets.  Tragically, many other families lived on the streets of this city along with Zinnia’s family because they were also very poor.  Life was extremely difficult and unhealthy.

Zinnia’s cousin, Siyla, had lived in Mukti Mission for several years.  Siyla suggested that Mukti would be good for Zinnia to grow and thrive in a place where she could feel safe and cared for.  And Siyla would be there, too!

Zinnia’s mother, who loved her very much, knew she had to do something to change the course of her daughter’s life.  She knew Siyla was growing up happily at Mukti, so she brought Zinnia. 

Adjusting to a new place can be hard, but Zinnia settled quickly.  In fourth grade, she’s happy in school.  Her housemother takes pride in her grades and achievements and says she takes the initiative to help at home.  She also comforts and befriends children who are new at Mukti and struggling.  She has a big heart.  Leadership and compassion seem to be two of her gifts.

“Oh, those cawing crows are driving me crazy,” her housemother moaned one day.  Zinnia jumped up, shouting, “I’ll scare them away!  I’ll get rid of all that noise!!!”  And out she ran to chase off the crows and make life a little happier for her housemother.  Being thoughtful of others is a wonderful quality.

Zinnia’s eyes sparkle when she speaks of Jesus.  And she loves Bible stories.  Daniel is her favorite Bible hero.  Why?  She bubbles that he was brave and smart, smart enough to live in the King’s house and interpret the King’s dreams.  Besides that, he had courage to brave the lion’s den and trust God to save him. 

Zinnia’s life has taken a radically different track. Once, she was living in fear and hopelessness that things would never get better. Today, she is thriving at Mukti Mission, and sees God at work in her life.

*Names changed for privacy and security. Images representative.