A beautiful testimony of how a young family went from carpooling to living with this volunteer.
Alyn’s Story
My name is Alyn Maciel and I am 19 years old. My friend Adii introduced me to Young Lives and I first attended on December of 2014. The first person I met was Kimberly and I instantly thought she was one of the kindest people I’ve known. I enjoyed my rides and talks with her. It felt great having someone who wasn’t only willing to listen to what you were going through but actually wanted to listen. In one of our talks I mentioned to Kimberly the plans my husband and I had for our family: my husband got a job opportunity in Florida and in order to save up for this trip we decided to move into a room. It filled my heart with joy when Kimberly offered to have a look at one of the spare rooms she had available. It meant so much knowing she had opened the doors of her home to see our family grow into greater things.
When I first talked to my husband about it he didn’t know what to think or say. That automatically changed once he met Kimberly. He thought she was such a great person. I’ve always thought she had a natural way of winning people over with her love and kindness.
In the beginning it was hard for my husband and the baby to get used to living in a room rather than our own apartment. But as time’s gone by I feel like it’s only gotten so much easier. Kimberly has been really good at making us feel at home. We’ve had so many good times with her inviting us to dinner and letting us grow a special kind of bond together.
It’s amazing how one single person can work through God and spread so much love. The kind of love that only makes you wonder how? How can you grow so love for someone in such little time? The kind of love that makes you love your family even more by just seen someone else love them the way they do. And the kind of love that makes you feel like that person is now a part of your family. Just the way my son loves her says soo much. It warms my heart everytime I see him attacking her with hugs and kisses, because even though he is just a baby I know can too see how much of a great person she is.
I’ve been so blessed to have been able to learn about Young Lives because I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for them. I’m thankful that God sent me such an amazing mentor who has opened her doors to my family. Even though I don’t know all the mentors in YL I’m sure they’re just as awsome as Kimberly. I’m sure they’ve all inspired one or a few teen mom’s in the club because they are people who God has chosen to bless young moms like myself. Thanks to them we can seek love in God and grow a relationship with him. I’ve been more than happy being able to attend church with Kimberly and just seen the great things God has done for me and my family.
Kimberly’s Story
In August of 2015 I shared my experience of “showing up” to mentor a teen mom through YoungLives. (You can read Kimberley’s first post here)
I wanted to give you a little update on what has developed since then. I had the privilege of meeting many wonderful young ladies last year by simply giving them and their children a lift to club. One of those young ladies, Alyn, her son, Junior, and her hubby, Peter now live with me.
I affectionately refer to them as “my little family”
How did this happen you ask? Well….Getting to know Alyn simply thru our monthly conversations– these conversations were so effortless because Alyn is so open and engaging. Peter would come out to gather up the car seat, their sleepy son and goodies from club each month. This year as club started, I learned that Alyn and Peter have this dream and desire to move to Florida to begin a new adventure and grow their family (Alyn is expecting an addition to their family in May).
With the cost of living being less stressful in Florida, I admired Peter’ desire to provide this opportunity for their family and was compelled to pray for these little cuties on my way home that night. Immediately I felt the Lord nudge and suggest “why don’t you invite them to live with you so they can save money”.. I text Alyn and invited them over to meet my big dog Hattie and check out the place and well.. here we are two month into our experience as roomies.
I shared with my life group how it humbles me to think of the many blessings I could have missed out on…
Hearing laughter from not just a child in my home– but a mom and dad playing with their son.
Seeing roses on the kitchen counter from a husband to his wife with X’ & O’s Tasting new foods and flavors– Alyn is a wonderful cook. I’ve never had someone pack me a snack for work before.
Seeing a family eating dinner with one another every night– something I only experience on special occasions anymore with my own family.
Hugs and Besos from Junior and his little arms raised for me to scoop him up.
I know this is for a season and I’m so thankful for Peter, Alyn, Junior and new baby Julian. My hope is that they experience “love” and mi casa es tu casa.
We love because He first loved us” 1John 4:19
Be blessed!
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