It’s always so touching to hear what children in poverty feel thankful for. They live with less than most people, but their gratitude overflows. It helps put things in perspective and reminds us to give praise in all circumstances!

These five children in Compassion’s program live in poverty in South America. Learn what they’re thankful for … and be blessed!

Brittany: Thankful for Clean Water

“I am grateful to God, to the church and to the sponsors for clean water that I can drink every day without getting sick.”

In 8-year-old Brittany’s community, she and all of her friends had no choice but to drink contaminated water, which caused severe stomach problems. “We realized that the children drank the water from the same pond that the animals drank from,” says Samuel, director of Brittany’s Compassion center in Colombia. Thanks to donors, the center was equipped to provide safe drinking water for the children and their families, and Brittany no longer gets sick.

Iarley: Thankful for God

“Without God, I wouldn’t be so happy. I’m grateful to him because he’s my friend, but he also gave me my family.”

Nine-year-old Iarley’s dream is to become a shepherd when he grows up — whether of people or sheep! This aspiring pastor in Brazil loves spending time thinking about God and reading his Bible. “In fact, God created the entire universe,” says Iarley. “He made the sun, the moon, all the stars and this planet. With him, anything we see can exist. I’m grateful for that.”

Maira: Thankful for My Farm

“My favorite vegetables are green beans. I thank God for having food at home.”

When the pandemic hit, 8-year-old Maira and her family received help from a Compassion center in Colombia to start a food farm at home. Now Maira’s favorite place is the farm — and her family is grateful that they can grow vegetables and fruits to eat and sell.

Anllelo: Thankful for Letters

“I really like receiving letters from my sponsor. I’m thankful, and I’m happy when she writes me.”

Anllelo finds joy and encouragement in reading letters from his sponsor. “She wished me a happy birthday in January, and I also like drawing for her. If she comes to see us, we’ll make her a yummy meal,” says the 8-year-old in Peru. His mother, Orieta, is also thankful for the letters. “Reading my son’s sponsor letters encourages our family to draw closer to God and to trust him. It’s a joy for us, and we feel excited,” she says.

Sheyla: Thankful for Good Food

“I say thank you for this help.”

Sheyla, 7, and her family in Bolivia began growing their own food when the pandemic struck and they could not work. But they struggled to grow enough food and to meet their other needs. So when staff from Sheyla’s Compassion center knocked on her door with a food basket, the family was incredibly thankful. Each month, they began receiving new supplies, which always helps them when they don’t have anything to eat. “My mom makes food with what the center brings,” Sheyla says. “My favorite food is peanut soup or squash soup. I like the milk. It’s delicious. I like strawberry yogurt and cookies.”

You can give a family in poverty even more to be grateful for! Shop Compassion’s Gift Catalog to provide life-changing gifts like vegetable seeds, safe water and Bibles.

Photography and reporting by Nico Benalcazar, Lina Marcela Alarcón Molina, Galia Oropeza, Sara Navarro and Fernando Sinacay.