So what are Animalitos? Well, they are something that satisfies, yet you crave. They are small, yet can do big things. They are easy to find anywhere in the world, yet only a small percent of the population love them. You can by them whole or broken and they do the same thing. So, what exactly are these things? Well, in America, they are known as animal crackers and to us, they are life savers!
We pick these things up at the supermarket about twice a week and I think every WR (at least on Team B) loves these things as a snack. For about $.30 you can get 6 ounces of bliss. (especially if you dip them in peanut butter) They are puffier than the ones in the states and I’m not sure what it is about them, but they are so addictive! It may sound sad to those back home, but it’s now our life and we are eating it up…literally!!! (to all of those moms reading this, we are eating very well..this is just to snack on 🙂
It may sound funny, but they have kind of been a ministry tool too. I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone again and lately have been working mainly with two ministries, children and women.
Last week, we had a small group meeting and I saw one little girl go into the house and start playing with some trucks. So I followed her in and played with here. Soon, a bunch of ladies came in and started asking me questions in Spanish. I just smiled and nodded politely and the next thing you know I have 10 kids around me with only 2 trucks…not good. So, the next morning, during our prayer time, I prayed for a plan of what to do with the munchkins the next time I had them. Then, I challenged myself that I would go out in town and speak in Spanish to get whatever I needed. I had such a great time in my prayer time and in getting all the supplies.
I knew I needed to get them something to eat, but could only find cookies. So, while browsing through the stores I found the animalitos and they have been such a hit ever since. It’s a great way to calm the kids down before we do the “quiet” things. It’s fun to count them out with them, make the animal faces and noises and they never grow tired of them. (and we love eating the leftovers!) So, they are a hit with kids, but I never expected I could use them in other ways as well.
Last night, I was walking back from dinner with Shawna and she saw a older lady walking on the street. She went over and started talking with her, so I just followed along. The lady was walking the street barefoot and seemed really confused. Shawna wanted to bring her back to the church to get her some help with whatever she needed. We were looking for some shoes for her, something for her to eat and possibly bathing her. When we got back, Shawna went to get the bath bucket and James asked if we needed anything. A cup of cold water came to my mind along with some food…but what did I have? Then I remembered that we had a service last night, and had quite a few leftover animal crackers. So, I asked James to get those as well. So, there we were, asking her where she lived, what she needed and more… all over a foot bath and some animal crackers. It amazed me and made me smile. The love the teams were pouring out on her just broke your heart.
It´s amazing what you can do with just the little things God gives as ideas to you. I never thought I could connect so much with a kid or a grandmother over animal crackers. 🙂 You never know mountains you can move with little tools you have till you try!!
PS- If anyone has ideas for like a kid´s church type thing, I´d love to hear them!! You can e-mail me at [email protected] 🙂
