Little Prince's miracle

Today we woke to brilliant Brazilian sunshine. The kids wore (dress) shorts and sandals to church and still felt the heat. I wore my shortest possible skirt and still sweat. But three hours later, the final hymn closed with a BOOM of a South American monsoon.

Two hundred people stood in the foyer, staring open mouthed at the downpour. Of these 200, maybe 10 have cars. We own two of them.

And the rides began.

Men ran out in shirt and tie, giggling and car keys at the ready. The rest stood waiting for their turn, talking and waxing eloquent on how long the rain would last. Pretty soon the kids were antsy and I was hungry.

Now, our ward boundaries are quite extensive. There are some members who walk almost an hour to get to church on Sunday (and every meeting in between.) We're talkin' a twenty minute drive to some places - one way.

I looked around me. There were pregnant women. Families with double the amount of children I have. Lots with inadequate shoes. And they live far. FAR. While my house is a mere twenty minute walk from the chapel.

So we took off.

I packed Ouro Branco and Mr. Squishy rather sloppily in the stroller - leaving the carseat for My Man to bring home later. I took Little Prince aside and explained to him that other people needed the car much more than we did, so we would take advantage of our blessedly healthy bodies and walk home.

He took one look at the rain and said, "Mom? Let's say a prayer first."

So LP prayed.

"Dear Heavenly Father. Jesus, we need to borrow our car to other people who live very far away. We are going to walk home because we live close. Will you please stop the rain so we won't get wet? You can let it rain when we're home. Thanks. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

And within minutes, the rain stopped.

STOPPED. He didn't seem surprised.

We walked all the way home in blessed sunshine - just a little window in the clouds, shining down on us.

Friends, miracles really do happen. Sometimes it just takes the faith of a child.