At Students International, we’re constantly inspired by the dedication of our staff and their heart for ministry. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Esther Hernandez, one of our newer team members serving at the Social Work site in El Callejón. Esther is on a mission to break through the narrative of hopelessness in the lives of young women in her community, and she’s doing it with the transformative power of gratitude.

Here’s Esther in her own words:

Earlier this year, I felt God stirring something in my heart. I realized I wasn’t practicing gratitude. I would catch myself complaining more often than thanking God for what He was doing. That’s when I decided to start a gratitude journal. I took my planner and turned it into a space to intentionally write down things I was thankful for—moments where I saw God’s goodness, even in challenges.

This practice changed me. It shifted my perspective, helping me focus on God’s faithfulness instead of what I thought was lacking. Knowing the challenges the girls at my site face daily, I knew I needed to share this habit with them.

In poor communities, a victim attitude is fairly common, and the young girls in El Callejón are no exception. While they may never hear these words exactly, one way or another—through experiences and narratives—they are told, “You’re poor. You haven’t been given what you need to succeed. Nothing you do can change your life.” Unfortunately, these messages often mirror the reality of their lived experiences, reinforcing a narrative that keeps them trapped. It blinds them to their own worth and prevents them from recognizing the simple, daily blessings God places in their lives.

With the help of my intern, Chloe, we got to work. We created handmade journals for four girls. We used decorative paper, blank pages, and string to make the journals fun and inviting. Each week, the girls would write down one thing they were thankful for. I asked them to think about good moments, problems that were resolved, or ways they saw God during the week. They would finish each entry with two simple words: “¡Gracias Dios!” and we would close by praying and thanking God together.

Afterward, we’d decorate the pages with stickers, colors, and other creative materials. It became a space for them to reflect and for us to connect. As they shared what they were grateful for, we’d have meaningful conversations. Sometimes I’d give them encouragement, other times advice, or just help them see how God was present in their lives—even in the hard moments.

It’s been amazing to see their enthusiasm for the journals grow. They know exactly what to do each week, and they look forward to sharing. It’s my prayer that these seeds of gratitude will bear fruit in their lives in God’s perfect time.

A Challenge for Us All

Esther’s story is a reminder that gratitude to God has the power to transform lives—not just in El Callejón but in ours as well.

What are you grateful for today? How often do you pause to recognize God’s blessings in your life?

Thanksgiving is a alway a great time to share our gratitude but pausing once a year isn’t enough. We encourage you to make gratitude a part of your everyday ordinary routines. Start small—write down one thing each day that fills your heart with thanks and consider sharing it with a friend or your family. Let this simple habit shift your focus to God’s faithfulness and promises, and watch how it transforms your outlook, just as it’s transforming Esther and the girls she mentors.

Thank you for being part of the SI family. Your support, prayers, and generosity make stories like Esther’s and her girls possible. Together, we’re sowing seeds of hope, faith, and gratitude that will bear fruit for generations to come.