Miguel Chavez, a 10-year-old Mexican boy, longs to accompany his father, Blas, to the mountains to graze their sheep, but each year he is told that he is too young. He prays to San Ysidro, the patron saint of farmers, and tries to prove his worth by helping with the shearing and branding. When he is humiliated by falling into a fleece bag, however, Miguel runs to the village to see his artist friend Perez and tells him that San Ysidro has ignored him. Perez advises patience and continued prayer. Shortly afterward, a storm panics the sheep, and they run into the hills. When Blas goes off in search of the flock, Miguel sets out on his own and eventually finds the lost sheep. On the way home, a pack of wolves stalk the boy, and after praying to San Ysidro for help, Miguel hears his father's call. The proud father promises to take Miguel to the mountains on his next trip.
