Aided by "Ambassador Abel"
Before we went to Mexico, members of our church were asked to pick a child and prepare a backpack for them with supplies, clothes etc. I’m an elementary school and physical education teacher during the year and I recently taught a boy named Abel, so it only seemed natural to select him (my wife and I also intentionally select teens for missions/Operation Christmas Child/Salvation Army as they usually get left out as they’re seen as older and not as cute).

Well, throughout our time at the orphanage, Abel became our ambassador. He talked to us, helped translate, did everything from cook with us, played sports with us and everything else in between. Getting to know him reminded me of Psalms where David talks about God knowing us from the very start. Only HE could’ve planned for us to meet and get along so well before I even knew what would happen in Mexico. Abel truly was a God-send.

Bombai, my constant companion

I’m not even sure how this started, but basically, I was cleaning up after a sports program and Bombai came to me to play soccer shootout. I assumed that he could be up close due to his size and age and my experience with grade 2s in Canada. Well, after getting my head nearly taken off with his first shot, I moved him back and we played for a long while. After that, he was my constant companion, and on the last day, he just looked at me and quietly said “Bill... amigo.” and gave me a hug. That made my heart overflow with love and he, Ramon and I took our last photo for the year. I’ve committed to praying for him, Ramon, Sergio, Carlos, and Omar specifically throughout the year.

Love equals open hearts
On the first day at El Sauzal I was told by some people who went on the previous year’s mission that I shouldn’t be too surprised if some of the kids were a little shy around me, a newcomer. This was particularly true for Violetta. I was told that she REALLY has a tough time getting used to new adults, particularly men. So I did my sports program, construction, etc. and intentionally served the children around Violetta where I could, but I didn’t try to approach her if she seemed shy.

However, by the last day, I guess she figured I was familiar enough (or knew that we were leaving) and ran to ME, calling out “Photo, photo!” Well, I didn’t need to be asked twice, and we took a bunch of photos with her smiling, hugging, laughing, checking out my stubble with her fingers (she really loved that), and this, possibly my favourite photo, reminding me that a little love can allow God to open hearts.

She may not even remember me next year, and doesn’t realize the impact she’s made on my heart, but for her, Abel, Jesus/Bombai, and so many of the other children, I can’t wait to go back next year and see what else I can do to be a blessing in their lives, although I know that they’ll end up blessing me more!