Mission Mexico 2011

How is it that someone can so quickly grow into your heart? People can make great efforts over the course of years and never work their way into that sacred place. Yet other times it takes mere seconds and very little work. I was the recipient of this blessing, multiple times, in Mexico last week.

Little David (pronounced Daah veed) is six years old. A year ago he came to the King's Kids orphanage in Guaymas Mexico, a malnourished, bloated, abused child. His mother had kept him in a cage. We had a music practice our first night at the orphanage. As I played guitar, sitting on the concrete steps, little David literally bounced over to me, hung on my shoulder and began singing every word to the song edes todepoderoso (in Spanish means “You are all powerful”) in my ear. Then we played the song “David Danced” and every time I sung the line “Yo danzo como David” the little guy's ear-to-ear grin spoke volumes. He quickly found his way into my heart. I didn't even have to try.

The power of God is marvelous! No one would have expected little David to find peace and joy so quickly after the living hell he'd been through. But David found love-- or better yet, love found him-- and it transformed his life. Through the wonderful orphanage parents Blas and Maria & Miguel and Maricella, as well as the love of so many other servants, David is safe and the soil of his heart is now a place where joy can grow.

I could go on and on about the others. Sixteen year old Jesus (Huh soos), who came from the streets to the orphanage five years ago, so paranoid that he wouldn't even stand next to anyone-- whose behavior was so bad, he was almost sent back to the state... that is his story (history)... but all I know is the boy, Jesus, I met last week-- a model of respect and peace. Jesus was my shadow, just waiting for a turn on the acoustic guitar.... at the end of the week, we gave all the instruments to the kids-- the looks on their faces and tears in their eyes were priceless.

Another orphan, Angel (An hel) is just 14 years old and so talented on the drums I'll be surprised if he doesn't play professionally someday. And Blas' kids, Alex, Eric and Mimi-- beautiful examples of humble hearts that make many sacrifices with joy and faith. All of these people- and many more- grew into my heart this past week, and will not soon be forgotten.

I could tell you the things we did on the trip. We seemed to be busy every day from sunup to sundown. We painted and did sheetrock work. We played music, did crafts with the kids, and showed the Jesus film 3 times. Kent played one of the most heinous practical jokes of all time on me, Jake got “beat up” by Brian- and stung by a sting ray- and our bus broke down on a Mexican highway for 4.5 hours on the way home. All of these things were a part of a joyous experience.

But beyond the facts, these young kids are now a part of me-- and I can hardly think about them without getting a lump in my throat. Such is the cost of love. I am so blessed...

Pete