A journey of faith: Sponsoring a child

I came to Juarez with no expectations. My first mission trip and first time to Mexico. 

When we got off the van at the children’s home the first night of our arrival, before even stepping foot at our barracks, I was overwhelmed. Children were running up to us giving hugs and smiles. The love they had shown was incredible. 

When we got to the dining hall, a little girl grabbed my hand and motioned for me to sit with her. I of course said yes. Her name was Alexa, and I didn’t know then the impact she would have on me. 

Each day that we went to the children’s site, she would find me, and I would find her. We would have small conversations and she would tell me about her dogs and cats, but she was very quiet. She reminded me of exactly what I was like at her age. 

On Sunday night, Alexa gave me a few crafts. That’s when I knew that I was going to sponsor her. 

When I asked Lindsey about sponsoring her, she said she couldn’t be more excited because she needed a sponsor. I knew that the Lord had placed Alexa on my heart in that moment. 

On Tuesday, I asked Lindsey for the paperwork and signed. I was able to tell Alexa that I am now sponsoring her. I used a translator and spoke Spanish while allowing her to read the text “Ahora te estoy patrocinando.” She looked at me with the biggest smile that I had seen from her the entire trip and she wrapped her arms around me tighter than ever. Alexa was beaming. I could feel the tears starting to swell in my eyes. 

When I got back to the common area after a short while, she handed me a bracelet that she had made for me. 

I am so grateful that not only I get to sponsor a child, but I am able to visit her, I am able to send her letters and gifts and I can physically see her needs and hold her hand.