I received an email from my boss asking me to write an article for the school's paper about my relationship with Manuel--what he meant to me, what I saw the Lord doing in Mexico, etc. Such a request is truly an honor. Manuel is my most treasured memory from Mexico, and I will jump at any opportunity to share about that relationship!

Here is what I wrote:

When God called me to Mexico, I knew that I was in for an experience of a lifetime. Beyond all that I experienced, it was the unforgettable relationships God provided in that place that I will treasure for always.

When I first met Manuel, he was sitting on the stairs of a shelter that can best be described as an orphanage for children whose parents have traded their families for lives of crime, drugs, and pleasure. I watched him as he sat silently alone, staring out with big, sad brown eyes. What most drew my attention to him was the fact he was covered in food, flies, and gnats. While normally a person would fight the constant annoyance of bugs, 2-year old Manuel sat still, as if he had already accepted defeat from the conditions he lived in day after day. As I hosed him off Southern-style, he cried and cried until I was able to finally soothe him. I wrapped him in a towel, held him close, and from that moment, we were inseparable. It did not take long for both of us to notice how special we were to each other. Before I even realized the full extent of the love God had given me for this child, Manuel began to call me Mommy. While I was both flattered and shocked at my new nickname, I soon found out that Manuel truly believed I was his mother! Apparently the love and care for him that I demonstrated twice a week for a couple hours at a time was significantly greater than any other connection he knew. During over three months in Mexico, I had my hands in street evangelism, leading worship, sports ministry, construction, teaching English and more, but Manuel truly was the very heart of my experience. I took picture after picture of him to fulfill my desire to capture every moment, every expression as my love for him grew stronger each day. I looked forward to seeing him each week and my heart broke every time I left and had to hear him scream and cry in confusion. Even on his worst days, all I had to do was hold him and he would be fine. I watched him grow from a quiet toddler in the corner to a jumping, laughing, and social child. It is amazing to see the difference a little love can make. I only hope that the short time I had with him can somehow make a lasting impact on him amidst all the uncertain experiences he may face. Maybe one day he will hear "Jesus Loves Me" and be reminded of a time when someone who loved him as a mother should was humming the tune in his ears. Somewhere down the line someone had said no to this little child, and yet I pray that God gives me a constant love and desire and passion to say yes to the least of these just like Manuel. (Matthew 25:40)