Relationships (Darrell)

Whenever we bring a team down here to Niños de Mexico, there are always those who wonder if the expense of it all is worthwhile. The common question is something like, “wouldn’t the money be better used if we just sent it straight to Niños?” I have a few different responses, which starts with the fact that Niños wants to us to come, then includes an attempt at explaining the importance of relationships. It is that concept of building relationships that is often lost on us in the U.S., but for those of us that have gone on this trip, we fully understand its value. 

Personally, I was reminded today that sponsoring a child at Niños is about far more than sending money so their needs are met. I was reminded when the two girls that Sandy and I sponsor, saw me and, with huge smiles on their faces, came to give me a hug. They gave me a hug when I was able to give them gifts and they gave me a hug when we left. There was not much communication beyond that, because we are working on the roof of their house, but those hugs were more enough! Those hugs also tell me that Vanessa and Valeria treasure the relationship and seeing one of their sponsors is a gift in itself.

Each person that comes on this trip learns quickly that the gifts we bring and the work we do is good, but the relationships that are formed, even if only for our short time here, are more valuable than anything else. For those who sponsor a child and come back, they are reminded that their sponsorship is about far more than money. For many who come on this trip, they learn that the value of the relationship is not just for the children of Niños de Mexico, it is for us as well. And anyone who has ever gone on this trip would never question its value. 

The last two days have been a great reminder of all of that.