Give until there's nothing left, and then give some more

So I just spent a week in Mexico where my team and I had the opportunity and privilege of loving on the people of Monterrey the way that Jesus loves on us. We got to be the hands and feet of Jesus and pour our hearts out onto God's children. God showed up big time down in Mexico and changed my heart forever. I've learned so much from this trip and grown even deeper on my journey with Christ. I'd like to share just a part of what I learned from a very special friend I made in Monterrey.

On Thursday, we got to take some kids from a couple different children's homes on a field trip to Kidzania, which is basically an indoor amusement park. Each of us were given a check to be cashed, and then we could either spend the money, work for more money, or both. I got to be paired up with the most adorable kid ever, his name was Joel. He was so excited to go have a fun day with all of his buddies and the rest of the team, as was I! Joel had the most heart-melting smile I'd ever seen, and this child was filled with Jesus, I could see it in his eyes. As we were waiting in line for one of the activities, Joel noticed that one of my twenty dollar bills was ripped from earlier in the day. He immediately started searching through his money, looking for another twenty dollar bill. As soon as he found one in his stack, he picked it out and handed it to me, offereing me his because mine had ripped. In that very moment, God broke my heart for what breaks His. My heart broke for Joel as I thought about his life and realized he had nothing, he had grown up with no money of his own, no family to take care of him. This little boy had nothing, but this beautiful little child of God had everything, and all he wanted to do was keep on giving, just like his Heavenly Father.

Joel has been a huge inspiration to me and I am so grateful for his friendship. Joel has a huge heart and God's love just pours from his big eyes. He has given me strength to move forward and keep doing the next right thing. I know his story isn't over yet, and neither is mine.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9