From Rhonda Lennon, 7/14/08

RE: serving at the Bolivia Life Center, Team 1

My kids and I sponsor a boy [at the Bolivia Life Center] named Angel- I had met him on my first trip last summer and we have sent him letters and gifts this past year. We brought some things with us, including a photo album Amanda had made titled “Mi Familia” with pictures of all of us.

A few days into our trip, Angel came to meet me at the bus when we were heading out. He held 2 shiny silver packages, and I was so wishing Amanda was with me since her Spanish was amazing and mine pretty limited. But I understood that he was telling me the one package was for me and the other for Amanda. I noticed the paper had Christmas designs and I started to understand as this little boy stood there wide-eyed that he had a Christmas present for both of us. I was choking back the tears as I opened my package to find a stuffed bear. Amanda came soon and opened hers to find a small stuff bear and a picture of Angel taken by LFC’s own Tia Kimi (Kim Gorie). I had tears running down my face and could not speak as I hugged him and reminded him that he was a special gift and that I would always treasure this bear just like I treasured him. And told him in Spanish that he was always in my heart and in my prayers.

When I climbed on the bus holding my package someone asked what had happened and I told them. I know totally understand Mark 12:41-44 where the old women gives all she has, even tough it is a meager offering. Jesus explained that it was such a huge sacrifice for her………. this little boy who has very little, almost nothing to call his own, save Christmas presents given to him to share with me. I will always treasure that gift and that moment.

Pictures from Bolivia Team 1