Mission Peru

By Joanna Wilkins

Today was a day I will never forget. I had the opportunity to meet my 7 year old compassion child Dayana and it was an incredible experience! I feel more changed and impacted by today than I could have ever anticipated.

I set off this morning accompanied by Clara, a wonderful translator with Compassion International. We drove in a taxi for about forty minutes and then took a smaller 3 wheeled taxi up the side of the mountain. I got to see the Compassion project that Dayana attends and I’m glad I can now picture it. We travelled further up the mountain and eventually had to go on foot because it was too steep to drive up. Dayana came running out of her house with a big smile lighting up her beautiful face. Her Mom and older sister welcomed us as well. Dayana’s home would be considered a fairly comfortable and nice house by the standards here in Peru. It was built into the side of the mountain and was small with simple furniture. I immediately felt very humbled that what little they had in my eyes represented so much comfort and security to their family, while I often am thinking of the next thing I can buy or save up for and I already have so much.

Dayana and I sat in her house smiling at each other as she opened the backpack I brought her. I will not forget the pure delight on her face by such little things like stickers and toys. We visited for a while and she asked me to come see her room that she shares with her sister. The room was painted pink which is her favourite colour. She showed me the doll that my Mom had given to her for me when she got to visit Dayana when she was only 3 years old. She had the doll set carefully on display on her bed. She then showed me a decorated shoe box filled with the letters and pictures I had sent. It was so meaningful for me to be there with Dayana in her bedroom, seeing where she lives and keeps her favourite things, and to see how she values the things I have sent. It makes me want to be much more intentional and regular in my correspondence with her.

Dayana’s Mom told me that Dayana prays for me often and asks God to bless me. Her Mom also thanked me with such sincerity for giving to Dayana every year for her Birthday. I honestly forgot that I do that since it is such a small amount and I don’t even notice it coming out of my bank account. Again I was so humbled that an insignificant amount of money to me can have such a big impact. I am feeling so convicted about how wasteful and unintentional I often am with my finances and how I should be more purposeful with what I have been blessed with.

Dayana and I walked hand in hand down the mountainside with her Mom, sister and Clara and took the taxis back into the town nearby. We went to a mini amusement park and rode the merry-go-round as well as an alarmingly fast and tiny roller coaster. As Dayana was jumping on the trampoline she said “I am so happy! This is the best day of my life! I will never ever forget this!” It was so moving! My translator Clara said that kids speak the truth without reservation. And as I stood in line with Clara talking about the day and waiting for the McDonald’s meal which was such a treat for Dayana and her family, I couldn’t hold back my tears. I kept picturing the joy on Dayana’s face throughout the day and felt so grateful to get to be there.

I am excited that I get to continue to be a part of Dayana’s life and that I have her as a part of mine. As I was saying goodbye to Dayana she said “please will you send more stickers?” :)

I feel so thankful for the blessing it is to be a Compassion sponsor, and to see how much of an impact it has on a child’s life as well as their family. I am thankful I got to meet, hug and laugh with beautiful Dayana, and to see where she lives and how I can be praying for her more personally.  I have a much greater appreciation for the work that Compassion International does for Dayana and I’m glad I got to see in person how happy and healthy Dayana is and most importantly to know that she loves Jesus.