Even on days when I don\'t feel like I\'m doing any one thing that\'s very important, it\'s a consolation to me that all of the little things that I do contribute to a beautiful and worthwhile mission: to love these little people, so that they can grow up and be healthy, loving people in the future. Practically it makes sense, because we\'re working with populations of kids who otherwise would be high-risk for crime, delinquency, drugs, etc. If we can help them to instead be good workers, good friends, good parents - it is all more than worth it. And as we participate in this mission, we too are changed and formed. This place is one big collage of a thousand little differences.

Being able to serve children is a humbling gift that I will forever be thankful for, and to serve as a member of a diverse volunteer community makes the experience even more unique. It is amazing to be united with such a diverse group which is comprised of both North American and Central American volunteers that fulfill a variety of roles and responsibilities, and our diverse backgrounds and histories allow for a unique learning experience that helps me to better reflect on my own past and prepare for my future.