His Name Is Ivan

Upon arriving in Juarez, one of the most dangerous and crime-ridden cities on the North American continent, I was immediately taken aback by the overwhelming poverty.  The weather was formidable.  It was hot, dry and dusty.  The very earth itself cracked under the devastating power of the sun.  The land was painted brown; there were no trees, no grass, and no flowers.  The lack of rainfall left the streets bone dry and desert like.  I’m a tough, rugged athlete with a strong resolve, but my first moments on the ground were emotionally overwhelming. It wasn’t just the sight of it all, but the sounds and smells were arresting and for a few moments I wondered how I could go on.  I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh, grabbed my composure and walked toward the construction site.

My team and I were building a school for the children living in the Filippe Angeles Colonia, most of whom are uneducated and will never reach an 8^th grade education. After fixing a pipe on the side of the building, I stepped down from the ladder to fill-up my canteen from the team water cooler.  As I poured crystal clear water into my canteen, I saw a young boy watching me.  His eyes said it all.  He grabbed a used soda bottle lying in the filthy street and came over to me.  Unable to speak English, his eyes asked me if he could have some water.  I took his dirty bottle and gave him back my full canteen.  The boy smiled widely and I felt God’s presence.  No words were necessary.  At that moment, we became instant friends.

Ivan came back to the site each day to help our team.  Since he was too small to help with the construction, he would spend his hours cleaning up the garbage and debris around the worksite.  I was struck by the impact of one small act of kindness and I realized that even at my young age I can make a difference.  My plastic canteen meant nothing to me.  I would probably have tossed it out when I arrived home.  But to Ivan it meant a fresh drink and, even more than that, it meant a new opportunity. Ivan, now 11 years old, is a 5^th grader at the school.

I returned home from that trip with a changed perspective on growing up American.  Often taking for granted that our education is a privilege afforded us and not a right, I challenged other teens and adults to give of their time and money for the school and to help the needy children who so desperately wanted to attend. I went, I saw, and now I am responsible! Over 120 children are sponsored today and Ivan is one of them – by me. That day will forever remain etched in my memory.  I satisfied Ivan’s thirst, Ivan satisfied my heart.