This is why I go to Nicaragua. I sponsor Javier, the boy behind me. He and his friends are teenagers living on their own in Nindiri, Nicaragua. I send money to him every month to help him with school, food, and living expenses. He is learning English and I am giving him hope and encouragement to make something of his life. He and his friends living in a concrete block house with a tin roof and a dirt floor. His toilet is a hole in the back yard with a toilet seat on it, and his shower is a primitive pipe in the yard. Their only furniture is a bed for each of them. They keep their clothes in suitcases we gave them. They cook over a propane 2 burner stove. They don't have a refrigerator, so they can't keep any food that will spoil. Compared to me, they have nothing. But these boys are always happy to see us, they joke and laugh with each other, and are thoughtful and polite. Javier will graduate from high school next year, something that most Nicaraguans don't do. I am so proud of him for what he has already accomplished against such enormous odds.

You know, it is only by luck of the draw that I wasn't born into one of the poorest countries in the world. I can't help everyone, but I can help this one. And maybe by knowing Javier, I will learn to appreciate everything I have, including the roof over my head and the food that I eat. And I thank God I have the opportunity to help others.