Compassion, Kindness in the Little Things

Going to Peru was everything and more I wished to have on a mission trip. On my previous two mission trips I never felt like I really truly helped anyone, but going to Peru changed that. We did construction, deconstruction, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and dental work. On previous mission trips all we did was construction. The whole experience was amazing, but it was the dental and VBS that really opened my eyes to the compassion and kindness possible through the little things.
 
​When I signed up for VBS I thought I was just signing up for arts and crafts. When I got to Peru though I was told I was doing drama. I hate being up front, whether I have to speak or not. Thankfully in drama I was merely an actor portraying the narrator’s story. I was pretty nervous my first day but it got so easy once I saw the kids. They were so excited and attentive to watch us act. They didn't care whether I messed up or not; they were ready to be entertained. Watching the kids’ faces light up as we acted out Bible stories was a blessing all in itself.
 
My favorite moment of VBS though was during arts and crafts, when we would all sit on the ground and help the kids color. I was helping a little girl and her brother Cade glue cotton balls onto a cut-out cloud. He didn't speak any English and I had already used up all the Spanish I knew. We stared at each other somewhat lost and I could tell he was becoming bored. I grabbed a fluffy cotton ball and tossed it at the little boy. We literally sat there the next 10-15 minutes just throwing cotton balls back and forth between each other. I was amazed we were able to laugh so much and connect over something so simple. We couldn't talk to each other but I was able to create a memory that will forever be in my heart.  

Cadence Wright is a senior at Campion Academy.

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