Yesterday, I went to Cristo Rey and upon arriving it was pretty much like any other time I go there; I'm always greeted warmly and the kids swarm me and give me lots of hugs. But this day was special because this was the last group of kids to receive their backpacks and school uniforms. Zulema, the pastor's wife, told me that this group of kids was the poorest and benefited the most from these supplies.

Watching the children being called by name and given their unique backpacks loaded with supplies and custom sized uniforms was quite a treat. The children were quite eager and happy to receive them, but there is one thing that I want each person who sponsored a child to know. The transformation that I witnessed as each child exited the dressing area was miraculous, with special emphasis on the word "transformation".

This wasn't a simple change of cloths, but rather a change of attitude and ability, as if suddenly a lot more was possible, than was just a few moments ago. The children carried themselves differently; they squared their shoulders, straightened their backs and walked tall; they were proud of how they looked. They suddenly became the equal to other children who wore uniforms to school. After giving thanks to God and a round of hugs from them all, I watched the children walk off to school, eager to learn, to change, to succeed.

You see, sometimes clothes can do more than just adorn our bodies. Sometimes, they tell us that someone loves me and cares for me; they see the dark place where I live and they are willing to walk hand in hand with me to the light. Sometimes they affirm a hope for my future and a plan for my life, and that ALL things TRULY are possible through Christ, and that, can mean everything to a child born in poverty.

A heartfelt thank you to every person who sponsored a child!

And we also thank the ministries who participated

A Cause for Tea, Hope Project. and Saving Nicaragua

Cristo Rey School Sponsorship