Missionary Jon

Last Monday John Paul and I had the rare and very beautiful experience of getting to take our six little Mexican missionary brothers and sisters to the circus in General Cepeda. (They are a family that is a member of FMC) I haven’t been to the circus since I was a little boy, but I have always had a love for everything about it (minus the clowns) and my childlike imagination always turns me back into a ten year old cheering for the tiger s and monkeys. I love the animals, the acrobats, the music and lights, and it only gets a hundred times better when you go with little children who have only once been to a circus. Their excitement made me feel like we were watching the best circus in the world, when in reality it was a one ring, one tiger, one acrobat circus that cost us a total of $15 for all eight of us. I guess that’s the beauty of having a childlike, simple heart. Even the simplest joys here in Mexico, experienced with the poor and the childlike become some of the most amazing and fun experiences you have ever had.  Maybe that’s why God prefers hanging with the poor. Their joy is not dependant on how big, flashy, or expensive a thing is, whether it be the circus or a gift you give them. They laugh at the ridiculous and at themselves. They share everything they have, and they have the minds and the hearts of children. And lastly, they are full of wonder, awe, and amazement at God’s creation, and are thankful for every one of His wonderful blessings. They are amazing people and they teach me to laugh, cry, and to be childlike in everything. Hopefully you still have this childlike spirit and joy and if not why not take a child, or six to the circus or the zoo and revive your imagination, and your wonder at the awesomeness of God’s beautiful creation.