Once again, it has been a while since my last post, but I am finally finishing up my thoughts on my recent visit to Peru with World Vision.

Day 3 was far more emotional than anything I had ever expected. We knew that we were going to be meeting our sponsored children, but we had no idea how deeply it would affect us. Honestly, it is nearly impossible to describe to you what it was like there. The poverty was astonishing. Though people have explained it to me before, it exceeded my every expectation, and not in a good way. I have never truly understood that kind of severe poverty - until now. However, the transformation that World Vision offers to such poverty-stricken people is equally as indescribable. Individuals, families, and entire communities are completely changed through the work of World Vision.

Meeting our sponsored children, Ashly and Edilson, was so incredibly moving. I mean, there I was, sitting face-to-face with the entire purpose for our music ministry, experiencing firsthand this movement that Casey and I get to be a part of. I just can't explain how powerful it was. Both of the kids are only eight years old, but they certainly had a grasp on who I am and what I do for them. Ultimately, they are still kids, so they wanted to hang out and play (we had a blast). On the other hand, I had the chance to really talk with both of their mothers. It was amazing to hear their stories - what was going on in their lives, and in the lives of all their children and families. It was the day after the US presidential election, so we talked politics. We talked about their needs. We talked about their past and their dreams.  We just talked and talked and talked. The most moving thing of all was the love they showed me. Unfortunately, it will likely be the only chance I ever have to spend time with those families. But in those brief few hours, they each reached out to me in a way I just can't put into words. Their gratitude, their humility, their joy, their hearts, their hugs, their questions… I get goose bumps each time I think of them.

I left that day knowing with all my heart that what we do matters. I think that God is blessed in the work of World Vision. I think that God is blessed in the loving of the poor, the orphan, and the widow. We can't save the world, and it's not our job to do it. But we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. Won't you join me in loving a child through the miracle of sponsorship? You won't regret it.