One of my favorite chapters in all of scripture is 3 Nephi 17. The Savior has instructed the surviving Nephites to ponder His teachings and that they must prepare themselves to learn more. Then, he says that He must leave them for a time. “When Jesus had thus spoken, he cast his eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon Him as if they would ask Him to tarry a little longer with them. And he said unto them: Behold my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.” The Savior then demonstrates such compassion and mercy to all by healing their sick and afflicted. The crowning moment of His visit comes when He commands that their little children be brought before Him. And this is where my Ecuador experience, being with the children, has enhanced my understanding of the word compassion and why the Savior of us all loves children so much.

I love my comfort zone. All of us have different lengths and degrees our comfort zones will allow us to wander. This trip was definitely outside my comfort zone. Yet, I believe only when we explore outside the regions of our comfort zone do we truly understand ourselves and grow as individuals. As our first stop at one of the orphanages began, I held the thought in my head, “What would the Savior do in my place?”

I will never be the same, the comfort zone protecting my heart has been penetrated and I have learned to love more as the Savior loves by allowing these children into my life. My defenses were immediately penetrated as a beautiful 4-year-old girl pulled on the back of my shirt and smiled. Her eyes drew me in and as she rushed into my arms, I felt a new kind of peace. As we continued to interact with children from several orphanages, I realized how easy loving Gods children can be. They have no parents; they come from truly tragic situations; many of them have nothing when they arrive at these orphanages and what they seem to want most of all is time, love and attention. I could do that. I enjoyed playing soccer with the older boys, reading books with younger children, and even holding some of these children and just being with them. Children can change us if we allow them to do so. We can also help change their situation by extending ourselves and donating what we can both in time and resources. All of us can do that.

One of the greatest blessings for me this trip came from watching my own child. Caleb came to Ecuador to complete his Eagle Scout project. I’ve never seen an Eagle Scout project induce more smiles than this one. The shoes given by so many in our hometown of Rexburg, Idaho, were cherished by each of these little ones. Those who gave money should know that several of these children will now sleep warmer at night with their new sweat tops and bottoms. We thank you for your efforts. Caleb seemed to integrate so naturally with these children. They loved being around him and he them. He developed a strong bond with a young man his age and several others during our week. I stood back several times this week in awe of my son and the man he is coming to be. As he has extended himself in service to others, he has demonstrated to me how Christ-like love can truly make a difference. His sisters Hannah and Grace and my beautiful wife Nanette have also been with me in my heart all week. I have felt their love and compassionate hearts reach out to me this week and feel a greater bond with them.

I want to remember this experience and the feelings I have had…a spirit of peace and a greater desire to love my neighbor. Going back to the Saviors experience with the surviving Nephite people, after he had called their little children to Him and blessed them, he then institutes the sacrament that they may do it in remembrance of Him and have His spirit to be with them. As I partake of the sacrament each week I can remember Him and through remembrance of Him feel the peace this trip has brought me and my family.

All of us no matter our background, religion or belief system can love our neighbor. Thank you Dando Amor for helping me love my neighbor.