We called him “Hooligan”. His real name, Julian, was lovingly changed to this fitting nickname as the week went along and we witnessed his antics around our worksite in Tijuana. Our group was building a house for Hooligan’s family and he was always right in the thick of the action. Hiding people’s hammers, tickling our group members and then dashing away, and laughing when someone struggled with some element of the building process were among this seven-year-old’s greatest joys.

Hooligan was standing out front of his existing house every morning when we arrived. His smile stretched ear to ear as he welcomed our group and then his shenanigans for the day began.  Despite the disruptions he caused, his smile and endearing personality were embraced and cherished by our group.

I’ll never forget his giant smile turning to passionate tears our final day in Mexico. He hugged me so tightly as I tried to understand the little Spanish I could make out in the midst of his sniffles. It was abundantly clear that his ornery antics throughout the week was the safest way for him to communicate his love and gratitude to our group of strangers. Little did he know, his tears that last morning communicated more than we could ever imagine. Our tears and embraces of that little fellah before our departure was one of the most profound moments in my life.

His picture still hangs on my wall in my office in Columbus, Ohio. I see his playful smile and am reminded of the significance that we all can bring to others in our lives. Years later, I hope he remembers our group as fondly as we remember him. The gift of the house to his family was only a small portion of the sacred gifts exchanged that week.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” – Galatians 6:10

Jason Barger is an 11-time Amor Mission Trip leader who has connected over 1700 people to build 120 houses in Mexico. As the former Director of Camp Akita in Ohio, he designed and implemented programs for over 1900 kids a summer centered on faith, love, service and leadership. Jason’s experience with servant-leadership led him to the creation of First Community Church’s Streets Mission Project to serve the homeless of Columbus, Ohio as well as mission trips to the Casa Hogar Sion Orphanage in Tijuana and the Village Mountain Mission project in the Dominican Republic. Jason is the author of the book Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport and spends most of his time today serving, writing, speaking and consulting for organizations looking to bring about positive change. Jason, his wonderful wife, Amy, and their two sons, Will and Benton, currently live in Columbus, Ohio. To connect with Jason, please visit  www.stepbackfromthebaggageclaim.com