On October 24th, I had an experience that deeply marked me in a nearby dump near Mexico City airport, while accompanying the group of Missionary Heart Mexico North.
I met the simplest people I have ever known. They have nothing but at the same time showed us that they possess something greater. The children manifest an astonishing happiness even though materially they have nothing.
And sometimes we complain even about insignificant things.
These people taught us that one can stay happy despite living amidst trash; and instead of sadness, bitterness, and complaints, we encounter children and families with strong faith in God. They truly taught me a lot.
Tomás Alberto, one of the group, told us on the way back that a girl took him to her “paradise,” a corner amidst the trash that was better arranged.
I saw them playing in the dirt, dust, and garbage, always smiling, sharing their happiness. I insist, they have nothing but showed us that they have Christ in their hearts.
We played soccer for a while with them, after visiting their chapel, praying a rosary, and distributing food and clothing that we brought for them. What caught my attention, during the game, was a boy with crutches who was missing a foot. He told us that he was run over by a trailer when he was little. Instead of bullying him, as they would in any school, his friends passed him the ball so he could participate in the game. What a gesture of solidarity from his friends! They truly cared for him, even though he was missing a foot and therefore couldn’t be as fast for the game.
There is much more to tell, but I hope that those who have read me so far will also commit to helping these people, and also think about making Mexico a country without dumps, with a culture of recycling. They deserve a better place to live.
Solutions can surely be found so that all these people, amidst the dumps, also have the right to education and a more dignified home.
Nothing is impossible for God! Shall we do something to help Him?