I was in the 9th grade when my teacher told me about a trip to Mexico that I was qualified to go on. She told me she thought it would be a great experience for me. I decided to talk to my parents about it, and they decided to let me go. It was a thirteen- hour drive to Mexico and we ended up arriving at one o'clock in the morning. We stayed at the orphanage where we were supposed to help with the renovations of the building the children lived in.

That morning we woke up and ate breakfast then went outside to begin our first tasks. The first task they gave us was to paint trees with lime sediment to keep the bugs from killing them. After we finished they gave us time before lunch to meet and get to know some of the kids. I was walking around when a little girl grabbed my hand and asked me to join her in a game of soccer. We played and talked and soon became very good friends. She told me her name was also Jessica and that today was her birthday. Then she just walked off and left. Later she came back with this stuffed animal in her hands. It looked like it was one of the very few things she owned. She handed it to me and told me she wanted me to have it and that I was her best friend. I thought it was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me. This little girl, who has practically nothing, wanted me to have one of her most prized processions. I didn't keep it. I told her to keep it and think of me whenever she looked at it.

This taught me that even the simplest of things makes you realize never to take anything for granted. Cherish every moment in your life and make your life something you want to look back on. She taught me to be thankful for everything I have been given.

Jessica
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