Capuchi! Capuchi!

“Capuchi! Capuchi!” rang relentlessly from the Mexican children. The young kids surrounded me begging for these capuchis, or in other words, piggyback rides. I thought capuchis wouldn’t accomplish anything for the children or me; however, something as simple as a capuchi, was the catalyst for a transformational experience that introduced me to the profound nature of serving out of love. Giving capuchis was strenuous and exhausting; nevertheless, I was willing to break my back for these kids. The days were hot and dry in Tijuana, Mexico. Merely sitting would cause me to perspire. In this physical distress, the kids wanted capuchis! The first couple of capuchis were fine, but as the number of capuchis literally piled on, I began to shut down both physically and emotionally. My back was aching, my shirt clung to me, and I felt dreadfully filthy. I grew frustrated, which caused me to distance myself from the children. However, I couldn’t help notice the joyful smiles that came to their once solemn and lifeless faces. So, mustering as much strength as I could, I continued to play with the children, giving them the capuchis that brought them so much delight.
At first, it was odd to see how something as simple as a piggyback ride could bring about such happiness, but when I observed the surroundings, I quickly understood why. It was happiness that was hard to come by considering the conditions these children were living in. Their homes were rickety, would-be shacks. The roads weren’t in any better condition either, soiled in human and animal waste. Yet these children, who had hardly any possessions of their own, whose basic needs were not met, needed only the momentary gift of a capuchi to fill their lives with indescribable joy in the midst of such dire circumstances. Consequently, in their need I began to realize how much I had in my possession. As different our worlds were, however, without love, the need for food, shelter, and financial security had