Dear Iquitos, Hidden Jewel

Dear Iquitos, beautiful city
You have welcomed me with open arms
Never have I known such intensity
You, who lie alongside the world’s longest river, have shown me true love and great need
A maze of streets, with fruit-sellers and sleeping children
You, with your glorious sunsets, hospitality, and sloths and snakes, captivate my heart
You, with your abandoned children, begging for food, searching through the dump, walking barefooted, make my heart cry

Dear Iquitos, hidden jewel
I will search for and find the precious children if it takes a life-time
Together we can give them a better future, free from the need of begging, working for nothing, prostitution, abuse, drugs, and fighting
Dear Iquitos, who has given me a place to call home
Take care of my babies, those who are old too soon, even those not yet born
Let’s give them a chance at life, hope, peace, and joy
Let’s give them a chance of safety, education, and self-worth
Let’s give them a chance to know Jesus’ love

According to the UN, children are supposed to be: “innocent, vulnerable and dependent, curious, active and full of hope, lives of joy, peace, playing, learning, and growing, with a future of harmony and cooperation, maturing as they broaden their perspectives and gain new experiences.”

Dear children of Iquitos
You who are made in God’s image and tenderly loved by Him
That is what I desire for you