“The reality was even better than the expectation,” said John Rapp, regional vice president, Ministries and Mission. “It was a life-changing event for all those involved.”

John Rapp is referring to a ten-day mission trip to Ecuador that provided many uplifting memories for the 25 Adventist Midwest Health employees who traveled there in January 2007. Physicians, nurses, and staff treated ear and urinary tract infections, provided dental care, prenatal care, and education.

James Today, administrative director of facilities for Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, jumped at the chance to go with the other employees. Actually, Jim had two missions on the trip: one, to help as part of the construction team to build two small churches, and the other, to meet a shy nine-year-old girl who Jim had been sponsoring for the past three years through World Vision.

In 2004, Jim was browsing in a Christian book shop near his home in Downers Grove, Ill., when he noticed a child’s photo on a poster encouraging sponsorship through World Vision. The child had the same birthday as his, and Jim felt a connection. He filled out the paperwork, sent $350 for a year’s sponsorship, and waited. When World Vision sent him his sponsored child, it was not the same-birthday child, but a small girl named Julissa.

“God knew I would be going to Ecuador three years from then,” Jim said. “I just didn’t know it.”

During the three years, Jim sent Julissa letters (with vital linguistic help from his son Kevin, 15, who knows Spanish). Julissa sent back colored drawings and photos, which were extremely gratifying. Jim noticed that in each photo her smile grew broader.

Miguel Luna, Security Department supervisor at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, was instrumental on the mission trip and especially to Jim. The two men traveled two hours away to Julissa’s village. Miguel knows Spanish and did much of the interpreting, and a driver and a van were supplied by World Vision. Upon arrival, Jim and Miguel were coached to allow Julissa to initiate contact and/or conversation.

A mother and daughter shyly entered the room. Julissa averted her eyes, but sat coloring pictures for Jim. Jim ventured a question: “What is your favorite color?” After things warmed up a bit, Jim asked Julissa (through Miguel) if he was what she pictured.

“You are taller, thinner, and your skin is not as brown as I thought it would be,” Julissa answered.

Jim asked the World Vision staff if giving a gift to the family would be acceptable. After a discussion with Julissa’s mother, the staff member reported that the mom asked for a bed. (Julissa is one of six children.) The group walked to a small furniture store down the street, and during this walk Julissa reached up for Jim’s hand. Julissa kept looking at a full-size bed with great big red hearts in the headboard, and Jim happily arranged delivery of the heart bed. At this, Julissa gave him a big hug.

“These mission trips are rough.” Jim said. “We give up comforts such as cars, our homes, our family, but God gives everyone involved something better in return. I will never forget that hug.”

Julie L. Busch, Adventist Midwest Health public relations specialist