HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CRISTINA

When I took this job, I was told it was a 4 month position, but I didn’t hesitate in saying YES. I had no doubt that in only 4 months, I could make a difference in a child’s life. 4 months turned into 12 years, on an amazing journey with Mending Kids. I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding this job has been for me on a professional and personal level. Having been born in one of the poorest countries in the Americas, Nicaragua, I understand and lived the struggle. After I moved to the U.S., my beginnings fueled in me the passion to help others. My position began at Robin’s Nest, a beautiful house dedicated to the wellbeing of children and parents Mending Kids brought to Los Angeles for surgical care. It was a house full of love, generosity and compassion. Children in various stages of recovery, walking around, in wheelchairs, convalescing from surgeries, but always with a smile on their faces. Meeting people from different countries, airport trips in the middle of the night, hospital visits, after-hours phone calls, all to save a child’s life. And it was all worth it!!! Fast forward 12 years, 64 countries, 4000+ children mended later, and still with Mending Kids. What a journey! Now, as a Director of Mission Services, I am responsible for our Overseas surgical missions, Individual International and U.S. surgical care programs and our Hometown missions. I’m still as excited and passionate as I was on my first day.

Thank you, Mending Kids, for allowing me to play a small part in helping make the world a better place.