Rick Warren states in his book, The Purpose Driven Life, “We discover our role in life through our relationships with others.” Lupetia Ramirez is an extraordinary young lady who helped me discover my purpose in life. She was an inspiration to me on my first mission trip to Baja, California in Mexico. She made an unmistakable impression on my life, and I try to live my life by her example.
As a small child, Lupetia suffered third degree burns over her entire body. Her mother abandoned her to the “City of Children” orphanage, where she lived until age 18. The director of the orphanage, Stan Stout, adopted her and financed her medical care, which included over 100 surgeries. She will never look normal again. Every day is a challenge for her. Getting up in the morning and looking in the mirror knowing you can never be like everyone else is a constant emotional battle for Lupetia. She finds herself the subject of constant starring and ridicule. After spending several years at the orphanage, she decided to turn her life over to God, and it has made an incredible difference for her.
As I learned of the hardships she endured- physically and emotionally, without the love and support of her family- I was overwhelmed. I witnessed how Lupetia overcame these struggles and turned her difficult past into the foundation of her life’s work- assisting medical and mission groups. Her struggles motivated her to become an educated, self-sufficient woman who contributes to society.
Regardless of her physical and emotional hardships, she continues to try and help others. Not only is she an inspiration to me to continue doing mission work, she is an inspiration to adults and kids in Baja. Looking at her, and seeing a strong Christian young lady overcoming her childhood is and encouragement for them to turn their problems over to God and let him take control.
She is a constant reminder to me not to take my blessings for granted. There is no guarantee for tomorrow, so I have to each day to the fullest. She has encouraged me to take the fortunate life and many blessings I have and use them to make a difference in the lives of others. We have been on 3 mission trips together, and look forward to going on more. She has taught me to have a selfless attitude and have compassion towards all people regardless of sex, race, or religion. Through my relationship with Lupetia, I have learned my purpose. Not necessarily going on hundreds of mission trips, but to make everyday a mission to help make a difference in someone’s life.
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