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feed. She always tried to feed as many of the street children as she could, since everyone at the mission knew they never had enough to eat.
    Juan Miguel shook his head. “Not today. I need to earn money today.”
    “Me, too,” Jorge said sadly. “Mamá needs me to earn extra to help pay bills since Eduardo will be volunteering here.”
    The simple statement of fact cut straight through Mateo’s heart. He hadn’t considered the ramifications Eduardo’s helping with the renovation would have on the rest of his family. But the temporary sacrifice on the part of Jorge would allow his older brother to gain experience that would help him get a job that paid a better wage than either boy could earn now. Plus it would hopefully convince Eduardo to stay away from the rebels, which would be better for his whole family.
    Mateo drew in a deep breath to steady his voice. “Well, know that whenever you are able to come help with the renovation, you are more than welcome.”
    “Thanks, Mateo,” Jorge said, and then the two boys ran out of the parking lot again.
    Mateo lifted his gaze to the clear blue sky and spoke softly. “Lord, please care for Jorge and Juan Miguel today. Help them to find an employer who will pay them a fair wage for whatever work they do.”
    He continued to pray, seeking the peace talking to God always provided. A sense of foreboding gripped his heart, however, and he added extra prayers for the safety of everyone connected to the mission—employees, volunteers, and children.
    The back door of the mission closed, and Mateo looked over, his heart growing lighter. Claudia skipped along beside Kayla, hand in hand as they crossed to the car with Maria. He didn’t know how the women had done it in so short a time, but Claudia’s dark hair shone and had been tied back with a pink ribbon. No sign of dirt appeared anywhere on the girl, and they’d put her in a dark blue dress and a pink cardigan. They’d even given her new shoes and short white socks.
    Claudia suddenly let go of Kayla and ran forward. “Look at my new dress, Mateo! Isn’t it pretty?”
    He chuckled as she twirled, making the knee-length skirt swirl. “Yes, it’s very pretty, but you are prettier.”
    She giggled and gave him a hug, then ran back to Kayla’s side and took her hand again. They settled into the backseat, and Mateo watched with a smile as Claudia snuggled against Kayla. To his pleasure, Kayla seemed just as happy to have Claudia by her side. As he drove through the city and listened to Maria tell Kayla about things they passed, he wondered how Claudia would react when the Americans went home. He had a feeling the girl would be devastated, but he couldn’t see a way to prevent it.
    By the time Mateo parked in front of Shaw Restoration, he’d convinced himself that he would be able to pick up the pieces after Kayla left. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d comforted a child after the departure of a favored volunteer. He doubted comforting Claudia would be the last time. Difficult as it was to see the kids upset, they were used to disappointment. Unfortunately, that knowledge did nothing to make it easier for him to watch them suffer through feeling let down by yet another person.
    As soon as they climbed out of the car, Claudia latched on to Kayla’s hand and looked around with wide eyes as they headed for the construction company’s front door. Maria fell into step with Mateo and spoke softly.
    “It appears our Claudia is smitten.”
    “Yes,” Mateo said quietly so the girl wouldn’t overhear. “I just pray she will not suffer too much when Kayla leaves.”
    Maria placed a hand on his arm, holding him back. “And what of you? I have seen how you look at Kayla.”
    “She is another volunteer who will be here a short time. I am where God wants me to be.” Mateo looked at the woman who had been something of a mother to him since he was seventeen. “I know you wish to see me happily married one day, Maria, but so