The inspiration for “Mi Pequena Maria” {“My Little Maria”} began with the first of many trips to a little orphanage south of the Arizona border in Mexico. I along with several friends who organized a work party to build a church and classrooms at the Esparanza Para Los Nino’s Orphanage near Puerto Penasco, Mexico spent many extended weekends at the orphanage. While there in addition to building we provided and cooked all meals for the kids and staff, entertained and played games with the kids and helped anyway we were needed, even taking everyone to the nearby beach for a barbecue and fun. From the first day, one little girl seemed to tag along with us, “Little Maria”. Every trip down since that first day I, having two young daughters myself who also made the trip down a few times, always looked forward to seeing Little Maria with her dark eyes and big smile who always seemed to be deep in thought and full of wonder. I often wonder what became of Little Maria… hopefully everything wonderful her little heart imagined!