Convinced that God has placed you on the right path, He did not make a mistake with me, as He gave me the opportunity to come to this City of Children and have the fortune of meeting great human beings who have taught and supported me greatly in my life. Through my contacts and friends, we have been able to contribute our bit, and although I may not always be physically present, I am there in spirit, as they have become part of my family, the siblings my son does not have, and the adoptive mother with Mother Ophelia. I invite you to join the cause of helping these children have a better future and to become part of a society that cries out for noble, studious, kind-hearted, and intelligent people like each and every one of those who are part of this institution.

Our first visit to Ciudad de los Niños was in December, 2008. We were on vacation in Mazatlan and wanted to give back to a community that had been so welcoming to us. Upon our first visit we fell in love, not just with the children, but the Mothers and all who worked there. We stayed a few hours just playing with the kids and learning about this organization. We were so impressed that year after year, many times more than once, we returned to Ciudad de los Niños. We have brought with us American friends as well as Mexican friends. We do what we can to help as this place and these people will always hold a special place in our heart. We encourage others to visit and see for themselves because we know they will be back.

I have very beautiful memories; they instilled good principles and values in me in this wonderful home. We don’t truly understand all the sacrifices that the mothers make for us until we leave the institution, until we become parents and good citizens ourselves. I currently have three children, whom I raise with the same values that I was given there. As a token of my gratitude, I try to assist as much as I can to help the mothers, because that is the legacy that Father Lucas left us: to help and be generous with our neighbors. When we see the children from past generations, it’s incredible, as we all remember the mischief, the sadness, the joys, and the outings we had when we were there. Today, we all see each other as family.

My name is Daniel Carvajal Tiznado. I was raised in the City of Children in Mazatlán, which was and continues to be my home; I still consider it my home, as my mother and brothers are there. They, like me, were fortunate to be welcomed by those who gave us everything. My father, the founder Lucas Carvajal, to whom I will always hold great love, gratitude, and respect, passed on his surname to those of us who were denied one, teaching us to be useful individuals. Proudly, he raised us as his children. And what can I say about my mother, Ophelia? I will never find words to describe the unconditional love she has given us—without complaints or excuses—dedicated 100% every day of the year. I am convinced that we were incredibly fortunate to have her as our mother; no better mother could have been given to us. I also recognize and admire the sacrifice of the religious sisters who, by vocation, felt the call in their hearts to care for unprotected children and have given their lives, leaving their families out of selfless love. All I can say is that I consider myself very fortunate, grateful, and proud to belong to the great family of the City of Children.