I've been here for over a month and I have yet to report on an extremely important part of the CHI ministry. Every Wednesday as a part of the T.E.A.M. program, we travel to a nearby Colonia and hand out food, clothing, little toys, etc. to areas stricken by extreme poverty. I don't have any photos on hand, but to those who have seen the Colonias first hand, they know that these images stick with you.
This week southern Texas and the Reynosa area experienced six days of rain. While this is a common occurance in Minnesota, here, not so much. At one point we didn't think that we would be able to make the Colonia trip with this group, it would have been too much of a risk to lose a vehicle in the mud. But God does provide, and Tuesday afternoon, the rain stopped and the sun came out, so by Wednesday we all loaded into the vans and headed off to a Colonia with our "it's-okay-if-these-shoes-get-so-dirty-that-I-won't-want-to-wear-them-again" shoes.
We handed out coloring books and glow-in-the-dark bracelets to the kids this particular week, simply saying "Cristo te ama." or "Dios le bendiga". (Jesus loves you, and God Bless). I have gone to the Colonias with every group, and each time it doesn't necessarily get easier to see, but I am less shocked by the living conditions.
One thing that hits me every single time is the varied personalities that we meet. There are the people that try to trick you for one more bag of rice. I can't say that I blame them. But the overwhelming majority are people with beautiful hearts. They remain honest when offered a second bag of food, saying that they have already recieved their share. A women this Wednesday, when a group member managed to say "God Bless You" in their broken Spanish, replied "And you, God loves us all equally." This simple statement amazes me still. We come to the Colonias with our simple gifts, attempting to make better the lives of a few that have had a hard road. But God loves us all equally. It doesn't matter what we each have done to get where we are. God loves us all equally. The last shall be first and the first shall be last.
I know I've rambled on and I don't know if this makes any sense at all. All I know is that I have faith in our creator and I am excited to see what plans he has in store for me for my remaining weeks here.
I love you all and will see you soon.
Eliza
5 comments:
That's a great story, Eliza! Many times we feel people are more blessed than others, but God's love is equal to all, and that's the real blessing!
Emily is with us this week, going to clay art camp while Abby goes to photography.
We're busy with the living room changes.
Dad's waiting on a call from Buffalo. Ms. Meyer is taking the technology position for Becker, so her 9-12 media position is open!
Package was sent yesterday, so be on the look-out.
Richard from Texas is coming to speak at a store in St.Cloud! I may go hear him.
Weeks are flying!
Love & Prayers,
Mom
Dad didn't get the job in Buffalo unfortunatley, but he's doing fine. Nothing new around here as usual. The floor is almost done, there's that at least. I'm getting pretty excited for my show on Friday, a couple hundred people are expected to show up, so that should be huge! But all in all, I'd much rather be in Mexico with you and my new friends. Tell everybody I said hi, and have a good last few weeks.
Love, Zach
Eliza,
I am so not computer savvy.
I finally posted a comment for you, a few days ago, but I think I posted it to your June 16th BLOG.
DUH!
Well, I just wanted to say Hi!
And let you know that I've been thinking about you.
Scott just sent out an e-mail letting us know that you & the rest of the CHI people are OK, after huricane Dolly. Yea!
Take care & enjoy the last couple weeks.
Love, your friend,
Lori J
Hey Eliza,
Hope you are doing well after Dolly! We haven't heard anything from the Mexican side. I'm sure you'll give everyone the update here!
I need a favor. I do not have any still pictures from our trip in June and I need some for our support letter and our blog. I am wondering if you have any that you could pass along to us. Even if they are not from our trip but they include the children or the Home that would be great. We are also in need of pictures for a presentation we will give at our church on August 10th. I hope this isn't an inconvenience for you. It would help us out immensely.
We wish you all the best as you get ready to start back at St. Olaf. God bless,
Ann-marie
aboyles3@bellsouth.net
Hi Eliza! I can't wait to see you - it will be soon! I'm so glad that God is looking out for you and gave you some water to help you remember home. It is very humid today. You are right - MN gets so lush in the summer. I will also look forward to hearing more of your CHI news when you return. God bless you & keep you. Love, your friend, Deb @ Rejoice
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