7 years ago, I went on a Mission trip to Chimbote, Peru with a group of young people and adults. It was a heart-rending experience to work in a very poor area of this incredibly beautiful country in South America. We had supported Father Jack for many years but it was the first time, I would meet him in his parishes where he serves the poorest of the poor. The very next day after our arrival, we were thrust upon this family whose children grace this page. Old reed walls of their humble dirt-floor home had to be replaced. The semi-disabled father welcomed our help. The mother was busy at work. Armed with spikes and poles, we proceeded to build two walls without the use of a hammer and nails. Two farmers from North Dakota, accustomed to modern-day tools, found this a challenge to their skills. After we removed the front wall of their modest home, the three children begged me for a photo. Normally, I would not do so. I believe taking photos of people in their poverty is offensive and robs them of their dignity. The kids were pleading for a gringo photo and I reluctantly agreed. I used this same photo to solicit funds when I returned to the US. Those of us who have at least one hot meal per day are wealthy. Those of us who have nails on our walls are rich. Those of us who have armoires in which to hand our clothes are well-off. We eventually repaired their home to the best of our ability.
Of all the faces of hope and despair that have touched me over the years - the most memorable are the faces of these three children. All children love to jump on their parents' bed. They were no exception. We never hang up our clothes above our beds. We know we live in a paradise compared to many who are poor. I can still recall the infectious voices of these children. Their laughter was precious beyond words. Our group met many such people who have courage and a capacity to forge ahead in spite of unbelievable problems. I decided, then and there, never to wear tired eyes of despair; for when one's eyes are tired; the world is tired too.
Wherever you find yourself; reach out and serve those who are poor. The poor, we have with us always. Serve the poor and we will indeed find the God we seek.
PS: To inquire more of Fr. Jack Davis' mission in Chimbote, Peru - go to www.friendsofchimbote.org
Of all the faces of hope and despair that have touched me over the years - the most memorable are the faces of these three children. All children love to jump on their parents' bed. They were no exception. We never hang up our clothes above our beds. We know we live in a paradise compared to many who are poor. I can still recall the infectious voices of these children. Their laughter was precious beyond words. Our group met many such people who have courage and a capacity to forge ahead in spite of unbelievable problems. I decided, then and there, never to wear tired eyes of despair; for when one's eyes are tired; the world is tired too.
Wherever you find yourself; reach out and serve those who are poor. The poor, we have with us always. Serve the poor and we will indeed find the God we seek.
PS: To inquire more of Fr. Jack Davis' mission in Chimbote, Peru - go to www.friendsofchimbote.org
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Don Ronaldo,
ReplyDeleteI know the setting you speak of. Some 20 yrs ago I was privileged to chaperone a group of teens from my home parish, St. Genevieve here in Louisiana. Our destination was Saltillo, Mexico and our mission was to spread the good news of our Lord and Savior.
Many emotional memories are revisited to this day, but the most impressionable were those received by visiting the 'poorest of the poor' on the outskirts of this particularity large city.
Our arrival by a modest school bus was greeted as that of some famous dignitaries. It seemed all the township turned out to greet us and in a most respectful way. No one was pushing or shoving to receive the humble gifts we had, nor was there any glum mood of the people and children as they stood patiently in line to receive a small gift. Quite the opposite occurred, a wonderful glow of Christ in each and every face.That image shall remain with me until the day I leave this earth.
Happiness and joy were the common expressions on the faces of those who have literally have nothing. Homes built of any type of refuge, no flooring but the earth beneath them.
At the time, in our eyes, the eyes of the missionaries we could only see hopelessness and misery. However in glancing back as to what was really seen....was the love of Christ in a place we could not image possible.
Although not all of us can go on a foreign mission, I believe we can all go on that same mission at home. We can see those poor in spirit, those that are seeking but not finding and show them Christ by the simple act of being Christ.
Thanks for sharing. God bless you!
DeleteFrom TU: "Serve the poor and know God better; become poor and see His face." comment received today March 8th 2013. Thank you. Peace.
ReplyDeleteToday's words from scripture, that we don't "own" and if we have property, sell it and share with all. It's too bad in years past that Native American spirituality couldn't stand up to European individuality and influence. But it's Resurrection Season, so let us renew efforts and "uplift" whoever we meet today. Leona
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, TU and LW. God bless you all!
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