Santo Tomás - Day 5 [Blog]
/By: Nancy Peabody
I am a crier.
Many people know this.
They know this because they have seen me cry. Frequently more than once.
I cry when I am happy and when I am sad. I cry when I find something touching or sincere, which I am embarrassed to say can even be when viewing a Hallmark card commercial. I even start crying when I see someone else crying, especially a good friend.
Oh, I almost forgot. I am not a quiet crier who has one tear delicately falling down one cheek. I am a full blown eyes red, skin blotchy, nose running and voice squeaking kind of crier.
I was surprised, however, when I found myself tearing up a few times today. My last day working donations for the Corazón de los Ninos Association. I have helped unpack, fold and organize over 2,000 lbs of donated clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc… with my friends Judy and Jendy. I also assisted children to pick out a new pair of socks and underwear, gently used clothing and hopefully a pair of shoes.
We worked with some amazing women from this Guatemalan community. These women have tirelessly worked to make this donation event organized and welcoming to the families involved with Corazón de los Ninos. What struck me most about these strong, beautiful women at the outset of this endeavor was their good humor, camaraderie and willingness to work without complaint.
While working our first day together I wondered what I had in common with these women that I could only communicate with my seriously deficient fourteen Spanish phrases.
I am not sure how we all gathered outside in the dusty, but wonderfully cool breeze, but with the very patient Judy as our translator we all introduced ourselves and practiced the pronunciation of our names. We found our common denominator as we talked about our children and grandchildren.
It was motherhood that brought us together.
As with most people who have been involved with a mission project I have been humbled, blessed and honored to have been a part of their lives for these few days and I felt sad it was coming to a close today.
Yes, I cried as we said our parting words and goodbyes.
I can’t wait for next year.
