Day 4
Before we started this day, we had a shopping trip looking for the right type of shovel so our men could work easier and faster. We also did a lot of praying that the rest of the 12 piers would be dug :-) Monday afternoon was extremely hard on our men.
God is Good! When we pulled up to Maria's home only two holes were not complete!!! We were so excited until they realized they now had to mix A LOT of concrete by hand. To say our men worked hard doesn't even come close to describing the work they did. But still they would do it again!! These men are responsible for laying the foundation of her home. The most important part of building a home.
For the women, we finally got to see just how much work they were having to do. We were impressed. This was also the first time we met Maria. She invited us to visit with her in her "home" where she has been living for the past three years with 4 other people. As we struggled to get to her home, we were saddened to think she does this with her 3 year old boy daily!! Saying this is a home is a big stretch. This is a place that she lives is all. It was her brothers workshop. I don't know the dimensions of this structure, but my boys have small bedrooms and this is smaller than that!! There is no bathroom. There is a sink but no water. The bed that they sleep on does not have a mattress. It is merely bags stuffed with who knows what and covered with blankets. She told us she cannot keep food there because there is too many rats.
We had heard Maria's story of abuse already, but when you hear it from her your heart aches for her. I could not control my crying. She told us not to be sad for her because she is happy and safe. She knows that she is rich if she has God! AMEN!!! Amy encouraged her by sharing her testimony. Once again I could not control my crying. There is something so beautiful when women lift up women by taking their past and sharing with each other. The bond that was made today cannot be broken!!
As the men stayed to work, the ladies left to prepare for the "Mom's Day" event that we were hosting. The Compassion staff got very excited and a little overwhelmed when they saw suitcase after suitcase be unloaded at the project. In total I believe we had six large suitcases and two carry-ons stuffed with goodies for these ladies. I cannot thank you all for the supplies that you brought to the church. I was so overjoyed by the response from family, friends, and fellow members. We stuffed 57 goodie bags with an audio bible, hand-made scarf, brush, mirror, bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial wipes, hair accessories, scripture cards, necklace set, pens, paper pads, finger nail polish, nail files, hand lotion, Candy, candy, candy... etc.... The gifts just kept pouring out. We were really getting excited to finally see it coming together. Amy decorated our dessert table. Chelsea and I made punch. Karen and Maggie set-up the photo booth. Carol and Jan set the tables with table clothes and placemats. Kim prepared to share her testimony and encourage these women.
And then it was time.... but no ladies. I was getting nervous that they weren't coming. Then Jan started waving them in and the flood gate was open. We had started serving the older children who had come. It was endless :-) Then I walked around the corner to see the room bursting with women and babies!! My heart was filled with joy!! These ladies loved hearing from Kim. They also enjoyed the craft and especially getting their picture taken. During one of the slow times, we decided to entertain the ladies by singing " I want to be a sheep". Entertained may be a stretch but they did get a big laugh. I believe they were overwhelmed by the gift bags. Everyone of them made sure to hug each one of us and tell us thank you. They were so grateful that two of the women had to come forward to speak to us in front of the group. One of the women told the others that use this as an example. You shouldn't always be a taker. It was time for them to be givers!
At the end, we were able to bless those who volunteer to help these moms. With a very gracious gift that was given, we bought the promoters new shoes and Anita a pair, as well. They were excited to receive shoes, just like the rest of us women would ;-) ! We also presented them with a goodie bag and the kitchen staff who did a great job keeping us stuffed all week! We just enough gifts to also present a gift to the tutors at the Machachi project.
It was another great day!!!
In Him,
Angie Logozzo
No comments:
Post a Comment