Last Sunday we tried something a little different when coming to the river colony. Instead of driving through the entire neighborhood letting people know that we were on our way, we decided to go the shortest way, straight to the lot. The reason was because we have been coming at the same time and the same place for quite some time. We wanted to meet the needs of those most in need. Everyone in the colony definitely needs food, clothes, blankets and shoes. Some have very little, but some have nothing.
It was interesting to see that once again we had new people coming and some "no-shows". Many of the older children did not come this time. We think that maybe they were at the local carnival. I learned that admission is free to the carnivals in Mexico. I have a hard time imagining going to the carnival just to watch and not be able to go on the rides or have money to buy food, but I guess it's an outlet for the kids.
As we continued giving out the bags of food, we noticed how long some had been standing in line. It was a longer wait this time, because Maribel and I were trying to document all the shoe sizes represented. Some waited in line over an hour and some close to two hours. As they patiently waited, I got an idea. I went to my car and pulled out my loom for making beanies and began making a beanie in front of the people waiting. After a while, I asked one lady if she'd like to learn how to make one. I told her she could learn to make them for her family and then if she really enjoyed it, maybe she could make them to sell at the market. Her name was Rebecca and she was very interested. As we knitted our beanies, little by little other ladies began to express interest. So, it looks like in two weeks, I'll be starting my first knitting class.
Please pray that I can continue to find ways to build relationship with these people. Pray also that God will give us creative ways to genuinely help them. We don't want to just give them things. People before us, show up once with food or things and then are never to be seen again. We have learned through talking with people the importance of building relationship. When well intentioned people come and go, it leaves a bad feeling with the people that they were just trying to reach out to. We've learned that some people are wondering what they did so wrong that people don't return. They feel as if they made someone angry with them.
The best thing that we've done so far is that we have been faithful. It sends an entirely different message when you keep coming back. It doesn't even matter if we have something to give, but a smile or a hug. We've got their attention for the simple fact that we keep returning. They're asking us why we keep coming. Why aren't we charging them for food. They don't understand yet that it's the love of God that compels us to return to them.
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