Overtime, the last day is not necessarily the most difficult. When you make your presence, time, and commitment crystal clear from the beginning, the final goodbye becomes easier. It's when you show up, make connections, take some photos and leave. This is problematic and just completely wrong to do. With people being my ultimate love and purpose in life, I have to make a true commitment to not let them down. Of course, I may disappoint or make people feel sad with my departure, but it's never intentional. I only want the best for them and I try my best to give them my all in the time I have.
Not to mention, these people were special. There were connections made in short time, stories exchanged, motivational talks, spiritual guidance, and independence grown. I am truly not the one doing the teaching rather they are teaching me about their life, their choices, their experiences and I am always learning from them.
We are a co-created team of voices that learn from each other. They need the belief in their potential and being to rise to the occasion. These people didn't feel supported in this church and it was up to them to build their support from the inside. Just like my church Willow Creek, they have to build their own sections and supporters. It doesn't just come from a sermon or getting meals each week. In this case here, it was just about the meals each week-a typical occurrence for many churches I have seen in Central America.
At this last meal with my new friends, I arrived ten minutes late, which is not great because they have a tendency to eat and leave. It's always hectic the last day because I am trying to say goodbye to everyone in town-difficult mission.
It was a grand entrance with the royal red carpet in front of the church- no way. There was the same group sitting in the corner under the tree and a few sitting in the shade eating their food. A few of them waived and I walked in where I was immediately greeted by Rosa. Whenever she saw me, she greeted me for one second and then asked a million questions. There was Jorge sitting at the table with his cowboy hat smiling big and he said he would come to Chicago one day to see me-cute.
My special needs girl was there sitting at the end of the table. There I sat with all the questions and goodbyes and Dios contigo(may god be with you). They were interested in knowing where I was going next and why I couldn't stay with them. This splits my heart in half, but there's always going to be people to serve and I can't stay with all of them forever. When you are pretty much the only one acknowledging this population and you leave, it's difficult. We were all smiling and laughing and I walked around giving some motivational speeches, "Keep believing, Keep the faith, Count on each other, talk and support each other, keep singing, utilize your friends as support." I encouraged them to meet after the meal time in a small group to discuss their week and goals. This worked for the older men and some women joined together, but many just dispersed after they finished eating.
Someone had the quote if you can positively impact one person or cause them to think different then your job is done for the day. Of course, I want to help everyone and be superwoman, but that's just not realistic with this population. The acknowledgement and motivation makes an impact on the being.
After their meal, I sat outside with people having the inspirational talks, the hugs, the pats on the back, the smiles, and the handshakes. The one husband who had to ride 30 miles to work by bike in the sweltering heat, to make sure his kids were fed each day, said
"I know Jesus will guide me to a better job, but we just don't know when."
It's priceless to see what faith these people have and some would say that faith is all they need, but I disagree. These people deserve more human attention and more real caring and support. Al,
who sings and plays guitar in restaurants knows his purpose, but it doesn't pay the bills. He doesn't have a place to live, but he has purpose.
Does purpose trump "Maslow's Hierarchy of needs?"
Or does he need to keep working, believing, and praying for his growth of his purpose? Eventually, his purpose should align with his needs, but right now he may need to focus on another job to help him. The problem that everyone has is that the jobs are "not available," which is partially true.
There are so many different environmental factors that go in their current situation, but I hope I shed some light on how important it is to believe in people. To just let them talk to you, share some things about yourself and show you're human. That's all I can ask.... That's all I can ask.
When I leave I just have to pray for God to take care of these people. It's up to him to keep up his love, support, and miracles.
Out of respect their is limited photos with this population. It's not respectful to take photos inside the church.
Sometimes it's best to put the camera to the side.
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