My friend asked me this question as he dropped me off after a trip to the super market the other day. Several times over the last two and a half weeks, I have looked up at my surroundings as I walked around cars on the street to the parish, or around people and dogs on the crowded sidewalk of Santa Fe, and likewise asked, "How did my life end up here?" I am currently one of two Incarnate Word Missionaries serving in the neighborhood of Santa Fe, Mexico City for two years.
That question does not exactly have a one-word answer, unless I say "God," but as an introduction to the lives and sites of Incarnate Word Missionaries, I thought I would try to flesh it out a little. To answer myself, I usually just shake my head and chuckle. While I recognize a series of events and thought processes have led to this place at this time, greater reasons still remain somewhat of a mystery. As I told my friend, "We´ll see."
After graduating from college, I knew I wanted to do some sort of volunteer experience that would allow me to work with people, learn more about social justice, and learn more about my own future possibilities. Any number of things could fit that description, except I also knew I wanted to incorporate faith and a type of incarnational living based in community. I found IWM in the book Alternatives to the Peace Corps, and the mission statement immediately caught my attention. (Read it if you have not!) Still, the title of "missionary" is a little daunting and does not exactly have a universal definition. The Incarnate Word model is based on trying to immitate Jesus the human being in all facets of life just by living with people and learning from them. Clearly we fall short of Jesus, but I am convinced there is value in trying. I have realized that being a missionary, even for a short time, is about dedicating yourself to being open to where God will lead you.
So far for Tara and I, daily life has been about adjustment and figuring out what is normal, from food to language to activities. By our second week in Mexico, Tara and I started working at a guardería, or daycare, for low-income families that was started by an Incarnate Word Sister and a committee of community members. On a typical day we work from about 9am to 2:30, then head home and recover from directing 5 year olds in Spanish for many hours, perhaps catch a Zumba class, stop by the parish, have dinner either at the parish or in our community, and then pray together before bed as a staple of our community living. Over time, we both hope to get involved in more community development activities, but for now we have to patiently get to know people and their customs and their needs.
I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that during my time in Santa Fe, while I will hopefully do some good work, I will gain infinitely more than I can give. It is humbling. From little things like being told a word I don´t know, to being handed endless plates of delicious tacos at the parish, to being driven to and from Teotihuacán, I have already learned that more than anything in these two years, I will receive. But really, all of life is about receiving more that we deserve or can give. The hope is that in return for all the physical, emotional, and spiritual provision I am being given, I will provide a little labor, and some fresh energy and insight. And hopefully that will give me a little more experience to take with me to the next point in life.
Why am I here? To try to give a little and learn a lot - about this community, people here, myself, and God. We´ll see.
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteYou are wise beyond your years to see all of life as gift. I'm sure those little kindergarteners are learning much about love and patience from you. We are learning about courage and dedication from you as you undertake this "adventure" with God and the people of Santa Fe.
Thank you for sharing your initial reflections. Please continue to share. I have a feeling that some great things will happen there. We'll see!
Sr. Shirley
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I really appreciate all that you are doing for the children of Mexico. Working at the daycare and teaching the children will help them continue to grow and have a strong passion to learn. Because of you these children will be able to be someone, and follow their dreams, Just like us. It is my dream to go to Africa and save as many malnutrition families as I can, as well as stop a terminal disease. When you wrote and explained why you wanted to be a missionary all what you have incorporated are great reasons in why to become one. You might not provide much labor but you certainly are giving: patience, compassion, understanding, hope and faith. In our engage book it states many non violent options to solve problems. One of them is sharing a passion. Was being a missionary always a passion for you? Whether it was or not I am so glad and proud that you are spreading the faith and love to all those children who may not have that. May you take care and God Bless. :)
Demi Jillian Cruz
Sister Martha Anne's 3:00pm Class
Hello Emma,
ReplyDeleteI hope everything is going well in Mexico and I would like to thank you, personally, for what you are doing. I have family only three hours from where you are now. Having close ties to Mexico, I know the predicament that some of these families are in. Luckily for them there are gracious people, as yourself, to give them relief from the struggles of everyday life. I read in the Incarnate Word Family book that the sisters help with education, empowerment, health care, and pastoral care. For a country where the average is only $7,870, I believe you are planting seeds of hope. They need a warm and caring place for their children. Emma, you are humbly giving yourself to God's people and you are a brilliant model of faith. Keep up the marvelous and caring work! You are honestly living a life that only begins but will continue to model the life of Jesus.
Nataly Gutierrez
Sister Martha Anne's 1:00pm Class
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a great time in Santa Fe. What you’re doing in Santa Fe is really inspiring and kind. Moving to a new country were they have different culture, food and they speak a different language it can be hard but you’ll get used to that sooner than later. Having the opportunity of working with children in Mexico must be wonderful for you because you get to experience their achievements. It must feel really good knowing that you are helping the children for a better future. Working in a daycare for low income families is really a nice thing specially knowing that the average annual income in Mexico is $7,870. I bet God is really proud of you. You must really love what you do because it’s hard to leave everything behind and move far away from your family. I really respect everything you are doing and God Bless you for all the things you are doing for the children of Santa Fe.
Vanessa Lopez
Sister Martha Anne's 3:00pm Class
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteYour a strong woman! To leave everything behind and go to a different country is amazing. Having family that lives in Acapulco, i understand the lifestyle that people live in Mexico. Thank you for trying to make a difference in Mexico, helping kids is a wonderful thing to do, to many of the kids im sure, is a great oppurtunity. Your an inspiration to alot of people including me and i would just really like to give you appreciation. Working in a country where the average income is 7,870 must be very tough! Your a woman of great faith and i would like to encourage you to keep it up because God will have many rewards and bleesings for you in the end. Keep God first and never loose your faith!
Tim Alvarado
Sister Martha Anne's 1:30 class
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Emma,
ReplyDeleteWow, What a Blessing You are! I am so inspired by your love of the Lord to go to another country to be a part of the ministry there! The service that you provide to these families truly definately enable Parents to sustain a better living for their families. I know that God is going to continue to help you to achieve great things! I believe that nothing happens on accident, and Your fresh energy and your prior experiences will definately be a light to the Community there. With God, the possibilities are endless, and my prayers are with you, the daycare, and the families that you care for. Have an amazing Journey, and I'm excited to hear about all of the things God has in store for you during your time there.
In His Grip,
Martha Ramos
Sister Martha Anne's 3:00 Class
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want to tell you that it is really wonderful for you to work at a daycare. I think it is wonderful because those children who attend a daycare are there because their parents are working hard to bring money to their house. The daycare is those childrens' second home. I am pretty sure you treat those children with love and teach them good standards and about God. I feel happy that there are good people, like you, who like to help our neighbors. This reminds me of the quote "...'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:31). God is guiding you through your experience as a missionary. Our children in Mexico need our love, especially in these hard times where there is violence. Once again thank you for helping children in Mexico. I am from Mexico and it gives me joy that good people, like you, help children in my home country. God will reward you for your good deeds. Take care and God Bless You.
Daniela Canales L.
Sister Martha Anne's 3:00 pm Class
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I hope your mission work in Mexico is going well. To me what you are doing is beyond inspirational, I think that what you are doing for those in Mexico during this time of violence that has affected many lives is amazing. Not only do these children have to worry about violence but many have much more to worry about as I have read espcially since 26% live in poverty. I was so happy to read that education is the primary focus in the work being done in Mexico as I feel that everyone should be given the same chance in education. After reading you everything that you wrote a quote that I read in my ENGAGE book poped into my head " Nonviolence is not primarly a tactic. It is a way of livingand being and expressing the truth of your soul in the world. " (Daniel Berrigan) I know that you believe that you are coming away with more than you are leaving behind but in my opinion you are making a huge differnce in these childrens lives you are making such an impact that you should be so proud of.
God Bless
Jessica Garza
Dear Emma,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful country you’re in! Many people fail to realize and appreciate the beauty of Mexico. I’m of a German-Mexican descent and find appreciation for both cultures. I also find it interesting that you’re so young, and happy that you will be learning so much. I understand that during your journey things might seem uncertain. However on a positive aspect, life is like riding the bus. Sometimes you might get on the right or wrong one. Or it might take you to your destination, might not, but it’s an adventure all the same. I can relate to what you said about falling short of Jesus, but there is a scripture in the King James Bible that gives hope. In Matthew 25:35 it states, “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” I believe that Emma that your helping Jesus by helping watch these less fortunate families children. Sister Martha gave us a book called, “Congregation at Sisters of Charity of Incarnate Word.” I want to share some words of wisdom from the book. “Be changed and healed yourself as you experience the joy and receive gifts from those whom you meet on this journey.” The work your doing over there is going to impact many lives. Especially the children you meet. Just for a child to have someone in their community playing a positive role, is going to create a more productive youth. I love your honest answer when you were asked the question by your friend. Isn’t it similar to what Jesus did? He sacrificed His life to share hope, peace, and love. In the Engage book, Albert Einstein said, “…Widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature.” Emma, everything happens for a reason, and God sent you for a purpose. There will be triumphs and struggles, but it will all be worth it to see at least one smile on a child everyday! Then the Lord will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (NIV.Matthew 25:23).
God Bless-english
Gott Segne Sie-German
Dios Bendiga Usted-Spanish,
Jennifer Cedillos
Hola Emma!
ReplyDeleteI was very inspired by your blog! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your life to help he children and the community in Santa Fe, Mexico. I'm sure you will make a difference while you are there. Everyone of those little faces you teach to each day will be God looking up at you yearing for your love and understanding! You are starting a chain of events that will help them in their lives and enrich yours! I can guarantee that they will not forget your kindness towards them. God is everywhere and I'm sure he will help you bring the community together and move forward for their betterment. I wish you the best of luck in your time there and know this will be a great experience for you.
Enjoy the food and the people!
Adios!
Terry Tristan-Chavez
Sister Martha Kirk's 3:00pm class