Today I would like to thank my housemate and friend, Hady. Although we spent 13 weeks in Franciscan Mission Service's formation program sharing a wall, I have really gotten the opportunity to know Hady better over the past several months that we have shared living space in Cochabamba, Bolivia. It is here where I have come to appreciate Hady's care for her family and friends, from near in our city, to far in places like New York, California, and Minnesota. Hady is always first to post updates on Facebook, to tag friends in pictures, and to check in with friends and loved ones all over the globe. Her generosity goes without saying, but for those of you who do not know her, let me tell you anyway. Hady goes out of her way to write a card of thanks, give a thoughtful gift, or share her food with friends and with people she meets on the street alike. She sends birthday cards and postcards, as well as creations of recycled plastic bags and goodies from her ministry site, to those who are celebrating special occasions. In this way, she is sharing a part of her world with her new companeras y companeros with those who have been in her life from the different places she is happy to call home. But I would be remiss if I did not share more of Hady's personality with you, because it is such an integral part of explaining who she is. Hady is a tried and true, proud New Yorker, and if anyone has anything negative to say about her state, she will defend it til the death. She is also quick-witted, fast-talking, full of life, and does not let a disagreement last more than a day. She makes strong connections, and even stronger relationships. She looks each challenge straight in the face, and dares it to defy her. She has the self-confidence of a tiger, and she fervently reverences the Virgin Mary. She prays hard, works hard, and lives life to the fullest. Thank you, Hady, for being an example of a strong woman and an honest Christian believer! I look forward to our future adventures, and can't wait to see you knock whatever potential curve balls life continues to through us here out of the park!
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Today's Thank You Thursday post goes out to my language instructor, Karla. Karla has invited me into her faith and her home, by welcoming me to a weekly Casa de Paz (House of Peace) that she leads. Each prayer group starts with Christian praise songs, many of which I have heard in English, and have the pleasure of learning now in Spanish. After singing, we listen to a themed topic that leads us to bible readings, and a brief discussion. Next, we share testimonies to the power of God's love and how he works in our daily lives, and then a time of intentions. We close with refrigerio (snacks) and social time, which usually lasts until 10pm or later. This beautiful group is a wonderful way for me to feel part of a small and powerful body of God, while continuing to learn and experience my faith in a new language. One of the things that I love about this group is that although we are not all from the same faith background, we can come together in a beautiful and powerful way through our common beliefs and the working of the Holy Spirit. I love reading the bible and seeing how the stories of old are relevant in our lives today, and how people from all races, religions, and creeds suffer the same struggles of humanness and vulnerability. I also love how we can support and lift each other up, even when we are not always speaking the same language or looking at things in the same way. I don't always pray the same way, and I still cherish going to Sunday mass and participating in the sacraments. However, I love being stretched to perceive the words of the bible in new and enlightening ways, and to share my faith with others. Thank you, Karla, for giving me the opportunity to experience the bond of a small group united in the love of the Spirit. I will always remember your encouraging words, "You are a woman of faith!" Dear World, When no one else is by your side, wouldn't it be nice to have a friend who's known you since you were four years old? The kind of friend who you call to check out your thinking pattern, because you know she knows you better than you know yourself? The kind of friend who will never judge you for your actions, but who will tell you if you are being weird, and then go ahead and be weird right along with you? Today I am happy to highlight this friend. April and I have been friends since before I can remember, evidenced by pictures at the time when we were playing with dolls or dress up or something else that we wouldn't be caught dead admitting we had done at the time. To say the least, we have been through the roller coaster of ups and downs that life brings, and most of it we have handled together with laughter instead of tears. From braces to braids, training wheels to trikes, first kisses and first loves, we have known each other's thoughts before they were spoken. Just in case, though, we had a special language of code words and secret looks to convey what was needed in case of danger. I am happy and blessed to call April my best friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way. She has impressed me in numerous ways from four to twenty-nine (and counting, aren't all women staying at that age:) ? Intelligence, character, a strong will, an entrepreneurial drive, and love through her "cool as a cat" ways are only a couple of her natural strengths that I would like to share with you, dear reader. If you know her, and there is a good likelihood you do if you are reading this, I know you will agree with me. Thank you, April, for being there all along, and for making it a fun and adventurous journey so far! I look forward to celebrating many, many more years of friendship with you! BFF, Valerie Today I would like to honor my friend Elena. She is one of the kindest, most open people I know. From the first moment we met, she was inviting me over to her apartment for a meal, and has since been a very present part of my life. She constantly reaches out to talk, share food and drinks, and spend time together. Elena has been there for me during difficult times, and is always there to listen to the good and the bad. When I had a surgery, Elena stayed overnight at my apartment to make sure I was okay and tend to my needs. She values friendship, family, and the bonds that tie us together. What I love about my time with Elena is that we are always bound to have deep conversations about real issues. She does not stray away from touchy topics, but neither does she negatively judge others for their situations. At the heart of the matter, Elena realizes that we are all human and that we are bound to make mistakes, but that we need each other to navigate the ebbs and flows that life brings. Elena is also a positive person. She may not believe it, but she always greets friends and family enthusiastically and with a genuine interest in finding out how life is treating you. She likes to explore new things, and is always up for a party or simply lounging by the pool after a long day at work. She is always looking for the joy in life, and for this reason her positive nature is contagious! Since I have been in Bolivia, I have been especially appreciative to have Elena in my life. She helps me navigate the experience of moving to a new country by sharing her life experience and the wisdom in her perspective. Whenever I have a new challenge with the transition, I know she will tell me that it is normal and share an anecdote of her own to make me feel better. Thank you, Elena, for being a great friend and for always being up for sharing your time and thoughts, no matter the distance! |
AuthorValerie Ellis, who is in alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement and everyone whose life is impacted, now or before, by times of social injustice. Archives
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