This weekend out group climbed the active volcano called Pacaega. Not everyday you can say that you climbed a volcano! It was amazing. Sights like this remind me of how awesome a God we serve.
But what impacted me the most was what happened when we finished our climb. When I was walking to the bus, a 12 year old girl named Melissa started walking beside me trying to sell me a walking stick for 5 quetzales. I started to engage in conversation and during this time I told her that I thought the bracelet she was wearing was beautiful. She smiled a beautiful grin at me and took that same bracelet off her wrist and placed it on my own wrist. I was shocked. How can she be giving me this bracelet so freely and generously? I searched my bag for something to give her in return, but all I had was my empty lunch bag, a water bottle and my camera. It seemed like such an ironic situation, that she was able to give so freely and I was not able to give her anything. And not only that, but that she did not want anything in return. When I returned to the van I remembered the walking sticks she was selling and quickly called her over to buy one. As our van drove away I called out to my new friend "Adios Melissa!!" and was left with the image of her big brown eyed smile.
Melissa taught me an important and priceless lesson that day. Generosity is a sign that God is at work. I am so thankful for the example Melissa served today for me. The gift of generosity is a priceless treasure that I too want to live out in my life.
Hey Rose, this is Ethan from church. Thought I'd look at your blog and see how the experience is going; not surprised at all by the act of generosity you experienced. The big thing in this experience is the new relationship, yes? I am amazed at how easily Latin Americans can welcome outsiders into their life as friends, for that was my experience as a missionary in Costa Rica.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up with the blog!