Parent Vision Trip // Quito, Ecuador // 2015
Stickers were the game changer. Everyone was sitting around kind of awkwardly in that generational gap mixed with language barrier angst that often comes with short term missions. Parents and racers alike were thankful and relieved when my always-prepared- to-teach-creatively mom brought out the animal stickers.
"¿Cual animal quieres?"
Kids are quick to respond when animal stickers are involved. Just like that, the generational gap shrunk and the language barrier dissipated. Suddenly we were all just people. People who like animals and who can laugh about the fact that Carlos chose the pig sticker for his chubby little sister.
Mom and I were weaving through the crowd of families waiting to get their vision checked for free at Pan de Vida's Saturday clinic. I worked with Pan de Vida all month, but this is mom's first time here. It's her first time in South America, her first time on a missions trip, but definitely not her first time saving the day with something like the roll of stickers she had in her purse. My mom's a natural at saving potentially disastrous social situations. She's always prepared to engage with people and to invite them in, particularly children. I guess that's why our house was the cool place to hang out growing up. She's the queen of all things fun and hospitable.
I introduced my self proclaimed "home body" mom to my new Ecuadorian friends and we had an enjoyable time Spanglishing our way through conversations. Mom got to meet Omar and Maity, two of my most precious friends I had the opportunity to work with over the month. I turned my head and before I realized it, Francisco was in my arms. I was overjoyed. Francisco was my best buddy from soccer camp and had a special place in my heart. Francisco is that kid who everyone picks on because he's pretty small for his age and doesn't have the best foot kicking ball coordination. However, Francisco is the most loving and accepting little gentleman I have ever met. From the first day I sat down to eat lunch with Francisco and he remembered my name and stayed engaged with me the whole time, I knew something was different about this little boy. Something in his eyes, in his hugs, in the way he cared about the people around him, connected us.
My heart was so full as I introduced Mom to Francisco and we began to Spanglish about life. It was in that conversation that Francisco told me his dad died within the last year. He got really quiet as he told me how much he misses his dad. Even though I quickly relayed what was happening in the conversation to my mom in English, I don't think she really needed a translation as I began to share with Francisco how I too lost my earthly father but how we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so much and will never leave us. I repeated these truths about our Heavenly Father through lips wet with escaped tears as I held little Francisco in my arms. I lifted my gaze to meet Mom's eyes glistening with sorrow and depth of understanding. She knows the pain of loss and the reality of grief. Yet she reached out and put her arms around me as I held our dear little Francisco. The Kingdom is here. Language and cultural barriers do not exist. Only hurting people sharing hope, the hope of heaven and redemption and a love that transcends all – the healing hope of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Later my mom asked about Francisco's mom. I told her I've never seen her, that Francisco always comes by himself. She looked sad. "I would have liked to meet her," my mom told me.
A few minutes later Francisco tugged at my pant leg. "Quiero presentarle a mi mama!" He wanted me to meet his mom! She was here.
I did the normal kiss on the cheek greeting but then surprised her by wrapping her in a giant United States style bear hug. I told her Francisco told me their story and that I'm praying for her and her sweet family. We shared a look that didn’t need either language. Grief.
I ran to get my mom, practically jumping up and down. “Carmen’s here! Come meet her!” My mom and Francisco’s mom shared greetings and blessings and story. I interpreted some of the happenings, and some needed no interpretation. The Kingdom is here. Language and cultural barriers do not exist. Only hurting people sharing hope, the hope of heaven and redemption and a love that transcends all – the healing hope of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
