When Their Homes Fell

We packed all the bags of food to hand out to those in need. Rice, pasta, sardines, sugar, beans, oil- as much as we could fit in a plastic bag. We each carried two bags through the neighborhood surrounded by our local friends for protection- this was a very dangerous endeavor. We walked up hesitantly to the homes that had fallen in on themselves- everything broken, rubble and belongings strewn about. Complete squalor. With hushed whispers and hidden pointers, we were told who to hand the bags to. I offered my bag to a woman sitting on a ledge with her two daughters close to her sides. Then I was instructed by local leaders to "preach the Word of God." I interpreted that as "have a conversation about Jesus." So, with hands shaking and a blank mind, I began to talk with the woman about her tragedy. She said they had been sleeping when the land moved and her house caved in. She thanked God that her family was safe, but as for her home... she pointed to a pile of rubble. The woman stated she was familiar with the church but currently uninvolved. I proceeded into deeper waters by telling her that we gave this gift of food to show the love of God. I told her that I hope she did not see us but rather saw God. I wished upon her the knowledge that Jesus is enough and the provider of all- most importantly, of love. I gave her a hug, and I understood as she spoke Spanish words of sincere appreciation. Justin said there were tears in her eyes but I was too overwhelmed to know. I was trying to prevent my own tears from spilling out. The poverty and tragedy was almost too much to bear. I felt their situation fully- through the eyes of a woman with a pile of concrete as a home, through a bag of food held with insecure hands, through comforting words I did not intend to speak. As I continued to take in the sight of loss and simple humanity, I sat on a ledge with a young girl. I stared with her at a house with no roof and walls unable to bear their own weight. I asked in a language not my own, "Is this your house?" Her eyes glanced away only for a moment into mine when she answered a simple, "yes". My heart broke into the many pieces of rubble I stared at. I felt I knew then what it meant to give- give with my heart.