XVIII

As you all can imagine, I have a million stories to share. It's just a matter of processing, and actually getting it down on paper. But today, there was one moment, it was actually one sentence I said, that I want to share with you. 

In El Salvador the Gangs are rampid and the people not only have to face issues that poverty brings, but they also must worry about the violence of the gangs. We went into a slum to visit some homes of children in the project we were at. They advised us to take nothing and stay together, we were entering gang territory. I felt prepared. I've watched a documentary on Gangs in Central America, I grew up in Fresno and lived in LA, where the evening news always had something about some gangs. But what I was not prepared for, is having these "gangs" become personal to me. 

Meet Maricella, the "gang" is personal now.

Our translator was asking her questions about her life: who she lives with, her children, how Compassion has changed their family. With each answer she had a modest smile and giggle. She was nervous. Then the translator asked about the elephant that was in the room. Her tattoo. 

She explained that she and her husband used to be in the 18th Street gang. When her daughter was accepted into the Compassion project she still was in the gang, fortunately the gangs allow people to leave for employment or if they were to become a Christian. That was her way out, but there is one problem. She is marked. Her tattoo prohibits her from leaving the house without her head covered, but worse she can not find employment because of the tattoo. That's the back story. 

There are 8 people living in the house. On the right are her two children. On the left two of her brothers.

One of the brothers asked us this question... 

"How does it make you feel to help the children." 

We went around sharing our hearts. Keely, Shaun and Molly all shared their hearts eloquently and then it was my turn. My insecurities of expressing myself through words peaked, but I had to say something.  

I began to share the truth that screams so loud to me when I travel to third world countries. 

WE ARE NO DIFFERENT.

I told her that even though I live in the US I am no different than her. We are human beings. Our stories may be different, but God does not see us as different, and so I don't see us as different. We are his children. 

And then it happened. She broke. She began to cry sharing the fears she had about letting us into her house. (On a side note, all I could think of was... She is afraid of letting ME in her house? Umm, she is the one with the gang experience!) She explained that she was certain we would look down at her because of her having the tattoos and her past. She could not believe what I said about being the same and equal. And that was my moment. I knew God used me to share his love for her. I did not plan those words. They just came out, but they went straight to her soul. It was a moment where God came and met her where she was. 

I know this post was not about a child. I know you know I am here to share stories about these kids and how they need sponsors, but the thing is... Compassion does more than just help the children themselves. Today through Compassion we made a mark in Maricella's life and she has made an imprint on mine. 

Talk to me, thoughts? Feelings? Thanks for reading, thanks for listening, thanks for being a part of this blog. And please if you decide to sponsor a child please tell us here! H

Comments

[pendy]

Our God is an amazing God. You were open to speak for Him and He used you so eloquently and lives were changed today in El Salvador. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Prudence]

Trying to finish reading your post and type this through tears. I couldn't imagine be ostracized the way that she is because of her past. Your, rather God's words of truth spoken through you blessed this woman and showed this woman love in a way I'm sure she's never experienced. You are right, we are NO different. We all have a past with pain and bad choices. But God loves us all the same and created us all the same and sent His son for all of us no matter if we live in a third world country or in a penthouse on 5th Avenue in NYC. They are a beautiful family.

[Stacey]

Thank you for sharing that truth with Marciela, but also all of us. What a gift to know we are all His children.

You and Carlos are a blessing to me and my husband and I decided to sponsor a little girl from Ethiopia starting this month. (Hopefully one step closer to adopting too.)

Keep sharing your heart and your love of Christ. It will not go out void.

[Rachelle]

That's what it's all about. Just being a vessel and He will touch lives. It always seems like when our insecurities peek and we still press in God shows up. Thanks for sharing.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1414583996]

My boys and I were reading your blog entry. Trenton (my 11 year old) said, " I think that's amazing. I think it's amazing that God sent her (Heather) from a different country to talk to that woman that was in a gang. Maybe I could do that when I'm older."
God is SO BIG! I love that I'm able to share this with my boys~

[Cindi Mathys]

Oh Heather, you don't give yourself enough credit. You are certainly eloquent in the simple fact that you DO treat everyone as if we are all the same! All God's children. That is what makes people love you...you don't put on any false presence.
Way to be His hands and feet, letting us see through you how Compassion affects these families, not just the children. You are wonderful!

[Kim]

I have followed Kelly's blog for about two months and linked here through her blog. I have never posted before. Shaun spoke at our church Barton Baptist, AL several months ago, then I attended an EWomen conference in Tupelo, MS. Compassion was spoken about at both. Then on Kelly's blog. I felt my heartstrings pulling not as a person but a mom. God was telling me with all our blessings I should sponsor a child. I have a 10 year old boy therefore chose a 10 year old boy from Guatamala. I can't imagine him being cold, hungry, not going to school or church! To think $38 could make that big of a difference. God Bless Y'all!

[Jen]

Hey - I love this story. Thanks so much for sharing and for giving the Mom a voice. We sponsor a child in Kenya and I've often wondered about and prayed for her mother. You're right. We're no different. I think of her as my sister and would do whatever I can to help her in caring for her child. Looking forward to reading more!

[brandiandboys]

beautifully said heather! so proud of you.

and you're right, we are no different.

[Kelly]

WOW! How totally cool that our Father used you through such simple words... being the mouth of Jesus, showing His love.
Thanks for sharing...

[Melissa Fitzpatrick]

I cried reading this story because I could so picture your exchange with this dear woman in my mind. As you like to say, "my heart is so full."

[Becky]

This was a beautiful story that made me tear up. That is a something that all of us, not just Maricella need to be reminded of. We are all God's children and he loves us all the same.

[Laura]

So beautiful...we are no different. So thankful for grace. Can't wait to hear more.

[Fran]

You nailed it Heather!!! Right to the point and we are no different...really. Praying for you all. This brought me to tears and my heart is flooded with thoughts and emotions.
And, I wasn't even there! Ha. I can't imagine how you are doing.

Praying!
Love,
Fran

[christine munn]

Thank you for being so transparent with the love of Christ not only to Maricella, but to us as well. I am praying that you will have opportunities to continue to love on her while you are there. May God pour out His blessings on you all in abundance!

[Nancy]

What a beautiful family. You are doing HIS amazing work & I am truely amazed.
My heart is heading towards sponsoring. I've been on the website all night. :)

[Jenn]

Amazing how God is using you there Heather! Thanks for sharing that story of how God gave you words when you felt so inadequate... Can hardly wait to hear more stories of the beautiful families and children there. I'm praying for you and your team and that many more children will be sponsored through this trip.

[Donna]

Woo Hoo - to GOD be the GLORY!! I love that you shared about an adult - that Maricella's life is being helped. That GOD chose you in this moment in her circumstances to both bridge the gap and let her know that she is equalled loved by God. I think that this is a side of missions that needs to be heard - if you can help and adult in these circumstances it also changes the life of the family involved. Continuing to pray for GOD to bless you as you serve...oh and for Los to have enough cushions for the kids to land on :) Bless you!

[boomama]

YES - WE ARE NO DIFFERENT.

Love you, Heather.

[Caroline]

This post was such an eye opener for me. Thank you! It is so incredible how God works through us, we are truly his hands and feet.
Blessings and hugs and tons of prayers!!!
Caroline

[Shannon]

What a wonderful reminder that, yes, we are all the same. We've all made bad choices. We all have done things that cause us to think that we should be isolated and ostracized from other people...from love...and from God. Thank you for the reminder...and thank you for blessing Maricella's life!

Btw...I received my sponsor packet in the mail the other day and wrote my child her first letter!

[iamthird]

thanks for sharing. good to see and talk to you :)

[Rhiannon]

H, look at you! amazing woman of God and YOUR words were just as "eloquent" as any of the other folks there. God used YOU, spoke to her heart thru YOU. amazing. i love that you're being his vessel. well done my friend.

[Brian Wurzell]

Rad story. The best part is that I know that's really what you said to that woman. I can hear you saying it in your Heather way. You rule. Thanks for representing the truth that we are human and we are all the same! That's the Kingdom at it's roots.

Praying for you tonight and for Carlos that he doesn't self destruct on daddy duty without you.

Peace!

[Hannah Gaddis]

Hey there! Thank you so much for sharing this story with us! I am encouraged by your faith and your obedience to the Lord. You were not sure what to say but God knew exactly what He wanted to say through you and you let Him. Thank you for that! If we all could take on that same view that we are all equal and all children of our perfect loving Father. I have followed your blog for a little over a year now. A friend of mine would always send me links to your blog! So I started following. I think it's really awesome what you and your husband do through technology! You guys are living lives that God gets all the glory for! Truly humbling!! Thank you again! Hannah

[Marla Taviano]

That's awesome, Heather! Praying for you as you keep tangibly sharing God's love!

[Danae Lehman]

AWESOME Heather, Thanks for this story!!

[Steve Sellers]

My wife forwarded your blog to me. Well done. There is nothing like being able
to visit a sponsored child and family. You get to see it, breath it, hear it and
have a true taste of their lives. To be able to share is awesome. I had no idea
until I was able to visit our sponsored child last year. We are all the same.
Whether facing gangs in El Salvador or starvation from famine in Africa, there
is hope through Christ and His body. Christ is working through organizations like Compassion. Thank you for sharing your trip. Again, well done!

[Meghan]

Wow, that was really powerful. As in moves-me-to-tears powerful. Thank you for sharing that. What a blessing to be able to share God's love the way you just did.

[Jessica]

This is amazing! Praising God for placing you in that moment and for your obedience! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[Agnes]

Oh my dear.. the tears are coming. Thank God that He is being permitted to share his love through your open heart.

[Jason]

The first thought I had when I read that she can't get a job because of the tattoo on her forehead was that I know of a dozen places around here where she could get it removed. We just don't realize how good we have it here.

[Patty]

Thank you for this post. I agree, we are no different. We sponsor three children through Compassion and participate in the AIDS initiative in Africa as well. One of our children was chosen and is sponsored by our 18 year old son after he heard about Compassion at a Point of Grace concert. Since he is in college and currently unemployed, we help him with his sponsorship, but I am so proud of him and his commitment. I long to go meet any of our children some day and rejoiced watching your family meet your sponsored child. You are in our prayers this week.

[Lisa B.]

I'm in tears, thank you so much for sharing and the video oh the video was AMAZING! And thanks for the reminder that we aren't any different. God is GOOD!

[kim w.]

thank you for sharing. what a touching story. it is amazing how God meets us right where we are at and uses us for his glory!

[Lindsey]

Thank you...
These posts mean so much to me.
We are so blessed and I'm so thankful to have your blog to read while you're on this trip with Compassion!!! It makes me feel just a tad bit closer to my sponsored child over there.
Thanks you.

[Jessica Harrison]

I've been on a couple Compassion trips! Just Uh-Mazing experiences!! I'm so pumped about what God is doing through Compassion and so excited for you that you are there experiencing it first-hand!
Jessica

[Cris Barnes]

What an amazing story! I got chills just reading it. Thank you for sharing that with us. :)

[Amber]

That's beautiful. The brother's question makes me squirm a bit, because it can be easy for those of us who give to subtly set ourselves apart as "the givers," which subtly makes us view the others as "the takers." What a beautiful moment of truth all of you in that room were able to experience.

[Lulu Cavazos]

What a powerful message your promoting. I read your blogs regularly and love how you share your life and your families' with us through your blog. I'll say a little prayer for you that you would continue to be a blessing in the lives of the people that you cross paths with on your trip and everywhere. I know we've never met, but much love! We are sisters in Christ.

Lulu Cavazos

[Jodi McCoy]

I LOVED your post! It gave me chills. I think that this woman's case shows that there are so many different problems in the world, and that by making that loving connection with a child at such a young/impressionable age like Compassion does...maybe one day this young generation wont be influenced by gangs. By helping these kids, Compassion I think is helping to improve the next generations leaders of these poor, impoverished countries. And this story you have told is an amazing example : )

[Jacinda]

Holy Cow! That is so amazing. I have been praying that God would use you. And He is. What an incredible moment for you to be a part of.

[Isaac Downing]

That was amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[JV]

Incredible story!! It's amazing to think of how God can take something we see "small" and make a huge impact in someone's life!