Almost four weeks ago on a Friday night I had the baptism for Marco where I became a Gdmother! It was such a special night for me. In the typical Ecuadorian fashion, Wacho told me 2 weeks in advance that the Baptism would be on the 29 of January--the same weekend as ou non-negotiable Rostro retreat. So Wach simply laughed an tld me he would talk to Padre about changing the date...the next day, informed me that the Baptism would be the next day, Friday, at 7:00 pm at the other shelter. Then, he smiled, gave me a hug and left me to figure out the details---how to the shelter on time when I have program until 5....the shelter is an hour and a half away...and I can´t be on buses at night--WOOF! But, it all worked out--I left Manos early, went to Megans ( my boss) and she took me to the shelter. It was an awesome surprise to also find out that two boys from the Duran shelter, Luis and Angelo, were also going to be baptized. The whole night once again really made me realize how much I love this place. Jenn, Marita, Megan, Angelo, Oscar and I went tgether and we sang, laughed and talked in the car. It sounds so simple, but it was so special to me. I felt s comfortable. It was funny too because the Baptism started at 7:30 but once again, so Ecua, no one showed up until 7:30. Wacho and Carolina got there and Marco looked adorable. Throughout the mass I could not stop noticing Wacho´s interactions with Marco. He was so gentle and warm with his son. His eyes sparkled and were full of pride and love. He was totally outisde the element of work and the workshop---I found it so endearing to watch him on this important night with his son. You could tell during the 40 minute mass he was not thinking of his problems or realities--he was simply enjoying the love he had for his child. In seeing this and realizing this, I felt so honored. Honored that my friend, whom I have become so fond of, trusts me enough to play such an important role in his kids life. It was a really powerful realization. It truly solidified my de cision to take on the responsibility of being there for Marco and his parents the best way that I can--even if that means doing it from another country--which breaks my heart to even think about. But the amount of lve and joy that I encountered through this experience was so wonderful.
Aside from the honor of becoming a Madrina, watching Angelo and Luis receive th is sacrament was beautiful. The two young boys , in their nice, clean new clothes were so proud. They couldn´t wipe the smiles off their faces. This was so heartfelt be cause with the boys from the shelter, often even when they are happy, ou can see an inner pain in their eyes and on their faces--yet this night, their emotions were incredibly genuine . It made me near tears t see them so purely and truly content. That is all that I want for them--to be truly happy. We ended the night going to dinner. Megan, Jenn, Marita, Angelos, Oscar, Luis, Reinaldo, Padre Paco and I. It was fu ll of good company a nd laughter. All things that you could tell we all appreciated. Although the night as a whle was a big and important night for many, it was the small mments during it that will st ay in my heart and mind forever. I love these people and this place with all my heart.
