Lupe

(By Ang)
Each Wednesday Casa Victoria has a "Mom's Club" for all the mom's in the neighborhood. Lately, not too many show up, but there is always a faithful few. Today was the first time I was leading Mom's Club. I felt a little nervous just because I didn't feel I had a "word" to share with the group. I prayed for the Lord's help and His words....especially His help with my Spanish.
About 4:30pm Lupe, a 30 or 40 something single mom (it's hard to tell sometimes...the hardships they endure on a daily basis shows on thier face)showed up. We walked up to the rooftop of the house and drank some afternoon tea. Lupe is a mom of 4 and grandmother of 3. Her clothes are mismatched, her teeth are rotting, and her smile gives way to sadness. We sat and chatted for a half hour mostly about her family. Lupe told me her daughter, Gabriella, was murdered by her husband in January of this year, at 21 years old. As much as she fought it, she began to cry telling me how hard it is for her each and every day to find the motivation to carry on with her kids and grandkids. Gabriella left behind 3 kids, which Lupe is raising on her own. My heart just broke into a million pieces listening to her story. I can't even begin to imagine the pain Lupe feels in her heart...losing her daughter so young and in such a brutal way. On top of all her suffering, her oldest son, 19 years old, tried to kill himself by drinking poison not long ago...his sister was his best friend and he didn't want to mourn her anymore. As Lupe regains her composure she tells me she knows God is going to take care of her and her family. She said she loves coming to Mom's Club to hear God's word. She knows God is looking for her and she is also looking for Him.
I was totally blown away by her faith. I was still trying to process the loss of her daughter and what that must feel like and Lupe was proclaiming her faith in God's goodness. My spirit is still heavy, just thinking about her and her family. It really hit me to see someone with so little who finds the most in what they have. I have soooooooooooooooooooo much and yet I manage to find so many ways to feel sorry for myself.
If you think about it, pray for Lupe. Specifically for a scholarship to come through so her 12 year old daughter can return to school. Pray in general for the Lord to provide for her and her family and to comfort her broken heart.