The fourth in a continued series written by Sister Sandra Straub about her experiences serving at the border with Sister Ida Berresheim.
Today is a change day. We are always trying to adapt to the need of the client. We go to work with a perceived thought of what might be the experience and finish the day with WELL, that was not what I thought might happen! I did not think that within one week I would be so immersed in the life of El Paso and all with whom I have been privileged to know and work with….the volunteers. Yesterday and today all are going back to their homes. Ida and I are the seasoned ones! While I am so very happy to have met them, I am also somewhat sad to see them go. Yesterday as we emptied the house five IHMs from Scranton arrived! One week of intense work is very stretching.
We also had 90, then 70, then 20 clients on Friday. We accepted no one and every so often said our goodbyes. Yes of course, I had a lump in my throat and misty eyes. One lady choose our 175th tee shirt that I brought to El Paso to wear for her travel. As I saw her I told her that this community of sisters was praying for her and surrounding her with their care, like this tee shirt she was wearing. I found the moment inspiring…for me! Of course I felt her heartfelt expression of gratitude. I can still feel her smile!
Yesterday we also said good bye to a Guatemalan Mother who is no more than 4 feet 10 weighing 90 pounds, and her son, 9 years old with two deformed legs. The mother carries him on her back! They are going to Shriners in St. Paul, Minneapolis in hopes of finding some solution. I told him my story of having polio and not being able to walk in hopes of giving him and the Mother that miracles do happen! We had lunch together and became soul mates! Some very generous person gave the Mother an expensive carriage. They came scared, tired, hungry, and left, the child sitting in a carriage with smiles, hope and rested. More lumps in my throat as I experience such generosity and valor!
I decided to return to St. Louis on Wednesday. The decision was based on the fact that we hear these centers will be phased out. We see this already in our center and experience the departure of volunteers. At the same time my leaving allows a space for another to experience the border! I have been working since I came and a break is needed. We, Ida and I, are so grateful for all you give. Ida, our housemother, continues to serve.
Note: Sister Ida will be staying in our name in El Paso and continuing to make the house available for more volunteers. Five more sisters from another community,were arriving today or tomorrow. The St. Louis Province thanks S. Linda Markway who sent down 100 small back pack for the children from the Vocation Office. This will allow the children to carry their few possessions with them on their bus journeys to families or sponsors. Let us keep them all in our prayers.
