The Widow´s Limpera

Last sunday we planned to have a fundraiser at our local church.  Joy called many of our friends and benefactors here in Honduras who come from middle and upper class families to ask them if they had clothes or other items they would like to donate.  We were then going to sort them and have a garage sale to raise funds for a feild trip with some of the teens from our weekly soccer game.  We received two donations.  The others either forgot or were to busy.  One friend very genrously donated household goods which we sold with some success.  I am hoping it is enough for a picnic in the city park or a trip to the museum in the center.  My joy from the other donation far surpassed any sadness I might have had at our request being forgotten by our other friends. 

Darling is the mother of two precious children who come to our house to play, to pray and for catecism classes.  They frequently join us when we have mass in our house on Wednesday nights.  Darling works cleaning houses, but is going to school to have a better job.  Her husband left her for prison and another family, but they are better off without him, because he would take her hard earned money and give it to his other family. 

Last month we invited them to lunch to celebrate her son´s birthday.  It was a joyful occasion full of laughter, signing along to Padrito playing the guitar and complete with a birthday cake with one candle on which Little John could make a wish for his 8th birhtday.  I think our gift of a box of crayons was his only birthday gift this year.  He loved his little party as much as we loved celebrating with him.  Darling´s youngest daughter is named after here and truely is a darling with a simple but deep faith, a quite spirit and a constant smile. She is six.

Two weeks ago we invited the family to dinner.  Darling overheard that we were going to try to raise funds for the teens.  The following Monday, we had nine bags full of clothes and shoes which she wanted to donate.  I can´t tell you how humbled I was and am by this gift from our friend who has so little and lives day to day. 

And in case you were wonderful, the Limperia is the currency in Honduras.