Here is another event that changed my life for good.  During my college years, I had a chance to join a global outreach project.  That is where a group of students and professor go to another country to do some volunteering.  We were working with a group of missionaries in Mexico.   The Mexican group was very simple but very effective one.  It was lead by Bob Coogan, and Sister Margarita.   We raised money to pay for the trip, to cover transportation, and gifts for the hosting community.  I can honestly say this trip changed my life in many ways and that is why I went twice.

Many people in our society suffer from loneliness… many go into drugs, alcohol, medications, or other means to avoid feeling that burden.  Well, on my trips I met an old lady that taught me a lesson I never forget.  We visited her on both trips and the first one was very painful for me. You will see why…  Picture this; an old lady in her mid 70’s living way below the poverty line.  She is staying in a shack made of wood, mud, and metal sheets. The shack is a one room with no pluming.  Her water source is a small canal, which she uses for drinking, washing, and doing her business too.  During the first trip I was so angry at life and even GOD. I could not bear to sit with her for the 30 minute visit.  I sat under a tree in anger, then, I shutout everyone and everything.  I chose not to explore this opportunity… I just wanted to be left alone.  During that time I was living a harsh life (I thought) on very little money working two jobs and studying to complete my college education.  I saw this lady and questioned GOD’s love for me, for her, and for all those who are suffering.   When the group met at night to recap the day; many shared their thoughts, I chose to shut up and shutout everyone again.  Still very angry, extremely angry!  To make the long story short we finished the trip we went home back to our busy lives and still that lady’s image kept coming back to me over and over again.

A year later I went on my second trip but this time as a team leader.  We visited the old lady again.  This time I saw something I did not see the first time. The lady had an amazing smile.  A peaceful smile!   A smile that comes from JOY! I was so intrigued and I wanted to know why she is not angry or bitter.  I sat close to her in awkward silence.   She looked at the sky and said it is going to rain today in Spanish and the translator told us what she said then someone said “ask her how did she know?” after replied the translator broke in laughter and at that point we are dying to know what she said…   the translator said the lady said “They said so on the radio” and everyone broke in laughter.   That broke the ice, so we fired few questions.  How come you live here? She said “this is my home”.  I have many children and grandchildren but I choose my humble home.  I asked her don’t you get lonely by yourself. She said No! Jesus is with me; as she placed a hand on her heart.   There you have it folks. A year later I got the rest of my lesson.  When I have Jesus with me, I will never feel lonely. I took a picture with her to mark the moment, and the lesson. 

I believe many saints live in the deserts like St. Paul and St. Anthony, and loneliness did not beat them because they had Jesus with them. 

“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalm 25:16

Sometimes you have to go far and wait a long time to learn your lesson. I think this one was worth the traveled distance and the long waited time…   I don’t remember her name but I am grateful for the lesson she taught me.