MARIA

Maria with one of her new grandbabies.

Maria lives near the church in Nuevo Progreso with three of her grown children and several grandchildren. Sadly, her oldest daughter Lupita died last December and doctors could not determine the cause of her death. Lupita's three children now also live with Maria, putting a strain on an already large household. Cezar, Maria's son who is thirty three years old, has been in a wheelchair for almost ten years due to an auto accident.

Maria along with Lupita's three children walked down the rough, hard baked road to church Sunday evening. Leo who is eight, Nahamy eleven and Ivan twelve, seemed to enjoy the service but they were quiet and serious throughout the evening. After church Maria enjoyed visiting with others while drinking a cup of hot black coffee. Even the children drank cups of coffee heavily laced with cream. Then they smilingly refused our offer to drive them home and took off cheerfully down the road. It was a dark warm night and loud music blared from somewhere nearby. Lights from open doorways illuminated the ditches and holes made in the road in preparation for future drainage pipes. Like all other families in this neighborhood, they had walked these roads many times and they knew their way even in the dark.

Wanting to help this family in their difficult time, we asked Maria what things are most needed in addition to the obvious need of more food. She told us that Leo, Nahamy and Ivan need school shoes and they are quickly outgrowing their school uniforms. Please pray with us for Maria and her large family. We know she will find encouragement and help by walking with the Lord and attending church. But she needs a miracle in order to solve her problems and overcome her grief.

"If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 CEV