LUPITA OF EL ROSARIO

Lupita near her home in El Rosario.

Lupita lives in the little village of El Rosario. And that's the only thing anyone knows about her. She isn't sure of her age, she has no papers and she's not sure where she was born. But this spry little woman is a joy to everyone who knows her.

When anyone greets her she dances a little jig and chuckles with glee. The smile that seems permanently part of her face, broadens into deep wrinkles around her eyes and mouth. Her eyes twinkle and she mumbles something unintelligible in Spanish.

Lupita walks at least a mile every day from El Rosario to Nuevo Progreso where she washes dishes in a cafe. Full of energy, she still dances and wiggles with happiness when she meets anyone on the road. And she insists that she is engaged to marry a friendly boy named Tommy who has grown up knowing her. Tommy affectionately laughs and plays along with her happy plans for the future.

Francisco and his family watch over Lupita. Whatever food she has is brought to Francisco's house where it is prepared for her. She walks the path back and forth between her little shelter and Francisco's house, talking to the children and carrying her pink flowered shoulder bag. She doesn't seem to be happy unless she is on her feet and walking.

Francisco told us that Lupita's greatest need is for adult pampers. Also she needs better walking shoes. She now wears old worn tennis shoes without laces. But these needs do not steal the joy from Lupita. She evidently has learned to be content exactly where she is.

"For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11