FRANCISCO, REYNA AND THE RIVER

Reyna with one of her grandchildren years ago.

Another unusual night at the church. We were praying something would happen.  It was dark and Pelon was barking more than usual. Lloyd went outside to see what was wrong. A couple was in the lane coming to the service, and they looked familiar. We recognized the man, but the woman didn’t look like the wife we knew. Lloyd invited them in and they sat in the seats across from me.

I recognized our old friend Francisco, but surely that was not his wife Reyna (Queen). Reyna had dark soft curly hair and was always beaming and smiling. This woman had gray hair drawn back in a knot and she was solemn looking. But it had to be her,  I walked over and reached out my hands to her.  It was Reyna! We’ve known Francisco and Reyna over 20 years but hadn’t seen them in more than 5 years. They had 13 children. Later 2 of their sons drowned in the Rio Grande River trying to cross over to the United States. That caused them to move to another town farther away from the tempting river crossing.

Reyna and I stood with arms around each other for the longest time. I was overwhelmed at seeing her and so glad. Now they live a stone’s throw away from church. I stayed with her, held her hand, and then asked her what she needed. She told me her son is gravely ill and he’s on the other side of the river. She was burdened with sadness and dispair. Pastor Zab prayed with her too and urged her to keep her faith.

We had coffee and cookies after church and they stayed and visited with the small group in attendance. We urged them to come back, they need blankets and food.  This is a needy family, but they always took good care of their children. Francisco now works in the fields and his hands are so rough and calloused.  He has a ready grin, is tall, thin and rough looking.

Reyna, like her name, was always regal and in command. She helped when we’d have give-away projects. She knew what we wanted and was valuable to us. Her dark hair was always soft and cut close to her head in a becoming way.

Their arrival made the night very special for us.  Later they left the church walking up the lane together in the darkness.

Francisco and Reyna the last time we saw them several years ago.

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:34-35