Cooking, Comfort, and Christ

By Lorenza V. Volunteer in Peru

Blanca is one of the few people (excluding kids) who comes to the house almost daily. The first time I met her was on the street. We were on our way back home when Karo and Elo saw her and called out her name. Even though she cannot see very well, the sound of their voices brought a smile to her face. Right at that moment, she started talking about a recent event regarding her nephew. Since all of this had happened before I arrived, I understood very little, but I was struck by the visible pain she carries around. 

Blanca has a lot of health problems and she is very materially poor. She walks around with a little cart where she carries all of her groceries as well as inflatable balls, notebooks, and everything you can imagine. During many of her visits to our house, I have the blessing of opening the door, welcoming her in, offering her a glass of water, and letting her use our bathroom. 

One of my favorite things about Blanca is her smile. She often comes asking to use our phone to call different people or send messages, but most of the time, I can tell that she comes seeking love, an ear that is willing to listen, and a shoulder to cry on. She had told us many times that she holds in a lot of suffering and that one day, she will share everything with us because she cannot hold it in any longer. In spite of that, she has such a sweet and simple smile that lights up the room.

Just today, she came in while I was trying to make gnocchi (I royally failed, but I am excited to try again), and when I told her I was listening but that I needed to be in the kitchen, she said she would come with me because she was scared of being alone. I know it is not me she is looking for, rather Christ, but I also know that I want Him to keep using me to demonstrate the immense love He has for her for the rest of my time here.