Partners In Deed: We take so much for granted

I went to visit one of my friends in the barrio. Her house is up a very narrow path, full of rocks and debris. She lost her husband a couple of months ago, leaving her to look after four children and a grandchild. The little guy is 10 months old and already walking, he can go up and down the path all by himself, no shoes, no diaper, just a shirt on; everyone makes sure he makes it safe to the bottom of the street and then back to the house when grandma calls.

I though about my grandchildren who would never be allowed to run around outside without shoes and nevertheless by themselves. I thought about all the nice clothes, the many pairs of shoes, the mountains of toys, clean homes and beds, never lacking any food. And here is my friend with hardly any of it and yet she was grateful for her children and the fact that her husband was able to know his grandchild before he was killed.

We take so much for granted!

Like her, there are so many other families. When we come to visit we only see the surface as we only walk the main streets, and hardly go up the hill where the need is so much real.

Families have many children, as they grow, girls are somewhat encouraged to leave the home as early as13 years old; many are expected to work the streets to help support the household, and others, as a way out, move in with their boyfriends and become pregnant, thus starting the whole cycle again.

It is hard to accept, but it is a common occurrence in this community. Many times I wonder how can we change this way of life that is so engrained in the culture. I truly believe that education is the road to alleviate the situation, but is not accessible to all.

Thank goodness for all of you who help support this community of María Auxiliadora.