Friday...after church

Friday after church, Jes and I had a plan. I had won some money from a picture I took when we were in the DR last trip. I wanted to give the money to the family, or buy items needed for them since they lived in the Batays. Unfortunately, we didn't go to the same set of Batays and didn't have to chance to find them. I wasn't sure where I took the picture. I had a good idea, but was hoping for some help....but, it wasn't to be. I wondered....I wanted to give the money to someone there....Keep it in the community.....help someone who needed it. I was torn as to what to do. I discussed my thoughts with Jen, Ed and Jes. I didn't really talk to anyone else about it...I just didn't want to make it an issue as we went on our journey there. This was something I personally wanted to do....so I kept it private. I love everyone there.....it was such a hard decision....i thought maybe splitting it up....giving some here or there....but, I was always amazed by one person who was there for us on all 3 trips....Alba. She washed our clothes, kept us comfortable...did ANYTHING we wanted or needed....all the women did, but...she did it differently. She is always happy, a wonderful personality...and she was becoming a good friend to Jessi. She had to give her daughter up for adoption at the age of 12, but fortunately, Nieves and Nardo took her in...which gave Alba parenting abilities....but they had legal claims if something went wrong. Alba saved and saved to go to college to become a pastor. Her home is very VERY modest. She has no running water, and I believe no electric. She was the perfect recipient. Let this go towards her college...help with books, bus ride....something.....

I told Ed, Jen and Jes what conclusion I came to and both of them decided they wanted to add a little to the pot. They agreed, she was definitely worthy. Everyone just loves Alba. So we had Wilber get Alba at her home and bring her to us. She walked upstairs...with a train of kids behind her....everyone wanted to know what was going on..... but we shewd them away. We didn't want anyone to know...we didn't want everyone to think we favored someone over another because everyone there is worthy!!!

I gave Ed the camera, and Jes spoke. This was a really emotional time. To see how something that seems so small help make someones life a little easier. All in all, we gave her about $175. I know it will go to good use....Alba has a wonderful spirit...she will be a wonderful pastor. This was the perfect ending to this journey.....

God has blessed me with a gift....the ability to see things others might miss, to see it differently...make it noticed.... I have been able to use this gift to help others...no matter how small it may seem to us. This gift will be used well!

Thanks be to God for the gifts he blesses us with. I hope you find YOUR gift and use it to help those you love...not matter how big or small.