At home a baby shower typically consists of a dozen squealing women ooing and gooing over baby names, playing absurd games involving potatoes, and fumigating the room with estrogen. The immature 20-something supportive single/loser (that is typing this blog) in me usually starts choking on the fumes while trying to dodge the “Are you getting married soon” question.
But the shower that we had last week for Laura, a mom-to-be that we know in Estrella, was way different and an absolute privilege to attend, because it wasn’t just some giggly diaper fest for a glowing lady dressed in pastels (pardon the sardonic honesty – my attitude will probably change when I’m married and pregnant).
First of all, this is the 16-year-old wife of a 20-year-old who lives with his parents. She is a new Christian, her husband is currently trying to stay clean and sober as well as keep a job, and she had virtually nothing for when the baby arrives. She had one outfit and a sleeper outfit (it’s a blanket and pajamas in one), along with a few other extra essentials, if I recall correctly.
Jenny and Lauren in my colonia (W.O.W.) group felt led to throw a baby shower — literally shower her with some of the necessities of which she couldn’t afford a lot right now. After we ate some snacks, some of the other FYMs and I brought in the gifts and gave them to Laura (among the which were a stroller, a carrier, some toys, clothing, and the necessaries such as diapers, wipes, tons of bottles, and pacifiers).
Laura is definitely a woman of composure, but I could tell that God spoke to her that day as her face lit up. To most women in the society I live in, these few extra “freebies” are a nice gesture and are graciously accepted with a few extra oos and goos. To women like Laura who didn’t see it coming, it’s answered prayer and they don’t know how to react except to repeatedly express thanks.
My point in this story is not to say that we are super-awesome, need-meeting missionaries who bless people like it’s going out of style. Rather, God is always presenting us with opportunities to bless others and show His love to them through little things like this. God is a great provider, and when he provides for us, we should share that blessing with others.
I want to commend my fellow teammates for obeying that nudge – it was so great to see Jesus’ love in them display itself in such a beautiful act of service.
Well, that’s all for now. A little end-note announcement: I’ll be in New Orleans for six weeks in the beginning of June for summer projects! More on that later. May Jesus’ presence and peace be on your heart this week.
Vaya con Dios!
