I was going to write another poem on my blog today but forgot the notebook in which I wrote it.  It is in Spanglish (or code switching, really) and it is about a topic that Pastor Bob addressed with me earlier this week.  I'm calling it "The Well."  More on that later, I guess.

Since this week has just been a continuum of what has been going on, I guess some random insight will do. 

I should start with this little girl named Nancy that I mentioned earlier.  She lives in Granjas, a colonia about 5 minutes away (by van) that is basically a squatter community.  No electricity, no plumbing, and their water is dropped off by a bottled water company.  They live on top of the dry mud, in non-insulated houses, without fans and the like. 

Yet these children still have this energy when you see them that astounds you.  Their hearts are ready to accept you and all they want to do is talk to you, play with you, treat you like a horse (that is, ask for piggyback rides) and love on you (aren't we supposed to love on them?). 

Nancy herself, an 11-year-old girl so precious you could squeal, came up and held my hand for a while on the second day she saw me.  We sat on her aunt's bed for an hour with one of my leaders while she asked me how to say the colors in English and asked me where I was from...the usual curious kid questions.  I told her I have an aunt named Nancy (that's a shout-out to you!) and she seemed to be amused by that. 

Needless to say, she bonded with me really quickly.  Almost like God just told her to come to me.

Every time she comes to church (our van picks Granjas folks up), she looks for me, and she usually makes sure she stands by me during worship or before.   One worship service I side-hugged her during one of the slower songs.  I think I had a comfort with the idea of having a Mexican child.  Adoption or....hrm...let's not plan the other one yet.  Not planning any marriages while I'm down here.

Anyway, children like this remind me of both a blessing and responsibility that I have as an older young woman.  I have both the joy of being an older example of following Jesus and showing love to others as well as the responsibility of doing just that.  I'm excited. 

Well, I'm off to Estrella (my assigned colonia) in about half an hour, so until then, cuidense ustedes (take care, all)!  Love and miss all of you and the fall colors you are undoubtedly enjoying.

Abrazos (Hugs),

Juliana Maria Andres (Jillian Marie Andre)