Saturday, December 06, 2008

Hermana Sarita

In Spanish that means Sister Sarah. At church everyone calls each other brother and sister. And I freaking love it when they call me Sarita. I think it's my favorite nickname ever.

Roca Fuerte had our very first women's ministry meeting tonight. A woman there called me Hermana Sarita and it was funny because it was the first time she met me and was already calling me that but I think it's because she just heard Rosi call me Sarita and picked it up. Anyways, tonight went really well. I was really tired before I even got there and a small part of me hoped no one would show up so I could go home and go to sleep. But there were 8 women total. I'm not really a woman according to Mexican culture. Once you're married, you're an adult. That goes the same for guys. If you're 30 but not married you are still called a youth. I know. Crazy. Not a concept Americans (me included) can easily grasp.

Tonight, there was a "woman" who kind of blew my mind. She walked in with two kids in tow and sat next to me and I didn't think she could be much older than 19. Her name is Mary. We got to talking and I came to learn that she is 17 years old with a husband and two kids. A two year old and a one year old. Can you say wow! She was beautiful. But now I know why women look so much older and more mature than their actual age!

But I had a lot of fun tonight at the women's ministry meeting. We had coffee and cookies and just sat and talked. We went around and everyone shared a little and it was really cool to see a little into their lives. It's so hard for me to break down those walls at a service so this was really neat.

Pray for the women of Roca Fuerte to be bright lights for Christ in their homes and in the communtiy. That they would know their worth and power and purpose in Christ.

4 comments:

Papa Gregg said...

Hey Sarita! I hope you won't think it's too weird, but I've taken the time too "catch up" on your posts here, I share the info with Barbara and it kind of keeps us connected with Maneadero. Thanks for taking the time to share. It's great to see God using you as a vessel, and you allowing Him to do so! We look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks. P.S. - the ending "ita" is used in the Mexican "version" of Spanish as a term of endearment. For example: abuela (grandmother) becomes abuelita, nina becomes ninita, etc. It means the people are starting to accept you into their "family". I think that is spectacular and thought you might find it interesting.

Neal Benson said...

Sarita! I love it!

Anonymous said...

I think Sarita fits you perfectly. I also think your thoughts about the handicapped kids ministry are very natural and compassionate. You probably can't go wrong with that one!

Marlene said...

Yea, I love that hispanics call people from church brother, and sister. I can't help but do the same with other hispanic people. Even the Cisneros from SHCC, I call them Brother Guillermo, and Sister Leticia!! I can't help it!

Yea, if you're married, you ARE an adult! That IS different from American culture, and I never even realized it! Hispanics in the U.S. do this as well.

I hope that you're doing well in Mexico Sarita!! Que Dios te siga bendiciendo mucho!

Con mucho amor,
Hermana Marlene