Hope Does Not Disappoint by Gianna
"Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance,and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
The verse above is from Romans 5:3-5. While I was searching for a Bible verse for this post, it struck me on how well the one above applies to the life of a woman (and her kids) whom I'll be writing about today.
Her name is Elida. She's an immigrant from Nicaragua, and basically a single mom of four kids. Although her husband, Wilmer, is a good father and spouse when he's present, he suffers from extreme trauma from his childhood and has serious addictions. So that being said, he's never around.
We met her and her family through one of the past missionary families, who has helped her through some difficult times. Elida's life is full of affliction, like the verse above mentions. But she endures.
The Costa Ricans have a saying that "The Nicaraguans, they are the strong ones." Elida proves this every day when she gets up at 3 am to prepare her kids' school things, shower, and walk 3 miles to the bus station, where she works at a food stand. Even though she works 10 hours every day, most months they don't have money to pay the rent, water, and electricity bills.
There was one time when Elida's bills were overdue by weeks and her landlady had given her three days to come up with the money, or Elida's family would have to move out. We encouraged her and told her to keep praying. Due to the help of our mission partners and another missionary family, we arranged for her bills to be paid for that month as well as the overdue ones from last month.
Like the missionaries serving before us in Costa Rica, we try to encourage people like Elida to have hope. On Sundays we pick them up and bring them to Mass, even if it means being squeezed in the backseat, or lap sitting. Then, a few hours after Mass, we pick her kids up again, and bring them to our weekly soccer ministry. We also spend time with them at our Lord's Day ministry.
Elida has a path of hope ahead of her. And hope does not disappoint! She has a steady job and, though it is hard, she is able to put food on the table for her family. Her two sisters recently moved in with them and help to take care of the kids. Although her husband is still being controlled by his addictions, he recently got a job and sent her money to help with rent and utilities.
Please pray that Wilmer will become healed from all his addictions, and that Elida and her family will continue to endure. Another Spanish saying is "Ahí vamos, poco a poco." Translation: "We're getting there, little by little."
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for my next post!
God bless,
Gianna
