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A Story from Mayra Taylor, Spanish Interpreter
The story of our oldest patient yet, a 90-year-old woman, touched my heart. We met her during our 6th day of clinic (Thursday, February 25th) at a community called Los Llanos, near San Cristóbal de Las Casas. She had lost an eye while working in the fields, her other eye was failing her. Her leathery skin had scabs and rashes and her feet were covered with layers of dirt. She was tired and ridden with pain due to arthritis, but when she was offered the knee injections, she was hopeful that they would allow her to walk pain-free for a few weeks or perhaps months. Through the Tzotzil interpreter, we learned that she lives alone and is totally self-sufficient: she cooks, cleans, and tends to the sheep, which she pastures herself. In this way, she is able to get some income for her subsistence. Her posture was erect, her hair was neatly braided and her clothes were perfectly clean. She carried with her a surprising mix of circumstances and traits. Her pain, her poverty and her apparent loneliness on the one hand, and on the other, a strong will to thrive despite these limitations. She was beautiful and admirable. Final Thoughts from Lía Price This was MDP’s 8th trip to Chiapas, México. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the tireless work of every volunteer and the amazing collaboration of our many contacts in Chiapas, since 2010, MDP has traveled to this southern region in México eight times. One could think that after so many trips things become a little routine and that nothing could surprise us anymore. Nothing could be farther from the truth! We continue to be blessed with stories like Mayra’s, spellbound by the gorgeous vistas we encounter en route to and from the communities, the delicious food, the old and new friends who support us there, the sense of wonder in front of the experiences of our first-time volunteers, as well as the nostalgia awakened in every one of the returning volunteers. In particular, during this trip, I was keenly aware of the robust and growing relationships between the people in Chiapas and us volunteers. Without these friends, MDP would not be able to effectively bring help to the many communities we serve. Below is a bit about each of them.
Each one of the over 35 workers and volunteers in Chiapas has indeed become like family to MDP. They welcome us with hugs and smiles; they express their thankfulness profusely and always ask us to come back – to not forget them and their people. As I look back on our days in Chiapas with profound gratitude, I can see the hand of God gathering each of us volunteers and workers to be His instruments. He leads us hand-in-hand along the way to serve. It’s a beautiful path! |
Our Team
en Lia Price, Co-Team Leader and Interpreter ArchivesCategories |