I restarted teaching the literacy classes last week on base. We teach women the basics, beginning with letter recognition, the alphabet and writing their names, then move on with those who are able to basic reading.
At the end of class, one of our beautiful mamas Isabel approached me and started talking to me, she began to tell some stories of what has been going on after the cyclone. She shared that she has no husband, adult children, a home or food. in the same conversation she began to share about her memories from the war she shared that she atteneded school during that time. During the war even when most others were in hiding or running away from the conflict, she remained in school and completed her second year of primary school.
Perhaps in telling me of her past and present suffering, Isabel would expect me to join her in mourning. But the more I listened, the more my spirit filled with gratitude.
"Mrs Isabel," I said, "you're a winner!"
She showed amazement and confusion by my statement, I began to speak what was in my heart, I shared with her how God loved her and how He had a plan in her life in from such a young age, because even with so many "opportunities" to die, He has kept her alive and healthy!
This is wonderful! What a great love and care!
Isabel’s face started to change and she said to me: “Sometimes I get sad, I think I never have what I need. But I also think: My life is in heaven!"
So much truth expressed so simply! That is it! That's the secret! How much joy filled my heart when I heard those words!
Of course I do not advocate poverty as a common thing. God is a good father and wants us to have our needs met. Many people in Mozambique will never in their entire lives sleep on a mattress. They will never sit on a soft sofa and will never take a hot shower. These people were born here. To who can we blame for it?
Our job is to try to soften the suffering of the people around us. But we would never be able to change the whole world. The good news is our hope is in Heaven. All the promises of a wonderful life without suffering and in comfort are there.
Let us focus on what is high above and to live for eternity. Why do we think we are privileged because we have had more opportunities here when the things that matter are the eternal?
At the end of the conversation, Isabel told me: “My birth name is Maria of Heaven.”