There I was with the sun shining in on me. Buckled in the green Ford next to my dad, while the truck bed was filled with gifts. Driving along the interstate until we encroached upon our exit. The little town was not like ones I had been to before. It was run down & a bit dirty. Kids holding up their box of colors, urging passerbyers for their need of Chicklets. Young & old, all there waging to be heard.
We eased our way between filthy white booths as my dad spoke, “Hola…” and trailed off with his bilingual tongue. On our way down the “strip” in this small Mexican town, Algondones, we took the first right. The paved street would quickly become a dirt road making me feel like “we weren’t in AZ anymore.”
My little seven year old heart took it all in. Vendors impeding the sidewalks with their merchandise. The meat being shaved off for tacos, beautiful off-white tablecloths kissed with blue or pink flowers. I looked through the window into their eyes wondering, “Where did they live?,” “Did they have kids like me?,” “Would they have enough money to feed their family?”
I’ve been told by my mom, that when Jim Tucker (the missionary from Mexico) came to church to talk about the needs of the Mexican children, my little heart would be tugged. I went home with a sense of urgency; as I began putting all my toys into a box. Desperately I told my mom, “Here, they can have my bed,” which was my most beloved of treasures. Strawberry Shortcake canopy bed.
Not too long, I found us at the little white building–Iglesia. My bold little body felt timid. My language different, my skin different, but I spotted a girl. Kids know that skin & language are minor barriers to friendship. Shy at first, but laughter ensued.
My dad greeted the pastor. I was always intrigued with my dad’s ability to flow with such ease between English & Spanish. He opened the bed door & there were boxes upon boxes of toys & clothes. When the little girl saw all of it, it’s what you imagine Christmas morning should look like. When the pastor saw it, his eyes spoke in pre-Babal words. Gratitude & blessed.
This little seven year old heart had been filled. I realized a secret that day, which would continue to haunt my soul. When we make room to give, we are actually the ones who get to receive.
…And that whispering secret has been haunting me again & I invite you to join me in a series I plan to unfold in the next coming days.
One Year Ago: Beet, Fennel & Avocado Salad
Two Years Ago: Superlative Chocolate Chip Cookies & Cabbage-Apple Salad
Backdoor Hospitality 
We can't wait to hear more. And, we'll have to keep you in the loop with this: http://lovefeasttable.com/blog/experience/the-kitchen-project/ More to come soon! :)Have a great holiday weekend.~Kristin
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Kristin–I think you're going to love it. I am going to check out the link right now:) End of summer in Eastern WA makes Labor Day weekend wonderful! have a great one as well!
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Of all my children, Kamille, you had the most sensitive heart. You were the one that was willing to give up everything when you heard of the children in the Orphanage in Mexico. I remember how you were willing to give your Christmas presents to those children that don't have a momma and daddy. No family to care for them, to remember their birthdays, to celebrate holidays and just getting that special gift just because. You were willing to give the presents that your Grandma sent for you. When I stated something about those being special from Grandma and Grandpa Cox, your response was that Grandma would understand. Even to this day it just touches my heart that you were willing to give everything because your reasoning was that you knew that we would replace everything because we were able to do that. I told this story to the women I made friends with in AZ and they were touched. It spoke to their hearts. One of my friends said that she could take a lesson from that little girl and how she was showing how God gave everything He had, the most important and precious gift, His Son, not holding back anything so that we could know the love He had to offer. This woman, Marci said that, this now young woman, is a testimony of her love of the Lord and that even though all you children went through so much in our family that God's Love still shown through. I am surely blessed to be able to call you my daughter. You are a gift to me. Love, Mom
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thanks Mom!
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