Often we find that the spaces we least expect are those where the most beautiful relationships are birthed. A while back we opened our doors to any volunteer from the community who wanted to come serve while their children attended our weekly programs. What that meant for them, was any leftovers would be sent home with those who were serving all the while they learned how to prepare a new meal or two in the kitchen. But more than that, it offered a place of community for a small group of women to feel connected and loved.
When we opened our doors to the San Pedro community, we met Angelica. A mother of 4 children. Very young herself, she, like the other children would run to the center when our vans would arrive.
Paty, our community kitchen coordinator, shared about a conversation they had had...
“I knew a little bit from the comments that were made over the past few months, that Angelica like many women in our communities lived in a home with domestic violence. Her husband, an alcoholic and extremely abusive.
One day while she was helping prepare food for the children she asked me,
“hey do you have many things in your home?”
At first I was taken back by the comment, and wasn’t sure how to respond. So I said, “like what things?”
She asked, “Do you have a bed just for you and Samy? Do you have a room just for you and your family? Do you have a lot of clothes? Do you have a stove?”
She simply wanted to know if I had what most would consider the basic necessities inside our home. I explained to her that we were very fortunate to have a good job, and that God has provided everything we needed through my husband and I working. We talked about the importance of a job to provide for our families and how that a job is often how God gives provision and resources.
Though I thought it was an interesting question over cutting vegetables, it was her last question that caught me a little off guard.
“Hey Paty” “yes” I replied, “Does Samy hit you?”
I responded back, quicker than ever. “No, never! What’s going on Angelica?”
This was the start of a deeper conversation, and many hours together. The lies she was told since childhood that it was normal for your spouse to beat you, we learned was the cultural norm among our communities. This devastated our hearts. And knew it was time to open up a dialogue among those we worked with.
This story doesn’t end here however. This story is still filled with so much hope. Today, we (Paty and Sam) meet with Angelica and her husband on a regular basis. Their story is now being re-written, filled with restoration and love. Their story now tells about a husband and father who is no longer abusive, and is now along with Angelica providing for his family to give their children a better life through the local berry farm. Though some days the struggles from the past still try to creep in, we remind them who they are. Today, hand in hand we are walking with them, teaching them about life with Jesus and hope for their future. We see Him working deeply in their hearts.
Next time you are at the grocery store, and pick up driscoll berries, would you pray for Angelica and her family? Their story like many of ours is just beginning to unfold.