November 1, 2009
Beloved friends,
When describing Word Made Flesh’s presence in Argentina several interchangeable adjectives come to mind. Our community works among the vulnerable and marginalized youth of Buenos Aires. We minister. We serve. We visit. All are equally true. But lately I have found myself contemplating how our community accompanies the youth.
So, when recently reading Jean Vanier’s Community and Growth, I was instantly intrigued to learn that “accompaniment” has its roots in the Latin cum pane, eating bread together. Some of the most meaningful times of ministry actually do occur around the table. Whether youth have been invited into our home or we are sharing a meal during Encuentros, even when drinking mate on the subway station floor breaking bread is an act that draws us together.
Just this month we had the privilege of accompanying a young couple and their two daughters as they awaited the birth of their third child. We’ve known Rosa* and Miguel* for four years. When we first met them they were living on the streets and heavily into drug use. Over time they have made huge strides to overcome harmful habits and it has been a great source of encouragement to witness them make good choices on behalf of their family. When Miguel’s brother provided them with space on his plot of land an hour and half outside the capital, they constructed a two-room home out of wooden crates and corrugated tin. Still, they come into the city everyday to make what money they can from selling newspapers.
To be nearer to a good state hospital Rosa, Miguel and their two little girls temporarily moved into a room at church. When it came time for Rosa to give birth our community and church family came around them to take care of their daughters, make hospital visits and, you guessed it, cook meals. We shared a beautiful few days together and I’m happy to share that Rosa gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
It’s this sentiment of how sharing a meal can become an intimate invitation to relationship, which I bring with me into this coming Thanksgiving holiday. And it is with sincere thanks that I think of each of you and the faithful ways you have accompanied us these past 11 years. Your love, support and prayers make it possible for us to walk with friends like Rosa, Miguel, and their three precious little ones.
With love and gratitude,
Adriana
*Names have been changed to protect identity.