Agros Blog

“¿Don David, estas bien?” asked my new friend Juana as her small hand reached out to steady my slippery step up the misty pathway to the site of her new home. This 52 year old widow, a “giant” of a woman at 4’4” who was carrying a 20lb cement block on her head, a sack of volcanic rock on her back and her two-year old adopted son, Bernabe, nestled on her front, had just kept me from tumbling down the mountain, taking her and her son with me had I done so.

“Sí, Juana, estoy bien, no te preocupes.” (Yes, Juana, I’m just fine, don’t worry), I said in what was, I’m sure, an astonished voice. Thankfully the mist mixed with the sweat on my brow lest she see my pooling tears and we resumed the climb up to her hand-hewn home site. My 6’ 3” frame shrunk before this twice widowed wonder, full of grace, dignity and especially now – hope.

It was hope that helped Juana survive 36 years of civil war in her native land, as well as the loss of her three daughters and two separate husbands during the war. It was determination and hope that sustained her through years and years of struggle, sorrow, and back-breaking work. Walking with Juana to her new home site, I was clear that it was also the sheer strength of her hope that would now provide a bright future for the light of her life, her adopted son Bernabe, a young boy she rescued from certain infanticide the day he was born. Having lost her family in the civil war, Juana adopted Bernabe while slaving in a coastal sugar cane plantation.
If ever there is a Hall of Fame for “Giants of the Faith” Juana will get my vote…she is truly a “giant in the land”, one of grace-filled inspiration, determination, and courage. As a mere witness to the ongoing strength of her hope, it has been a privilege to participate with her as she now works towards the dream of owning her own land in an Agros village. Juana is one of my heros, and she often comes to mind when I face a challenge, knowing that my challenges pale in comparison to what she’s faced and conquered.

These are the kinds of people we serve and work alongside with here at Agros, and Juana is one of the reasons why I think I have one of the best jobs in the world.

A few more photos:

Here is Juana as she sits on one of those 20 lb blocks that make up the walls of her new house. She is weaving and singing in front of her humble but secure home.

Here is a photo of Bernabe taken many years ago, when he was about 2 years old (he is seven years old today!).  Earlier in the day I had asked Juana where he was, “Oh…” she said beaming, “I sent him to town to run me an errand. He’s such a help to me Hermano David.” I turned my head at this reply, wishing the mist and sweat were still there as tears streaked my cheek. Emotion flooding me as I stood in awe of such joy.