Fany knew I had plans to go to Los Pinos today so as I left this morning she came out to ask if I'd seen the news last night. Apparently she called to me from her house to tell me to turn it on, but I didn't hear her.
The news was about how the women who sell things at the mercado (an ENORMOUS farmer's market) are reporting loss of clothing sales. People are no longer buying leggings since the girls were killed for wearing them last week. The ladies who work at the mercado are also well known, according to Fany, for having highlights or colored hair. But all of the women on tv last night had dyed their hair back to its natural black for their own safety. Fany went through the long list of clothing colors I shouldn't wear in Los Pinos. The news reported the worst of the gang activity is currently originating there.
Fany asked if we were going to be walking around at all. I assured her that we would only walk a few feet from the car to the church and back. I can literally park outside the door. It's great that Fany cares about me so much, but it stinks that she has to. The gangs are finding the most ridiculous ways to "prove" they have all of the power.
And it's working. The women died their hair. I wore grey, the only color I was sure is not on the list, with my hair in a ponytail. At my prayer group tonight Pastora Ruth took a special time to pray for my safety again. She prayed that God will show me clear signs of where to go and where not to go. She prayed that God would walk before me and that I would be surrounded by angels to protect me. Then she prayed more about God showing me clear signs about when I should go and where it will be safe for me to walk with His protection. I still hate that I have to allow the gangs control the way I serve people. But I have to accept it as a fact of life. At least for now.
Molly and I arrived at the church at 1 p,m. on the dot for our first group meeting with ladies from Los Pinos. Two other ladies came at the same time. Since we cannot do home visits right now, this is a great way for us to be able to serve. For a while we thought it was just going to be the four of us, but then more and more ladies came. We kept pulling up more chairs and making our circle bigger and bigger. Even as we were leaving more ladies were arriving!
We explained to the ladies that we really hadn't made exact plans for this group. Our goal is to get to know them, to study God's word together, to support each other through difficult times and celebrate good times together. Most of them seemed interested in meeting next week. I have a feeling that a few will not show up now that they know we are not giving away free stuff. But I think that many of the ladies will return and will bring friends. Molly and I are even talking about dividing the ladies into two groups according to where they live to make things more manageable if the group stays this big. We have another meeting arranged for next week at the same time. I am pretty excited!
On the way to drop Molly off at home we picked up Erika. Erika and I went to INFOP to see what classes they are offering. INFOP is a vocational school. Lots of adults go there for sewing and baking classes and it is usually free. All the way there I prayed for God's favor. I am tired of Erika being turned away from everything she tries to do! We never did get the transcripts from the mean director of her last school. And then it was so frustrating to be told that we missed the deadline of enrollment by 2 days, so we have to wait until FEBRUARY for Erika to start school the next school year. She will be 17 starting 7th grade. But that doesn't seem to faze her.
We found INFOP surprisingly easily. Then we found the building, then parking right in front. Everything was falling into place. Praying for God's favor was working. We were directed to the 4th floor (with no elevators). Nobody paid attention to us at first, but then a man came by and asked if we were being helped. When I said no he told a lady to please attend to us. She ended up being really nice. If we bring a copy of Erika's 6th grade diploma and ID, Erika can enroll tomorrow to start class on Monday! The lady at the desk says Erika will only need a pen and paper. Everything else is provided for free. I hope she gets a great teacher.
I was so excited I couldn't believe it!! We made it just in time. Friday is a holiday. Tomorrow is the last day to enroll. Erika will officially be a student again on Monday!
Erika is really happy too. She was thinking of taking a computer class and English too, but decided it's best to start out with just English. Her class will be Monday - Friday from 3-5, so she should really learn a lot! It is a perfect schedule to allow her mother to take care of baby Marjory while she is at class. And she should get home before dark, which is important to me.
Erika was an excellent student when I taught her English, so I expect she will do really well. I told her I will help her study whenever she needs help. Then I told baby Marjory, "Your mommy is a student now! She is going to teach you English when you are older!" Erika seemed excited and happy too.
I dropped Erika off just at dark clouds rolled in. It started to sprinkle at the same time I guessed she should be arriving at home. I headed off to prayer group. Before prayer group I stopped to buy mugs for the Mother's Day party and I got Erika a set of different color pens, like all of the kids use for homework. I also got her a sparkly purple notebook. Those will be her surprises after she is officially a student again.
I just kept thinking about what might have happened if God had not called anyone to work with Erika. As much as I hate to say it, I am not sure she would have gone back to school. All it took was someone to ask what she wanted to do, and back her up when the mean lady wouldn't give us the transcript. That's all she needed. Her Dad is paying for bus fare for English class. I am hopeful he will follow through on his commitment to do so. This seems like a perfect way to warm up her mind to start 7th grade in February.
I already have a grasp on how mothers feel when they send their kids off to school each year. I am so excited for Erika. I am already thinking of dropping her off the first day so I can take pictures, although I don't know if that would make her feel special or embarrassed. It is only one class, but I firmly believe it is the first step of many to get her on track for a successful future.
