HOPE IS CONTAGIOUS !!

HOPE IS CONTAGIOUS

As I mentioned in the previous blog, I have been sick for a few days with an elevated temp, body aches, etc. Well, I am fine now but anxious to tell of the gift I received in the midst of this illness:
It was Sunday, the first day I was without an elevated temperature and could amble about the house a bit, when I heard a knock on my back door. With my more than usual peaked complexion, fuzzy bathrobe and, un-brushed hair(for days) , I opened it to find two sweet children that I recognized from the AIDS Orphans Saturday Program, but off hand couldn’t remember their names, when to my surprise their mother “Maria Goretti” popped her head around the corner.
I was flabbergasted to say the least! Not only had she and the children walked several miles to visit me, because they heard I was sick, but Maria looked so beautiful in traditional yet dressy garb, glittering headband and all.,
When I caught my breath, I invited them into my sitting room,. Maria examined each photo; asking questions, while her children did the best they could to translate .what I was saying to their mother. Then, as if on cue, another knock brought Sr. Bonnie, also looking stunning in a yellow floral traditional garb.
Bonnie was much more able (much more able?) to translate than the children and we all had a wonderful visit. They were so beautiful and it was such a personally special moment for me, that even in my illness, I had to take their photos, which I am sure you are admiring right now.!
Maria ends each visit with a prayer and today it was her turn (thank God!). I could tell in the beginning it was common prayers as Bonnie and the children prayed with her but there was a spontaneous prayer at the end that .Bonnie translated to me as ---thanking God that we were all together, that I was getting well, but mostly that I had come from so very far away to help her and other people sick with AIDS.
There are tears in my eyes as I write this and I recall the name of the book that Maria’s story is taken from ”Tears of Hope” I pause, wipe away these holy tears and replace them with a smile, recalling Mother Teresa’s words “We want to create Hope for the person with AIDS, and acceptance in the heart of the people We must give Hope, alwaysHope, and remove the bitterness that is harming them when they have been avoided by others.”
Today Maria’s generosity of spirit gifted me with ” Hope “. Tomorrow, with Gods help, may I pass it on!
Hope is contagious!!