Dia de la Madre

This weekend I participated in the celebration of a fellowship that is exclusive, very costly, yet easily entered: motherhood. It is exclusive because half of the population will never join this club, try as they might. So far it has been the most difficult, frightening, yet fun adventure of my life! Though costly, this fellowship is easily entered because many join by accident (although I did not).

I call it a fellowship because I experienced great camaraderie and secret in-group smugness with women I had little else in common: mothers of the dump. About 200 gathered on the lawn below the mountain of garbage of Friday. Some had taken the occasion to clean up, put on lipstick, and tie a bow in their hair. Others came straight from work with flies circling overhead.

Pastor Jeony Ordoňez delivered a fitting message comparing God’s love with the love of a mother, sacrificing for her children. Rey turned to me and asked: would you sort through garbage to buy food for Elijah if you had no other option? I would.

And they were beautiful to me: laughing with their friends and smiling with pride as their children performed songs and dance. Strange how small moments will change your life, define your identity, and tie you with people of another world.