An eye-opening experience!

I had no idea what I was getting into! Shortly after arriving in Kingston, I discovered this experience was actually similar to a retreat but with a substantial working component. Within hours, I was hooked.

We worked with kids from kindergarten up to teenagers. They were very clean, neat, polite, cheerful, and yet hungry. It was heartbreaking. One day we shared our lunches as we played "Ring Around the Rosie". They were thrilled.

Another morning, as a misty rain came down, we found ourselves at the early Learning Center, literally in the middle of a garbage dump. I remember thinking; they aren't really taking us into this place? That evening as we prayed and reflected on the day and our experiences, we had all had the same reaction. For about half of us, this mission was our first experience with extreme poverty and we were really frustrated by our limitations and their living conditions.

Although we were all relatively tired at the end of each day, we would gather to pray and reflect. As I think back on my mission trips, I realized we were "faith sharing" and not just when we gathered at prayer. That "faith sharing" added something very special to our mission and to our desire and need to reach out and help those less fortunate than we are.

This August, I completed my 5th mission with CBC, my 3rd in Peru and my second with my daughter. The people of Piura, Peru and the staff of Santisimo who serve them, have stolen my heart. These Peruvians have so little and yet they are so happy and grateful for anything and everything that is done for them. I have learned so much from these gentle people, mostly what is really important in life. I have gained a better understanding of other cultures, especially those in 3rd world countries. This has taught me to be more understanding, accepting and tolerant of all immigrants who have relocated to our country.

It is no wonder Pope Francis is so dedicated and passionate when encouraging all of us to open our hearts and hands to the poor. It is literally life altering. It makes me wonder who the poor really are..... What an incredible eye-opening experience!

by Pat Martin (Missions: Kingston, Jamaica & Piura, Peru)