A Listening Heart

"A LISTENING HEART"

What do four women; ages 68, 64, 22 and 18 have in common? The common thread is their desire to bring peace to an area torn by daily violence, bloodshed, tears and despair. These brave women will travel to Juarez, Mexico on August 31st for a four month stay.

A human rights (derechos humanos) group from Mexico has asked the Michigan Peace Team to provide a presence in this conflicted area. Who better than the Michigan Peace Team? That is what they do. They walk with those in pain, they mediate and act as a buffer in areas around the world where those with power think that violence is the only way to solve anything. These brave women take with them seeds of hope. Their mission is a simple one--- to go with "a listening heart". They will accompany those who long for tranquility and justice. They will become living instruments of peace and bear witness to Juarez's pain. Talk about carrying the Cross. They are my heroes.

If you know nothing about Juarez, all you have to do is Google "Juarez, Mexico" and article after article will surface about violent drug cartels, dire poverty and the mysterious disappearances of young women only to be found dead after rape and mutilation of their bodies. No one ever becomes accustomed to acts of violence.

One of these four women is someone who is near and dear to my heart, Sr. Nina Rodriguez, she is practically a family member. My parents, as a young newlywed couple, rented a flat from her parents before I was born. Sr. Nina has known me since I first stepped foot on this planet. She was a mentor to me during my trying teenage years. She is a member of my "village". Thank God. And now she is going to give to another village.

Sr. Nina and the three other women have all the inner resources required for such a demanding trip, in fact, they are quite gifted spiritually. What they lack are the financial resources. Sr. Nina called me on behalf of the other women, especially the two younger women asking for assistance. They are selling items from Guatemala as a means of funding their trip. If you are in need of beautifully embroidered items, such as table runners, bags, purses, pillowcases and other handmade items, please contact me directly (313-282-1340 or luliss27@aol.com) you can also contact Sr. Nina directly at 313-638-1428 or by e-mail nrodriguez@csjoseph.org. If you do not wish to purchase anything, she will gladly take your donation, and there is no amount that is too small, feel free to mail any checks to the Michigan Peace Team:

Michigan Peace Team
808 W. Barnes Ave.
Lansing MI. 48910-1304
michiganpeaceteam.org
Memo line should read: Juarez Peace Team

Those of you who belonged to the Detroit Ste. Anne's Youth Club back in the 70's and 80's I am making a special appeal to you on behalf of Sr. Nina.

Godspeed Sr. Nina. I look forward to your return when you will once again teach us the lessons of life, love and peace.

Lourdes