Clay in the Hands

Yesterday, I was in the Las Cruces, New Mexico area meeting with county officials about building restrictions.  Our church mission team tries to go and build a home each summer for a family in need  in the Rio Grande Valley.  We have extended our efforts just across the state line into New Mexico on a couple of occasions but found that their requirements were a bit different when it comes to constructing a home.  So yesterday, I went to talk to the officials to get an idea of what we will need to do if we build another home there.

Over the last three years or so, we have had the distinct privilege of working with a lady in the Las Cruces area who has helped us identify families who need assistance.  This lady comes closer to being recognized as a saint than anyone I know.

Sofia is a social worker through the school system.  Her job is to work with the under-privileged children and families in the school district.  She does an unbelievable job!  From teaching sewing and cooking classes to mothers, to feeding the children on the weekends and summer, to helping families find decent housing.  Sofia has dedicated her life to helping others.  Sofia went with me to meet with the county yesterday.

Our meeting with the county helped me realize just how much leg work will be involved in making preparations for our group to arrive as well as how much time would be required of Sofia both before we started and after we leave – pulling permits, meeting inspectors and filing all the paperwork.  As we drove away I asked Sofia if she understood what it would take from her to make this happen.  She understands.  Knowing all that she does on a daily basis, I asked her if she would have the time to take on this added job.

This was her response: “As long as there is life, there is time.”

After I dropped her off at the school, I had to pull over and write that down so that I wouldn’t forget.  As long as there is life, there is time!  What an amazing resolve to help others.  As long as I have breath, I can do what is necessary to make the time for what is important.

Sofia is an inspiration!  When I refer to her as a saint, she gets very embarrassed, but in my eyes – she is there!

Thank you Sofia for giving of yourself to help others day in and day out!