| God can be funny and intriguing
sometimes. I started working with Sister Dora and her tutoring and
school vacation programs for kids and teens as part of the Casa
María Eugenia activities. When she left for her native and
beautiful Brazil, I took charge. It was then when things started
to become hard for me. I had never worked with kids or teens before
(in fact, I was afraid of them!) and there I was, face-to-face,
shoulder-to-shoulder, trying to keep the program going. Many times
I wondered why God had put me in such a place! It turned out to
be a success, and all thanks to my wonderful team composed of Lupe,
one of the mothers of the community, and two teenagers.
Those difficult moments were also the best for me because they
helped me to open myself to those awesome people, to grow as a
person and as Eva Castilla, to learn how to work in group, to
be more receptive at others’ needs (and not only mine)…To
learn how to listen to my heart and my soul…To get rid of
my fear to teens! J I came to USA looking for an answer to my
life and God gave me self-esteem, love and support and community
work.
Until my last day here, I will continue working with Kristin
(the other volunteer-such an energy!) in the programs of Casa
María Eugenia: Tutoring for teens and kids, “mind
& soul” night for teens, teen night (party-activities
night, Fridays), guitar and sports. I am also giving dance lessons
to the mothers once a week and I am volunteering in Sunrise Elementary
School here, in Chaparral. I love to do this since it keeps me
close to the little kids (my favorite age J).
Chaparral is a very special place. The desert has some kind of
magic that enshrouds you and makes you relax and meditate. The
wonderful sky shows us its beauty all day, but most during sunrise
and sunset. The plants, the animals, the people…I have fallen
in love with this area.
Chaparral and the Sisters (Anne, Chabela, Diana and Tere) will
remain in my heart always. They have touched me deep within and
have taught me to enjoy life, to take things less seriously, to
be open to the moment, to be flexible, to be more patient, to
share in community, to be closer to God and to my own spirituality.
I will miss them very much, but I know that I will come back,
because this is a place that touches one’s soul…
Do not miss the opportunity of experiencing first hand. You will
be surprised of what life is ready to give you J
Love to all, be open and good luck
Eva Castilla
Chaparral, NM
Nov. 2004
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