The Cycle of Love and Collaboration
Eliane Menezes
Dear friends,
Another season of my life is coming to an end.
I am very grateful to God for the years I have served as a mission co-worker with the National Union of Presbyterian Women of Guatemala (UNMP) and for the innumerable heartfelt encounters we have experienced. We have attended meetings and conventions in a variety of locations, as well as planned and implemented new initiatives around the country. We have visited and served our sisters in remote locations where we never imagined we would go. We learned from our failures and celebrated our successes. We praised God with our sisters at various times and places. We had to overcome a number of challenges before we could feel satisfied and fulfilled with our achievements.
Although I believe I have completed the mission assigned to me, and will conclude my service PC(USA) as a mission co-worker on March 24, there is still much to be done and more goals to reach. However, we cannot race against time; instead, we must appreciate the space that permits us to pursue specific goals.
The gratification comes from knowing that over 100 women have had the opportunity to pursue their desire of studying theology and becoming equipped to work in many sectors of their churches and communities. Their dreams became a reality after much effort and perseverance, allowing them to attain their academic goals. They can now be proud of their triumphs and accomplishments, benefiting both themselves and those around them.
It is a fantastic achievement for the Q’eqchi women. Through their studies, they have had the opportunity to venture outside of their comfort zone and explore fresh perspectives. These women now have more possibilities to get more involved in their churches and communities as well as to gain fresh views on their life when new realities emerge. Together with their families, they can accomplish new goals and design new approaches to reach their objectives.
The literacy initiative provides opportunities for many women in Guatemala to become literate. It offers women who want to learn to read and write new challenges and opportunities. Many have already realized the dream of being able to write their name on an identity card. Others can now be more fully engaged in church, make a difference in their families and communities, and serve as a source of inspiration for other women.
Many brothers and sisters have been engaged in this faithful and purposeful journey. Churches, presbyteries and individuals have established a network of generosity and solidarity joining this larger endeavor to assist Guatemalan women. These goals are accomplished through love, compassion, and a dedication to walking hand in hand.
On this journey, hands come together and refuse to let go, thereby supporting the women in a variety of ways so that they can continue to dream of a more accessible life that is compatible with God’s Kingdom. This partnership develops through face-to-face and virtual meetings. This bond takes shape when the mission is carried out in a way that does not weigh on either side. Everyone is part of this cycle of love and collaboration, whose goal is to be equipped to preach the gospel of love and peace to all people.
My appreciation for each and every one of you who participated in this cycle of love at any moment is beyond words. While there is no end date to this cycle, one phase is coming to a close here, and I have no doubt that you will remain dedicated and committed to supporting the women in Guatemala, even if it takes a different form.
My prayer is that the love we have formed will last forever.
In Christ,
Eliane