Julio

Julio left an impression with me.

Julio was the Jefe (boss) from the stove making project.  I don't even know Julio's last name, but I think of him daily.  He is my inspiration.

Julio is a young 27 year old man. He has a smile that lights up his face. He has been married for 4 years and has a 1 year old daughter.  The volunteers told us that not too many men get married, the financial responsibilities are too great.  Julio is to be commended for his decision.  His little girl is the apple of his eye.  He would get so animated when he talked of her.  She was sick one day while we were there, and his concern for her was evident.

Julio is one of 4 men that is trained in building the stoves.  He took it upon himself to train an apprentice.  His patience when explaining things to us and to his apprentice was impressive.  He would quietly show us how to do something.  When it wasn't right, he would not criticize or make gestures, but simply smile and say "un poco mas" - "a little more".

 But Julio's story gets better.  Julio is going to law school!  He attends school on Friday afternoons and for 6 hours on Saturdays.  It takes him 1.5 hours of travel each way by various modes of transportation.  It will take him 6 years to complete his course of study.  He has 4 more years to go.  His goal is to become a lawyer and to represent the indigenous population.  It is his way of helping.

On our way back to the mission at the end of the first day, we were walking back to the chicken truck and I asked Julio where he was going.  He told me that once a week he goes into town and administers to the poor and elderly in the town.  I asked him "Why?"  He looked at me and simply said, "If not me, then who?"

Remember on a previous posting at the reforestation project I mentioned the carved spoons?  Julio told me that he was also a "cucharero" - spoon maker.  He was one of the boys trained to carve them and he now not only carves but teaches other young boys the skill.  As we were arriving for our last day, Julio called me aside and gave me one of his spoons.  This young man who has nothing, gave ME a gift.  I was speechless and still am.  I don't think he knows how much of a "gift" he gave me.  His spoon is my daily reminder - I am grateful for all that God has given me (Julio's words).

Muchas gracias Julio, que Dios te bendiga!

Thank you very much Julio, may God bless you!