Encounters with Kindness and Connection

A vendor at the market chatted with Brian and I as we made our purchase. I honestly don’t remember what she first asked us, but I do recall the warmth and openness. We returned to her once or twice a week for the next ~4 months. Over the months we shared pieces of our lives. One day, when we asked her how she was doing, Elisabel replied that she was sad. I asked why and she paused, then said it was the weather. It felt like more, but we didn’t press. A few weeks went by. Then, on a Tuesday afternoon, chatting as we purchased eggs, Elisabel shared that it was a particularly hard day. She was grieving a loved one. We held space for her stories and memories, sitting at the stools for customers buying fresh juices. As we left, Elisabel came from behind the counter for heartfelt hugs.

In December, we packed up our life in Loja and said farewell to Elisabel. Brian gifted her his homemade pickles and she wished us God’s blessings. Elisabel explained that she had lived in Spain for a time. She empathized with how difficult it can be to live outside of your homeland. She is still grateful for those who welcomed her. And, now, Elisabel is intentionally kind to foreigners, passing on the goodness she experienced in Spain and hoping to make us feel a little more welcome. She succeeded.

It brings tears to my eyes when I really stop to think about Elisabel’s kindness and warmth. Have you experienced a warmth like this? Is it the intention and attention that matters? Is it the questions asked and the waiting for a response?

With love,

Sara

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