Special Thoughts on Advent

By Sr. Melanie Persche, OLVM

Advent is a Season of Hope. It is a reminder never to give up. There are so many things that could pull us down — in our personal life, in our country and in our world. We might feel small and powerless in the face of the big problems that we see every day. They seem insurmountable. When we feel powerless, it helps to look around and find signs of hope.

For me, meeting two young Mexican women has been a sign of hope. I’ll call them Maria and Isabel. Maria contacted the local library, asking for information about ESL classes (English as a Second Language). The library contacted Victory Noll to see if one of the sisters could teach them. I have been going to Maria’s house, fifteen miles from here, to have classes with Maria and her friend Isabel. We meet twice a week and sit around the kitchen table while Isabel’s four-year-old daughter plays in the living room. Isabel said that her sister-in-law would be moving to the area soon and then there will be three students!

These young families work hard, struggle to make a living and have strong hope for the future. They want to learn English, want a good education for their children and appreciate the small opportunities that come their way. It lifts my spirit to work with them. Their faith and hope is an inspiration to me.